'Every generation claims the right to reinterpret the past from the present standpoint, which is why we see continual upgrades or modern iterations of an historical figure. Styles change, as do emphases, even when source materials do not. Why though, do some historical figures continue to ignite the curiosity of biographers? Certainly, an exceptional life story helps but sometimes it comes down to the richness of the archive. In Elizabeth Macarthur’s case, she possesses both.'
(Introduction)