The Virgin's Lover

Book Description

The National Bestseller

In the autumn of 1558, church bells across England ring out the joyous news that Elizabeth I is the new queen. One woman hears the tidings with utter dread. She is Amy Dudley, wife of Sir Robert, and she knows that Elizabeth's ambitious leap to the throne will draw her husband back to the center of the glamorous Tudor court, where he was born to be.

Elizabeth's excited triumph is short-lived. She has inherited a bankrupt country where treason is rampant and foreign war a certainty. Her faithful advisor William Cecil warns her that she will survive only if she marries a strong prince to govern the rebellious country, but the one man Elizabeth desires is her childhood friend, the ambitious Robert Dudley. As the young couple falls in love, a question hangs in the air: can he really set aside his wife and marry the queen? When Amy is found dead, Elizabeth and Dudley are suddenly plunged into a struggle for survival.

Philippa Gregory's The Virgin's Lover answers the question about an unsolved crime that has fascinated detectives and historians for centuries. Intelligent, romantic, and compelling, The Virgin's Lover presents a young woman on the brink of greatness, a young man whose ambition exceeds his means, and the wife who cannot forgive them.

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"In the autumn of 1558, church bells across England ring out the joyous news that Elizabeth I is the new queen. One woman hears the tidings with utter dread. She is Amy Dudley, wife of Sir Robert, and she knows that Elizabeth's ambitious leap to the throne will pull her husband back to the very center of the glamorous Tudor court, where he was born to be. Amy had hoped that the merciless ambitions of the Dudley family had died on Tower Green when Robert's father was beheaded and his sons shamed; but the peal of bells she hears is his summons once more to power, intrigue, and a passionate love affair with the young queen. Can Amy's steadfast faith in him, her constant love, and the home she wants to make for them in the heart of the English countryside compete with the allure of the new queen? Elizabeth's excited triumph is short-lived. She has inherited a bankrupt country, riven by enmity, where treason is normal and foreign war a certainty. Her faithful advisor William Cecil warns her that she will survive only if she marries a strong prince to govern the rebellious country, but the one man Elizabeth desires is her childhood friend, the irresistible, ambitious Robert Dudley. Robert revels in the opportunities of the new reign. The son of an aristocratic family brought up in palaces as the equal of his royal playmates, Robert knows he can reclaim his destiny at Elizabeth's side. Elizabeth cannot resist his courtship, and as the young couple slowly falls in love, Robert starts to think the impossible: can he set aside his wife and marry the young queen? Philippa Gregory's The Virgin's Lover answers the question about an unsolved crime that has fascinated detectives and historians for centuries. Philippa Gregory uses documents and evidence from the Tudor era and, with almost magical insight into the desires of Robert Dudley and his lovers, paints a picture of a country on the brink of greatness, a young woman grasping at her power, a young man whose ambition is greater than his means, and the wife who cannot forgive them. "

Customer Reviews:

somewhat boring.......2007-09-29

I have read all the books in this series re: Henry 8th and enjoyed all of them except this one. In spite of the history during this period of time, the reign of Elizabeth I, this book concentrates far too much on the sexual relationship between Elizabeth and Robert Dudley as well as his whining wife, Amy. In terms of a synopsis, other reviewers have gone into depth but, again, the book is somewhat devoid of historical value. Gregory's theory about how Amy died is somewhat interesting but so much more could have been done with this time period. I actually came to despise the characters Dudley and Elizabeth. She is being portrayed as weak, Dudley obsessed, dumb and easily manipulated. As one of the greatest rulers in England, I found this characterization of her unbelievable and annoying.

Falls flat.......2007-09-23

This was not at all like Philippa Gregory's other novels that I have read. Instead it was just filled with boring war talk and it made Queen Elizabeth seem weak, confused, and not a good leader whatsoever. Once I got over that fact, the book was just okay.

This story discusses Elizabeth's first few years on the throne. Her 'lover' is Robert Dudley (who also appeared in Gregory's novel The Queens Fool) and the book is central to him, his wife, and his affair with Elizabeth.

At first I sympathized with Elizabeth and I was naïve to even sympathize with Dudley himself for a short time in the beginning, but quickly I was repulsed by his devious and selfish behavior. As the book went on (and let me tell you it dragged on and on... not a fast read AT ALL...) I was quickly on the side of Amy Dudley and I felt horrible for the way she was treated and disrespected by her husband and the Queen.

I have adored the handful of Philippa Gregory novel's that I have read so far (The Other Boleyn Girl, The Boleyn Inheritance, The Constant Princess, and The Queens Fool) and I usually love biographical stories; therefore I was certain that I would enjoy this book as well. However, it was long, boring, and not filled with spice. If this is your first taste of Philippa Gregory, don't start with this book. Start with The Other Boleyn Girl; it is much better and much more fun.

