The detailed memoirs and letters ofa gifted and prolific chroniclerprovide an insider s view of life for the top echelons of society in the 16th centurySophia, Electress of Hanover (16301714), granddaughter of James I, and mother of George I, is best remembered as the link between the Houses of Stuart and Hanover. A true European, Sophia spoke English, French, German, Dutch, and Italian fluently, andwas open-minded and intellectually curious. Her writings cover an astonishing variety of subjects: religion, philosophy, international gossip, household hints, politics, and the details of her family life."