Viewing history as a grand drama, Froude emphasized great personalities and disdained the scientific approach in his historical writing. This epic, twelve-volume narrative presents a vivid portrait of a tumultuous era. The ninth volume begins with the mysterious murder of Lord Darnley—husband of Mary, Queen of Scots—in 1567. It ends with the Battle of Gelt Bridge in 1570, when Elizabeth I's troops were defeated by those of her cousin, Lord Hunsdon.