An enjoyable read of historical fiction.......2007-08-07

This was my first Philippa Gregory book. It was a very enjoyable read, and I especially liked how she integrated historical events into the narrative. If you enjoy Elizabethan era history and movies like "Shakespeare in Love" you will enjoy this book.

The weak side of Elizabeth, not a full view.......2007-08-07

Elizabeth I may be the greatest most interesting ruler ever and I love Philippa Gregory, so what happened here? I know Elizabeth relied heavily on Robert Dudley but this book ONLY focused on the vigins "lover" so the other more compelling strengths of Elizabeth are just not mentioned. This book provides a distorted, narrow view of Elizabeth. I have learned more about Elizabeth I's strengths through other books and also the HBO movie "Elizabeth I" with Helen Mirren which was excellent. I suggest other sources for Elizabeth stories - keep looking.

Queen Elizabeth Fans Beware.......2007-07-25

While I have enjoyed several of Gregory's other works, including The Constant Princess, The Queen's Fool, and The Other Boleyn Girl, I couldn't even make it through this book. I am an avid reader of historical fiction and non-fiction and never have I been so disgusted with a portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I. Gregory writes about an immature, one-dimensional girl unable to make the simplest decisions without her lover, more focused on lust and adolescent games than running a country. Despite the fact that Queen Elizabeth I was fluent in English, Latin, Greek and had studied War, Science, Mathematics and was a model pupil throughout her schooling, Gregory expects you to view the Virgin Queen as little more than a village idiot who has the crown thrust upon her. While Gregory's works are on the whole fulfilling this left me completely dissatisfied and unimpressed with her writing.

Gasoline & the Vestal Lady on Brattle (Pocket Poets Series)

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The best Beat book.
A Must-Buy

Gasoline & the Vestal Lady on Brattle (Pocket Poets Series)
Gregory Corso
Manufacturer: City Lights Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0872860884

Book Description

Gregory Corso was born on March 26, 1930 in New York City. His first book of poetry was published by City Lights Press in 1955.

Customer Reviews:

The best Beat book........2000-12-14

I bring this book with me when I travel. I keep it next to the bed at night. I have spare copies.

A Must-Buy.......1999-06-12

Easily the best poet to come out of the Beat movement

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Not the edition you're looking for
Know what you are getting...
Decent translation, but "compiled"
This a reveiw of a person who has never read the book.

Irish Myths and Legends
Lady Gregory
Manufacturer: Running Press Book Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0762404515

Customer Reviews:

Not the edition you're looking for.......2005-10-12

This edition offers only a small selection of Lady Gregory's _Gods and Fighting Men_, plus the book itself is about 2" by 4". In other words, this book is really a souvenir--not a text to be read. You probably want to get the full text of _Gods and Fighting Men_ instead.

Know what you are getting..........2002-05-01

In case your one of the 96% who never really looks at the "size" of a book when you order it, make sure you do for this one. It's only a pocket version of Lady Gregory's book, and, although the website does not tell you so, this is an ABRIGDED version.

Just know what you're getting.

Decent translation, but "compiled".......2000-01-31

I have read this book and find that the first part is fairly accurate when I compare it with other translations of the stories about Finn and the Fianna. However, I read the notes section for the stories about Cuchulain and noticed that Lady Gregory states that she compiled these stories, while the book jacket states she translated them. Unfortunately she has used several different sources for one of my favorite tales (Deirdre and Naoise) and it makes me wonder how accurate her version of this tale is. She has some elements in the ending that I have found attributed to later versions of the tale (she uses the later version of Deirdre stabbing herself instead of her dashing her head on the rocks), but the fact that she admits in her notes to editing and compiling the tales as she sees fit makes me wonder what else she edited because she didn't like. Personally, I am searching for a translation that is more accurate when it comes to Irish tales, because I feel that the original meaning becomes muddled when tales are edited to match a person's taste.

This a reveiw of a person who has never read the book........1999-04-12

Even though I've never read Irish Myths and Legends, I can assure you I would like it. I'm always interested in the mythology of my heratige. There might be some of My personal favorites; Cuchculain, Finn McCoul, and The Voyage of Bran. That's why I, Jacob Behnke, a ten year older from Hastings, Minnesota, highly recomend Irish Myths and Legends.

