Michael O’Mara to publish Margaret Beaufort biography

Michael O’Mara Books is to publish the first comprehensive popular biography in 30 years of Margaret Beaufort by historian Nicola Tallis.

Deputy editorial director at Michael O’Mara Books Fiona Slater acquired world English language rights from Donald Winchester at Watson, Little Ltd. The book will be published in hardback on 7th November 2019, priced £20.

Uncrowned Queen: The Fateful Life of Margaret Beaufort, Tudor Matriarch charts Beaufort’s life as a descendent of Edward III, positioning her as a threat to the Yorkist cause, and her marriage to the half-brother of the Lancastrian king Henry VI during the Wars of the Roses.She was the mother of Henry VII, the first Tudor king. 

"Aged 13, Beaufort endured a traumatic childbirth that brought her close to death. Forced to give up her child, Beaufort remained steadfast in the face of adversity while she plotted to overthrow Richard III and secure the throne for her son," said Michael O'Mara Books. "Offering a fresh and personal perspective of this fascinating period, Uncrowned Queen explores the truth behind the myths and misconceptions surrounding Margaret and details how she became the most powerful woman in England – Queen in all but name."

Tallis said: "I'm beyond excited to be telling the story of this often overlooked – but more importantly misunderstood – lady who brings a refreshingly new energy to the Tudor period. Margaret lived through war and tumult, adversity and strife, yet she not only survived, she thrived. In so doing, she laid the foundations for England's most famous dynasty."

Slater said: “Going back to the archives, Nicola Tallis breathes new life and rich detail into an extraordinary narrative and reveals an extremely ambitious, devoted and generous woman who risked everything to ultimately found the Tudor dynasty.”