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Stephen Alford's "The Watchers" offers a captivating glimpse into the shadowy underbelly of Elizabethan England. While often hailed as a golden age, Elizabeth I's reign was fraught with danger, as much of Europe viewed her as a heretical 'Jezebel' who needed to be eliminated. This gripping narrative unveils the clandestine world of Tudor espionage, where spies, codebreakers, and master manipulators worked tirelessly to safeguard the Queen and her realm.
Alford's meticulous research brings to life a hidden network of operatives who employed every means necessary—from invisible ink to elaborate disguises—to protect the throne. The author paints a vivid picture of a time when political intrigue and religious tensions created a powder keg of conspiracy, with Elizabeth at its centre.
Critics have lauded "The Watchers" for its riveting storytelling and historical accuracy. The Daily Telegraph declares it more enthralling than modern spy fiction, while The Guardian praises Alford's flowing narrative and crisp judgments. The Times likens the author's style to that of le Carré, transposed to the 16th century.
Stephen Alford, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and Professor of Early Modern British History at the University of Leeds, brings his considerable expertise to bear in this work. His previous accolades include the acclaimed biography "Burghley: William Cecil at the Court of Elizabeth I". With "The Watchers", Alford offers readers an unparalleled exploration of the secret machinations that shaped one of England's most fascinating historical periods.
Book ISBN: | 9780141043654 |
Book Author: | Stephen Alford |
Book Format: | Paperback / softback |
Book Imprint: | Penguin Books Ltd |
Book Publisher: | Penguin Books Ltd |
Book Dimensions: | 198 x 130 x 24 cm |
Book Publication Date: | 2013-06-06 |
Book Pagination: | 432 pages |
Book Weight: | 322g |
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’