Virgin and the Crab

"The brilliant young mathematician and astronomer John Dee has one overwhelming obsession: liberty. Abandoned and humiliated, Elizabeth Tudor has one simple aim: survival. This is their story."

"Robert Parry has blended historical facts with fiction to produce an incredibly believable story. Is it “unputdownable”? - A resounding “yes”! Claire Ridgway at 'The Anne Boleyn Files.'

"…a myriad of familiar characters fade in and out of the scenery....their characterizations are nothing short of masterful. If you were a fan of Mantel's Wolf Hall, A Reader's Respite won't hesitate to recommend this gem of a novel to you." Michele Jacobsen at 'A Reader's Respite.'

"I highly recommend Virgin and the Crab to all historical fiction lovers and especially to all who adore Elizabeth Tudor. It's an exciting twist on Elizabeth's path to the throne. Historically compelling and deliciously suspenseful!" Michelle Miller at 'Historical Fiction Connection'

"... captures and holds the imagination long after the book is finished ... the reader is transported through time as if witnessing a theatrical masterpiece (which it is!). Lush, vivid, filled with longing, humor, deception and an uncanny attention to detail for each and every scenario, Virgin and the Crab delivers historical fiction lovers a wallop of a tale. Well written, fast paced, intricate, it’s a must read for any Tudor/Elizabethan fans" Review from Claudia R. at 'Luxury Reading'

'This remarkable novel by Robert Parry is one of the best Tudor novels I have ever read ... Parry masterfully weaves fact and fiction, resulting in a completely original and authentic portrayal of the friendship and bond between Elizabeth Tudor and her illustrious mentor ... a book to buy, read and cherish – a real Tudor treasure!' Natalie Grueninger, onthetudortrail

'From the very first page to the last sentence I was held spellbound!' Charla Wilson, Book Talk with Charla

'You get engrossed in the setting, people and events from the opening page. Immediately, you are transported back to the Sixteenth Century ... just happy to be present but hoping to stay out of the frey!' Kimberly Eve, Musings of a Writer

"The descriptions of Tudor England’s social life and customs are rich and well written. The story is excellent and a page turner. While we all know what happens, it is the journey that Parry has so capably described for our entertainment. A book well worth reading." -- Debra Spidal. 'Historical Novels Review Online'

'I can definitely recommend Virgin and the Crab to fans of historical fiction.' Katy from 'A Few More Pages' Blogspot

'The book is written in present tense, giving the setting an appropriately mystical feel. The language is hypnotic at times, and sharply witty at others. ... an absolute feast for Tudorphiles' EveBookReviews.

‘I absolutely adored this book.’ – Amanda Hack-Teague, A Library of my Own

Virgin and the Crab' is a novel set in 16th Century England. The principle characters are Elizabeth Tudor and John Dee.

Dee was Elizabeth's astrologer and confidant for much of her life. She called him 'her eyes' - a nickname shared at times with Robert Dudley - and this was reflected in a special signature that was often appended to Dee's letters and communications - a 007 symbol (the original James Bond). Dee was also Elizabeth's tutor in mathematics and astronomy, her 'noble intelligencer' - her guide and possibly her inspiration for much of the time. His influence historically and his importance emotionally in a supportive role to one of the greatest of all English women has often been overlooked. 'Virgin and the Crab' seeks to speculate on the extent of this relationship, possibly one of the most remarkable and yet unrecognised relationships of the Tudor age. See if you agree!

VIRGIN AND THE CRAB

Sketches, Fables and Mysteries from the Early Life of John Dee