Ebury pre-empts biography of two 16th-century queens

Ebury Press will publish Blood, Fire and Gold, a biography of Elizabeth I and Catherine de Medici by historian Dr Estelle Paranque.

Robyn Drury, commissioning editor at Ebury Press, pre-empted world all languages rights from Rachel Conway at Georgina Capel Associates.

The book will explore the relationship between the British and French queens from their rivalry to their friendship, as well as how they wielded and negotiated power in the 16th century.

Drury commented: "From the opening page of Estelle’s proposal I was completely compelled. When we think of Elizabeth’s rivalries, we often think of Mary Stuart — but in fact Elizabeth’s long association with Catherine de Medici tells us even more about her character, and her style of leadership. In Estelle’s vivid storytelling, which has the colour and pace of the best historical fiction, we’ll discover a new side to one of Britain’s best-known monarchs. It will be a brilliant book and we can't wait to publish it."

Paranque said: "I have always been fascinated by Elizabeth I and Catherine de Medici: the two most powerful queens of their time. Their relationship is one of the most intriguing and captivating stories of the second half of the 16th century. I am beyond thrilled to finally reveal their astonishing story, thanks to Ebury Press, and to be working with Robyn Drury on this book."

Paranque is a lecturer in Early Modern History at New College of the Humanities and has a PhD in Early Modern European History from University College London.