jjares reviewed Queen Elizabeth I: A Life From Beginning to End (Biographies of British Royalty) on + 3278 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I thought this book was amazing; it was a very clear explanation of the trials Elizabeth faced, particularly with Mary, Queen of Scots. Elizabeth was truly her father's daughter. She ruled with guile and guts for 45 years. She navigated so many trials in her small nation. She chose not to name a successor (and not marry and have children) so she would not be vulnerable to a coup. One has to admire her for giving up so much. Out of respect, her citizens named her age -- The Elizabethan Era.
The religious rebellion was still rife in England under Elizabeth and she did all she could to be tolerant (and not prosecute Catholics). She had to be watchful because Europe was still in foment regarding the new Church of England.
This book is an excellent intro to the 'wonderful world' of English court intrigues. This story shows that Elizabeth was in danger for most of her life; the Catholic Church wanted her gone (and suggested a Crusade to take it over), Catholic citizens wanted their religion back, and even Mary, Queen of Scots plotted against her. And yet, Elizabeth died in her own bed after outwitting countless suitors and rebellions aplenty.
Elizabeth was a remarkable woman. She did not fill her treasury (as she'd hoped) but she presided over a country that had gravitas and respect by the end of her reign.
The religious rebellion was still rife in England under Elizabeth and she did all she could to be tolerant (and not prosecute Catholics). She had to be watchful because Europe was still in foment regarding the new Church of England.
This book is an excellent intro to the 'wonderful world' of English court intrigues. This story shows that Elizabeth was in danger for most of her life; the Catholic Church wanted her gone (and suggested a Crusade to take it over), Catholic citizens wanted their religion back, and even Mary, Queen of Scots plotted against her. And yet, Elizabeth died in her own bed after outwitting countless suitors and rebellions aplenty.
Elizabeth was a remarkable woman. She did not fill her treasury (as she'd hoped) but she presided over a country that had gravitas and respect by the end of her reign.
