Louisa Stuart Costello (1799-1870) was a poet and artist who supported her family with her paintings. As well as writing a number of historical novels, Costello researched and wrote the biographies of many prominent women, using their letters and diaries to tell their extraordinary stories. This first volume chronicles the lives of seven women including Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury (Bess of Hardwick), whose husband was the jailor to Mary, Queen of Scots. It includes letters written by Bess and those around her, including Queen Mary, whom Bess saw as a rival for her husband’s affections. These letters provide an insider view of the day-to-day life of a shrewd political strategist. Also covered are the lives of Catherine Grey and Arabella Stuart, who were rivals for the English throne. For more information on this author, see http://orlando.cambridge.org/public/svPeople?person\_id=costlo