Avuncularism argues that the famously "nuclear" family of nineteenth-century literature and culture was, in fact, far more fractured and contradictory than twentieth-century critics have assumed. Instead, Cleere isolates an alternative paradigm of the "avunculate," suggesting that an interest in Uncles rather than Fathers marks a preoccupation with the increasingly theorized and embattled directives of a new political economy.

In this groundbreaking novel, award-winning author Sandra Worth vibrantly brings to life the people's Queen, "Elizabeth the Good." Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth of York trusts that her beloved father's dying wish has left England in the hands of a just and deserving ruler. But upon the rise of Richard of Gloucester, Elizabeth's family experiences one devastation after another: her late father is exposed as a bigamist, she and her siblings are branded bastards, and her brothers are taken into the new king's custody, then reportedly killed. But one fateful night leads Elizabeth to question her prejudices. Through the eyes of Richard's ailing queen she sees a man worthy of respect and undying adoration. His dedication to his people inspires a forbidden love and ultimately gives her the courage to accept her destiny, marry Henry Tudor, and become Queen. While her soul may secretly belong to another, her heart belongs to England...