The Works of Maurice Hewlett in Ten Volumes: The queen's quair

The Queen's Quair, first published in 1904, is a notable entry in the historical fiction repertoire of Maurice Henry Hewlett. It was produced during the Edwardian period, a time when Hewlett enjoyed significant acclaim for his romanticized portrayals of historical figures, particularly those set in the Renaissance or medieval eras. The narrative provides a detailed, psychological examination of Mary, Queen of Scots, reflecting the author’s tendency to blend intensive archival research with a highly stylized, poetic prose that was characteristic of his literary output during this era.

The ten-volume set, which includes this title, was released as part of an effort to codify and present Hewlett’s substantial body of work in a uniform, high-quality edition. The design of these volumes reflects the refined aesthetic sensibilities of early 20th-century publishing, aimed at the discerning reader who valued physical craftsmanship alongside intellectual content. While Hewlett’s reputation eventually faded following the shift toward modernism, his work remains a significant artifact of the late Victorian and early Edwardian literary tradition.