"Elizabeth & Leicester: Power, Passion, Politics" by Sarah Gristwood. A wonderfully written dual biography on the friendship, romance and partnership of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester. Since Leicester tends to get pigeon-holed as only an extension of Elizabeth, I am happy to report that this book does an excellent job showing his unique accomplishments for the arts and the Protestant cause, and revealing the character that made Elizabeth love him in the first place.