Queen Margaret II of Scotland (1489-1541) has been all but forgotten in the story of the Tudor dynasty established by her father, Henry VII. Misunderstood and underestimated by many historians, she has been seen as a spectator to history, her motivations described as foolish, self-seeking, corrupt or treacherous. Yet the truth is rather different. After her husband, James IV of Scotland, was killed in the battle of Flodden Field in 1513, Margaret found herself fighting for her infant son, the future James V. A young and inexperienced queen without an army, she had to grow up fast. Through...

This meticulously-researched book sets out in vivid detail the story of the conflict between Scotland and England in 1542-1560, one of the most violent and colorful episodes in British history. After the death in 1542 of King James V of Scotland, his wife Mary of Guise, mother of the future Mary Queen of Scots, was left to rule over a kingdom in torment. Powerful political, regional and feudalistic forces began to battle for the heart and soul of Scotland, while the great families chose and changed sides in their hunger for power. Trust was thrown to the wind. Clan was set against clan,...