This book is basically all the letters of Arbella Stuart that the author could find. They have been transcribed into readable english and presented in chronological order. The english and spelling is not changed from the original letters, which can make them difficult to read at times, but there is no better way to get the 'flavour' of Arbella's life.

The author has also written a biographical introduction on Arbella Stuart's life. This is the result of the reasearch the author has done in finding and transcribing these letters. It is almost a new biography worth reading in itself. Even if you find the letters hard going (like I did), the biography is worth the price of the book.

I've only one real complaint about this book and that is the Author's insistance on naming Arbella "stuart" throughout her text - she says because it's more respectful - but I think it tends to de-individualise the subject and found it grating.

If you have any interest in the tragic life of this lady this book is very worthwhile, and it's the first new book in *ages* on Arbella.