A beautifully written, lively, and compelling exploration of the army of female workers from stylists and budget managers to milliners, seamstresses, and laundresses who were behind the fabulous clothing of seventeenth-century queens.

Julie Hardwick, the University of Texas, USA

Carefully researched, deftly analysed, and a pleasure to read, Sarah's book makes a much needed and very valuable addition to work on Stuart queenship. It sheds a bright light on the previously unexplored lives of the numerous women who feature in the queens' accounts thereby revealing their skill, ingenuity and business acumen.

Maria Hayward, University of Southampton, UK

A wonderfully illuminating view of the women behind the Stuart throne. Dr Bendall's archival research into the tirewomen, milliners and mantua-makers who created the queenly wardrobe reveals a hidden world of female artisanal skills, fashion expertise and impressive economic competence.

Laura Gowing, King's College London, UK

A monumental shift in the foundations of studying royal dress. Queens and tradeswomen speak to one another, discussing silhouettes and silks, romance and revolution. The creative and labouring hands meticulously stitching, sourcing, and caring for queens' clothes are as worthy of our attention as the powerful bodies their work adorned.

Susannah Lyon-Whaley, University of York, UK