Helpful Score: 3
It's tough to write something new about Elizabeth I. So many histories and movies have been written or made that her images seem to be indelible.
The take here is that she was astonishingly clever and driven at a very early age; that she understood exactly what the threats to her were, from where they were coming, and how to gather together those necessary for her survival and ascent, while distancing herself from those who would be of harm.
We do see a focus on the deep and abiding love for her father, despite his rather shabby treatment of her.
A nice read, but not one which adds much to our understanding of the events or place.
The take here is that she was astonishingly clever and driven at a very early age; that she understood exactly what the threats to her were, from where they were coming, and how to gather together those necessary for her survival and ascent, while distancing herself from those who would be of harm.
We do see a focus on the deep and abiding love for her father, despite his rather shabby treatment of her.
A nice read, but not one which adds much to our understanding of the events or place.
Helpful Score: 2
Fantastic! A thorough and highly enjoyable study of Elizabeth I's rise from a childhood marked by the death of her mother and neglect by her father to the throne of the Queen of England. Elizabeth's relationship to and with her father, Henry VIII, is explored, but the focus of the book is the intense sibling rivalry with her half-sister, Mary, daughter of Catherine of Aragon.
My only quibble with the book is that it leaves off just as Elizabeth's 45 year reign is beginning. Now I'm going to have to find a book to fill in that gap. Overall, a wonderful, easy to read biography.
My only quibble with the book is that it leaves off just as Elizabeth's 45 year reign is beginning. Now I'm going to have to find a book to fill in that gap. Overall, a wonderful, easy to read biography.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved reading this book. A lot of has been written about Elizabeth as Queen, but not much has been written about the years leading up to her accession to the throne. This book focuses on the first 25 years of her life from birth to her accession. I gained a lot of new insights into her life, her relationship with her father and her siblings, and her religion. She was a such a remarkable women and this book really shows you why.
Helpful Score: 1
Exellent history - I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Alison Weir's books on the Tudor family, but still found it interesting.
