William and Mary: Heroes of the Glorious Revolution

By John van der Kiste

Book Overview

Mary (1662--1694), daughter of James, Duke of York, heir to the English throne, then 15, is said to have wept for a day and a half when she was told she was to marry her cousin, William (1650--1702), son of William II of Orange (1626--50), Stadtholder of the Dutch republic, and Mary, eldest daughter of Charles I of England, who was 11 years older than her. In November 1677, on William's 27th birthday, they married in a private ceremony at St James's Palace. William was solemn, James gloomy, Mary in tears, and only King Charles appeared cheerful. This dual biography deals with both the life and times of the monarchs, and with England's place in Europe. Interests of the subjects, outside the constitutional, are dealt with, as well a their personal relationships: William's rumored homosexuality (probably actually a platonic relationship with Bentinck) and Mary's hinted-at lesbianism; Mary's troubled personal relations with her father, James II; and the relationship between Mary and her sister and husband's successor Anne. The book will also examine the personal and political relations between William and his uncle Charles II, and between William and Mary and Charles' illegitimate son the Duke of Monmouth, whose attempts to lay claim to his father's throne ended in defeat and execution.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 075094577X
• ISBN13: 9780750945776
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Sutton
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Great Read, Interesting Biogaphy

William and Mary is a fascinating look into two of the most unique of British monarchs. The only joint sovereigns in British history, William and Mary reigned togther from 1689 to 1693, when Mary died and William ruled alone until 1702. Van de Kiste's clear writing style and interesting anecdotes make the history come alive, and a series of carefully selected plates enliven the text. Overall a very good read into what most historians simply gloss over- the feelings and aspects of daily life of the period.