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The Hound of Cullen takes on All Comers
A Classic in the Field
A great book about the Legendary Irish hero Cuchulain

Cuchulain of Muirthemne
Lady Gregory
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486417174

Book Description

Enthralling accounts of the legendary Cuchulain, the greatest of ancient Ireland's Knights of the Red Branch, tell of his birth and boyhood deeds, exploits in love and war, and premature death, all in the same beautifully simple style Lady Gregory first heard them as a child. Preface by W. B. Yeats.

Customer Reviews:

The Hound of Cullen takes on All Comers.......2005-08-31

To qualify, I would have given this book 4-and-a-half stars, if possible, because it's a great book, but the material is definitely overrated in precedence in this reviewer's mind. Although a great read, this is not the mythology of Ireland, but rather the regional mythology of Ulster. I'll explain...

I was fortunate enough to stumble upon Lady Gregory's Complete Irish Mythology several years ago, which contained Gods and Fighting Men, and this book, Cuchulain of Muirthemne, in one tome. If you're lucky enough to find a copy of Complete Irish Mythology, buy it.

If not, try to land a copy of Gods and Fighting Men. Gods and Fighting Men contains the Mythological Cycle (the legendary invasions of Ireland up to the coming of the Gael) which contains many stories of the Tuatha De Danaan, or the Great Fae, and the Fenian Cycle, which are the tales of Finn Mac Cumhail (pronounced MacCool) and his warband/policing force.

The Mythological Cycle is the essential root of Irish mythology, and our early introduction to the Gods, Goddesses and Divine Heroes (and Heras), some of whom make guest cameos in Cuchulain of Muirthemne.

The Fenian Cycle is known throughout Ireland and in the Highlands of Scotland. Finn wanders throughout Ireland righting wrongs and providing security against would-be invaders. Magic is alive and well and the Gods walk among the mortal men and women. People are much more interactive with Nature than the (possibly) later Ulster Cycle.

Cuchulain of Muirthemne is the star of the Ulster Cycle. In his youth he was known as Setanta and was born with a radiance on his brow (this ties in with Lugh, who he claims as his father, and also reminds one of the Biblical Nephilim, children born of angels and mortal women). Later on, Setanta arrived late for a supper at the blacksmith's house and fought a life-or-death battle with the blacksmith's dog, the biggest, meanest hound in all of Ireland. When Setanta wins this contest, the blacksmith is very upset. Showing a high degree of Irish honour, Setanta becomes known as Cuchulain (Hound of Cullen) until a new mastiff can be raised and trained to take his place.

The Ulster Cycle is much more urban than the Fenian. The warriors ride to battle in war chariots and spend most of their time in inhabited areas. Magic is much less common, and the Gods no longer walk in this world; rather, they make rare appearances to special individuals.

Although an integral body of lore within the larger corpus of Irish mythology, the Ulster Cycle seems to receive almost exclusive attention from scholars, possibly because of its greater compatibility with written history. Unfortunately, most books with titles like "Early Irish Mythology" almost exclusively detail the Ulster Cycle while largely ignoring the Mythological and Fenian Cycles. This is a misnomer, because, again, the Ulster Cycle is the lore of one region in Ireland and is largely unknown in oral tradition outside of it.

I would list Cuchulain of Muirthemne as required reading AFTER one has been acquainted with the Mythological and Fenian Cycles. This is fascinating supplemental lore of a regional nature, not quite foundational Irish mythology (in this reviewer's mind, anyway). I really did enjoy the lore of Cuchulain of Muirthemne and, with the qualifiers above, would recommend this work to all.

A Classic in the Field.......2000-03-30

Lady Gregory's book is one of the jumping-off points and first fruits of the Irish Renaissance in literature. This translation is one of the classics of modern Irish scholarship. It's fairly readable, especially if you like epic stories, and it does an excellent job of introducing you to mythic Ireland. This is one of Lady Gregory's two finest works, in my opinion.

A great book about the Legendary Irish hero Cuchulain.......1998-06-26

This book is a translation of many myths, legends, and folk lore of Ireland that make up the Ulster Cycle. The focus of the book is upon Cuchulain, The Hound of Ulster and champion of The Red Branch of Ulster, his life, and his death. A great book for any fan of Celtic myths and legends as well as any lover of fantasy.

Rosary Novenas To Our Lady: Including The Mysteries Of Light (Mysteries of Light)

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powerful results
Rosary Novenas to Our Lady

Rosary Novenas To Our Lady: Including The Mysteries Of Light (Mysteries of Light)
Charles V. Lacey
Manufacturer: ACTA Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0879462442

Customer Reviews:

powerful results.......2007-07-13

this novena has brought much comfort and hope to many who have turned to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, for help in troubled times. It is a very powerful novena.

Rosary Novenas to Our Lady.......2007-01-10

Wonderful booklet. This Spiritual Bouquet makes saying the Rosary a very loving, holy and spiritual experience.

