The Queens of England (eBook)

Agnes Strickland (1796-1874) was an esteemed English historical writer and biographer, primarily remembered for her significant contributions to the study of English royal history through her principal work, 'The Lives of the Queens of England'. This pioneering series, originally published in multiple volumes from 1840 to 1848, marked a substantial enrichment to the field of biographical literature with a focus on female monarchs. While Strickland's approach combined a scholarly attention to detail with an engaging narrative style, her works were among the first to provide a sympathetic and detailed account of the lives of women in power, which had been often overlooked by her contemporaries. Her biographical accounts were built on a foundation of meticulous research, including access to documents and correspondence hitherto unavailable to public scrutiny. Although criticized by some historians for her occasionally uncritical admiration of her subjects and a tendency towards romantic embellishment, Strickland's work undeniably paved the way for future generations of historians and biographers. Her literary style is characterized by a mix of factual historical reportage with anecdotal charm, making her an accessible author to both the serious student of history and the general reader. Beyond 'The Lives of the Queens of England', Strickland authored numerous other historical works, which solidified her position as a significant figure in the crafting of popular biographies during the Victorian era.