Irwin was een romanschrijfster die bekend stond om haar goed onderzochte en soms hartverscheurende historische fictie. Ze schreef met passie over de Engelse Burgeroorlog en wist generaties te boeien met de ongelukkige maar charismatische Earl of Montrose. Haar literaire benadering bracht gebeurtenissen en personages uit het verleden tot leven met een diep begrip voor menselijke motivaties en historische context.
Philip of Spain, unwilling bridegroom of Queen Mary, has been warned about the Queen's half-sister, the young Elizabeth. According to reports, she is a heretic, a rebel and a potential enemy with 'a spirit full of enchantment'. An alluring description and one that immediately intrigues, rather than deters, the foreign prince.
In July, 1553, sibling rivalry has never been more tumultuous than between the daughters of King Henry VIII. Queen Mary Tudor has just won possession of the throne, but her half-sister - the Princess Elizabeth - holds the hearts of the people. Knowing this, Mary banishes her to a country retreat, determined to keep her as far away from court life.
'I doubt if anyone could create more perfectly than Miss Irwin, the illusion of a vanished age.' - Observer