Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - The First Elizabeth

The First Elizabeth
The First Elizabeth
Author: Carolly Erickson
In this remarkable biography, Carolly Erickson brings Elizabeth I to life and allows us to see her as a living, breathing, elegant, flirtatious, diplomatic, violent, arrogant, and outrageous woman who commands our attention, fascination, and awe. — With the special skill for which she is acclaimed, Carolly Erickson electrifies the senses as she e...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780312168421
ISBN-10: 031216842X
Publication Date: 8/15/1997
Pages: 448
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 15

4 stars, based on 15 ratings
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

jjares avatar reviewed The First Elizabeth on + 3429 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Over the years, Ive watched a number of films about Elizabeth I and thought I knew most of what there was to know. However, Carolly Erickson has written the definitive biography on this fascinating queen. In fact, her book is much more interesting than any film.

The book is written in an engaging style; I felt as if I was eavesdropping on life in the Tudor castle. Erickson clearly shows just how dangerous Elizabeths early life was and how it affected decisions she made during her reign. By placing enough emphasis on this area of Elizabeths upbringing, I could understand some of the actions of her later life which might have seemed outlandish otherwise.

When is the last time someone told you that they could hardly put down a 450 page biography? Erickson made the main and secondary characters breathe, connive and play politics.

This is the sixth biography Ive read by Erickson and I thought it the best of the bunch! I hope you enjoy it as much.
Read All 6 Book Reviews of "The First Elizabeth"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

jjares avatar reviewed The First Elizabeth on + 3429 more book reviews
Over the years, Ive watched a number of films about Elizabeth I and thought I knew most of what there was to know. However, Carolly Erickson has written the definitive biography on this fascinating queen. In fact, her book is much more interesting than any film.

The book is written in an engaging style; I felt as if I was eavesdropping on life in the Tudor castle. Erickson clearly shows just how dangerous Elizabeths early life was and how it affected decisions she made during her reign. By placing enough emphasis on this area of Elizabeths upbringing, I could understand some of the actions of her later life which might have seemed outlandish otherwise.

When is the last time someone told you that they could hardly put down a 450 page biography? Erickson made the main and secondary characters breathe, connive and play politics.

This is the sixth biography Ive read by Erickson and I thought it the best of the bunch! I hope you enjoy it as much.
ASJ avatar reviewed The First Elizabeth on + 341 more book reviews
This book is a biography of Elizabeth I life. Very interesting, good detail. There a a few pictures as well to help show Elizabeth, her court and the stles of the time. If you enjoy books about Henry the VIII and Elizabeth I you will enjoy this book. Well written, good references.
reviewed The First Elizabeth on + 5 more book reviews
If you really like the time period of Elizabeth I, this book will interest you. A lot of historical facts and can be slow reading, but I really liked it.
amerigo avatar reviewed The First Elizabeth on
Along with the facts, this biography is unique in that it sparkles with the details of the splendour that became Elizabeth's life. Being queen definitely had its payoffs. Highly recommended.

Editorial Reviews
Review
"Even more readable and absorbing than the justly praised works of Tuchman and Fraser." --Philadelphia Inquirer

"A masterpiece of narrative, a story so absorbing it is as hard to put down as a fine novel." --Edward M. White, Los Angeles Times Book Review

"Carolly Erickson is a great interpreter of history. She writes political history, but imbeds it into social, and even more, humane history. She's likely to be the Barbara Tuchman of her generation." --David Herlihy, Charles Lea Professor of History, Harvard University

."A vivid and eminently readable portrait of history's favorite Tudor, [Queen Elizabeth I]." --The New York Times Book Review
-- Review


Genres: