Elizabeth
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5.0 • 4 Ratings
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- £6.99
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- £6.99
Publisher Description
Brought to you by Penguin.
An ageing queen, an heirless state, conspiracy all round: here is the court of Elizabeth I as never known before.
History has pictured Elizabeth I as Gloriana, an icon of strength and power -- and has focused on the early years of her reign. But in 1583, when Elizabeth is fifty, there is relentless plotting among her courtiers -- and still to come is the Spanish Armada and the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots. We have not, until now, had the full picture.
This gripping and vivid portrait of her life and times -- often told in her own words (and including details such as her love of chess and marzipan) -- reveals a woman who was insecure, human ('You know I am no morning woman'), and unpopular even with the men who fought for her. This is the real Elizabeth, for the first time.
© John Guy 2016 (P) Penguin Audio 2016
Customer Reviews
A Perfect Example of Its Type
As the author explains, this is new research, drawn from a careful study of masses of newly discovered (or freshly studied) correspondence, written by all the main players in this drama. John Guy’s unvarnished, “Virgin Queen,” is more plausible and thus more interesting than the more hagiographic histories we get a steady stream of, these days. All the more tragic, sympathetic and, at times, horrible; yet all the more compelling for these interesting new revelations and deeper studies.
If you are wanting a comprehensive biography, then don’t let the book’s title put you off. These are the years that cover all of the main events in Elizabeth’s life that we’ve come to know of, from books, dramas and school lessons; giving us fresh insights into people’s motives, the occurrences themselves, and even previously unknown events.
Alex Jennings’s narration is, as it always is, just perfect. An experienced and popular actor, with many popular fiction and narrative histories under his belt, Jennings is God’s gift to any serious author, making this a flawless listen for anyone who loves history, struggles to find more serious and compelling narrative accounts, and is fascinated by the latest research in this field. And, for anyone hoping to have a good book read beautifully to them.
Worth adding to any collection