This book examines Elizabeth's correspondence with several significant rulers, analyzing how her letters were constructed, drafted and presented, the rhetorical strategies used, and the role these letters played in facilitating diplomatic relations.

Tedius and Paynefull: Letter Writing in English Royal Diplomacy My Skrating Hand: The Making of Elizabeth's Correspondence Entering the Stage: Elizabeth's Use of Letters in her First Year, 1558-60 War of Words: King Philip II of Spain, 1558-81 Silent Diplomacy: Queen Mary I of Scotland, 1559-87 Marriage and Motherhood: Catherine de Médici, Queen Mother of France, 1559-88 Inward and Secret Letters: Tsar Ivan IV of Russia, 1561-83 Letters Full of Marvels: Sultan Mur?d III of the Ottoman Empire 1579-90 Well Worth a Letter: King Henry IV of France, 1572-1603 Mine Own Hand: King James VI of Scotland, 1580-1603