Theatre business: The correspondence of the first Abbey Theatre directors : William Butler Yeats, Lady Gregory, and J.M. Synge

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Theatre business: The correspondence of the first Abbey Theatre directors : William Butler Yeats, Lady Gregory, and J.M. Synge
W.B. Yeats , Isabella Augusta Gregory , J.M. Synge , and Ann Saddlemyer
Manufacturer: Colin Smythe
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0861400429

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This is THE actual Book of Irish Mythology
A good read, but remember the stylistic differences.....
Irish Myths brought to Life

Gods And Fighting Men
Lady Gregory
Manufacturer: Dodo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1406502316

Book Description

Now it chanced at that time there were three brothers of the Tuatha de Danaan living together in a place that was called Druim na Teine, the Ridge of the Fire, Goibniu and Samthainn and Cian. Cian was a lord of land, and Goibniu was the smith that had such a great name. Now Clan had a wonderful cow, the Glas Gaibhnenn, and her milk never failed. And every one that heard of her coveted her.

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Customer Reviews:

This is THE actual Book of Irish Mythology.......2005-08-21

Gods and Fighting Men is an excellent resource because it preserves the lore from the Book of Invasions as well as other sources -- the legends of the earliest inhabitants of Ireland, the coming of the Tuatha De Danaan (The People of Dana) and the stories of Finn MacCumhail.

What is portrayed as "Early Irish Mythology" 99% of the time actually isn't -- the dozens of translations of The Tain, albeit worthy reading, are actually the lore of Ulster, a single Irish province. This makes it Ulster Mythology (regional) more than Irish Mythology (national).

The legends of the Tuatha De Danaan are essential for a comprehensive understanding of Irish mythology, actually comprising the majority of the Mythological Cycle, and deal with the initial settling of all of Ireland.

Unfortunately, it seems to be modern New Age reconstructions of the Mythological Cycle rather than the native stories that seem to be infusing themselves into the mainstream, and that is sad.

In my mind, the Mythological Cycle is the most important cycle in Irish mythology, because it sets up the scenario for all that is to follow. The Fenian Cycle (legends of Finn MacCumhail and his warband) are fascinating not only for their strong associations with Nature, but also for the fact that the stories are well-known both in Ireland and in the Scottish Highlands. The Gods still walked and resided on (or in) the Earth and interacted often with mortals. Magic was all around.

The Tain, on the other hand, is more a time of towns and forts and war-chariots; a time when magic was less present and people were less intertwined with Nature than in the Golden Age. The Gods had already departed our realm and only made brief cameos in the stories.

In summary, Gods and Fighting Men is the actual collection of Irish Mythology from the earliest legends. It affects all of Ireland and the stories are fairly widespread throughout the Gaelic world. Lady Gregory wrote these translations with a view to retain the native Irish sense of story-telling; this she achieved remarkably well.

My one concern is that it would have been nice for Lady Gregory to have cited her sources for each story. I know that in many cases she blended versions from several sources to produce what she saw as the purest form of the story, but a simple listing of these would have been fantastic from an academic standpoint.

Overall this is probably the greatest collection of Irish Mythology I have found so far, albeit Lady Gregory's focus was primarily as storyteller rather than academic (this is not a bad thing -- dry, stale translations of Irish lore would have been extremely anti-Irish in themselves).

This should probably be the FIRST book one reads of Irish Mythology. I highly recommend this book and the fact that it is value-priced definitely doesn't hurt, either. This book is definitely worth several times its cost.

Happy Reading!

A good read, but remember the stylistic differences............2000-06-10

Lady Gregory faithfully renders old Irish stories into a form that we clods that only speak English can understand. She does not, however, make them more prosaic, or fix them into what we normally find as our story format! They are true to the original structures of the genre, and are much more lively and fun for that. My wife places them firmly in the nature of Irish legend, which she calls "We went over there and stole their cow!" (Tain Bo Cuailnge is basically a story of a cow theft, and is one of the most famous stories of Irish legend). I love the split style, and it does give the reader a good understanding of the way stories were related in the old days. A must for those who want to know where some of the ancient Irish names derive!

Irish Myths brought to Life.......1999-02-09

The works of Lady Gregory are the best way to get a pure taste of the original Irish Myths - unless you are fluent in Gaelic and can get a hold of older copies. Lady Gregory's elequent speech and style breathes life into Ireland's forgotten Heroes and Gods!

The Unicorn From The Stars And Other Plays

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The Unicorn From The Stars And Other Plays
William Butler Yeats , and Lady Gregory
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

A mystical play of a dreamer's rough contacts with reality.