Jealous and resentful of her hated stepmother, Anne had written a series of malicious letters to Mary in Holland, implying that the Queen's pregnancy was a hoaxa Catholic plot to deny Mary her rightful inheritance. But Mary and Anne also played a key role. Seven prominent men sent an invitation to William of Orange, James's nephew and son-in-law, to intervene in English affairs. James II's drive toward Catholicism had alienated the nationand his staunchly Protestant daughters by his first marriage, Mary and Anne, the 'ungrateful daughters' who eventually usurped their father's crown and stole their half brother's birthright. In 1688, the birth of a Prince of Wales ignited a family quarreland a revolution. She lives in London with her husband, who is a journalist and author. Her first book was the highly acclaimed1700: Scenes from London Life. After a brief stay at the National Portrait Gallery, she went on to work as an editor at several prestigious London publishing houses. She received a master's degree at Queen Mary College, London, in British and European History 1660-1714. Maureen Wallerwas educated at University College London, where she studied medieval and modern history. Prompted by religious bigotry and the emotions that beset every family relationship, this palace coup changed the face of the monarchy, and signaled the end of a dynasty.

Acclaimed historian Maureen Waller re-creates the late Stuart era in a compelling narrative that highlights the influence of the royal women on one of the most momentous events in English history. Anne did nothing to earn her father's forgiveness, and she declared her brother an outlaw with a price on his head. The sisters quarreled to the day of Mary's death at age 32.

And even as the crown descended on her head, Mary knew she had incurred a father's curse. Distraught from being betrayed by his own children, James fled the kingdom. Jealous and resentful of her hated stepmother, Anne had written a series of malicious letters to Mary in Holland, implying that the Queen's pregnancy was a hoax-a Catholic plot to deny Mary her rightful inheritance. Seven prominent men sent an invitation to William of Orange-James's nephew and son-in-law-to intervene in English affairs. James II's drive towards Catholicism had alienated the nation and his two staunchly Protestant daughters by his first marriage, Mary and Anne, the 'ungrateful daughters' who eventually usurped their father's crown and stole their half-brother's birthright. In 1688, the birth of a Prince of Wales ignited a family quarrel-and a revolution.

Ungrateful Daughters by Maureen Waller