[A] ground-breaking biography ... One of the greatest international bestsellers of the post-war period, Mary Queen of Scots ... launched Fraser's now award-studded career, and single-handedly created a new publishing genre ... The true golden age of British biography really began with the publication of Mary Queen of Scots and it won't end so long as Fraser keeps tapping away on her ancient Smith Corona

Lady Fraser brings intuitive insight and humble self projection to this period without losing historical balance. She gives us imaginative vitality and the historical edifice at once

The irreplaceable classic biography

Antonia Fraser is deservedly regarded by many as one of today's finest biographers¿. Listening to the new cd recording of an abridged version of Fraser's biography, Mary Queen of Scots, reminded me just how good she is. The opening and closing music immediately helps create the period, and this coupled with Patricia Hodge's excellent narration, to my mind, is a shining example of how the audio book can surpass it's print counterpart.