Elizabeth, Elizabeth, and Elizabeth

Elizabeth I by Anne Somerset

Summary: Glitteringly detailed and engagingly written, the magisterial Elizabeth I brings to vivid life the golden age of sixteenth-century England and the uniquely fascinating monarch who presided over it. A woman of intellect and presence, Elizabeth was the object of extravagant adoration by her contemporaries. She firmly believed in the divine providence of her sovereignty and exercised supreme authority over the intrigue-laden Tudor court and Elizabethan England at large. Brilliant, mercurial, seductive, and maddening, an inspiration to artists and adventurers and the subject of vicious speculation over her choice not to marry, Elizabeth became the most powerful ruler of her time. Anne Somerset has immortalized her in this splendidly illuminating account.

Review: An incredibly detailed and very thorough though quite dry about Elizabeth I.

This book certainly spares no details and as a result, is a very large book. Elizabeth I is one of those books that you could do some serious damage with. Fun fact: you could probably kill someone with some of my English textbooks. Despite being a fan of all things Tudor, this book took me a while to read. It wasn't the length that bothered me although the detail might have just a little fine. I know a book like this won't be light reading, but it was surprisingly dry. 

After reading this book, I know a great deal about Elizabeth I and I honestly can't say I'm a big fan. She was effective at getting people to see past or ignore her sex and also was a master at diversion. She was very intelligent and was very charismatic. She knew her mind and what she wanted to do even though she wasn't able to do so. Elizabeth I also had a few faults including loving flattery too much. She would get mad when people did not compliment her enough or the proper way. She also got too into her favorites, especially Dudley. 

Rating:






Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that are fans of the Tudors and Elizabeth I.