"Duncan does not argue that Mary's reign was 'successfull,' but rather makes a strong case for a more favorable assessment of Mary's political abilities than she has been granted in the past while showing how certain circumstances beyond her control worked against her." (Tracy Adams, Associate Professor, University of Auckland, New Zealand)

This book explores the gender politics of the reign of Mary I of England from her coronation to her funeral and examines the ways in which the queen and her supporters used language, royal ceremonies, and images to bolster her right to rule and define her image as queen.