Weir does not approach her subject as an academician. This isn't to say that the information within her book is inaccurate, or not backed by extensive research. Rather, Weir is more intent on establishing Elizabeth as a person, rather than a historical relic. Her attempt is to fill Elizabeth with flesh and blood. And this she succeeds at, beautifully.

I'm sure that there are more academically detailed analysis of Elizabeth I, but I doubt there are any more human.

This book was very interesting from an historic view, but a bit tedious and boring. A lot of jumping back and forth making it difficult to follow at times.

My interest in Queen Elizabeth I has long been fed by documentaries, movies, and historical fiction titles such as I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles. I've always found her to be very fascinating and thought it was high time I read a biography about her. But which one do I choose? I found it serendipitous when a student at the high school library at which I'm interning checked in this extensive biography of the Virgin Queen, so I promptly checked it out myself.

I'm so glad I did. I've been on a bit of a non-fiction tear lately, and this biography didn't disappoint. Weir is very thorough, covering all aspects of the queen's reign, from her foreign policy to her personal life. The most discussed topic throughout Weir's writing is Elizabeth's battle to stay unmarried. Elizabeth spends years and years doing a courtly and strategic dance with other heads of state, leading them on for as long as possible in courtships she has no intention of agreeing to in order to keep the peace with foreign nations. Weir makes an excellent point that Elizabeth has good reason to be very wary of marriage. Just look at the disastrous marriages that her father kept entering into, and what happened to her unfortunate mother! Elizabeth knew that in order to be the true head of her country, she must remain single. I cannot imagine the pressure she constantly felt from both her advisors and subjects to capitulate and marry.

This book is recommended to all who are interested in Elizabeth and who want to read an extremely thorough narrative of the queen's private and public life.

This is an absolutely wonderful biography of Queen Elizabeth I. The story begins with her uncertain childhood, following the death of her mother, Anne Boleyn, by order of her father Henry VIII. Her first passion is briefly told and her fears for her life as her sister, Mary, reigned.

But it is really the tracing of the arc of her reign that is at the heart of this book. The volume weaves together Elizabeth's personal life, her court life, and the political context in which she operated. You need a scorecard to keep all the actors straight here!

The book does a superb job describing the relationships of Elizabeth with intriguing people such as Mary, Queen of Scots (how Mary could have survived so long given her perpetual scheming to overthrow Elizabeth is stunning), Robert Dudley (Leicester), Robert Devereaux. Also well done is the tale of her on and off again courtships with foreign leaders, as she moved to (a) produce an heir, (b) create useful political alliances, and (c) retain her power. The latter, holding on to her power, always trumped the former. The story of her hot and cold linkage with Anjou is nicely done.

Inherent in a work like this is the poignancy of the Queen and her leading advisors aging and dying.

An important adjunct to reading is a set of genealogical tables at the end of the book. Keeping the players straight calls for some aid such as this!

Overall, an exquisitely written book that brings the character of Elizabeth I into focus. The amount of information available about the Queen allows for such a detailed book that the people and times seem to come to life.

In the end, a book well worth looking at if interested in the times and the people. Highly recommended.

The book was in great condition for the price! I would totally buy from this seller again!

There is a lot to be said about the reign of Elizabeth I. Elizabeth's reign left behind a massive number of detailed primary sources which outshine the remnants of all her predecessors on the throne of England. That amount of detail gives Weir an excellent foundation for her book, which lives up to its promise of being a personal biography, rather than a chronicle of the Elizabethan age and government. Of course, it is difficult to discuss one without referring to the other.

The book has a very coherent structure that is easy to follow. The chapters are, on average, about 20 or so pages each, which makes the book more accessible to casual readers. This book is far from a rigid history, and actually moves along at a brisk pace, all the while keeping the reader engaged in the events. I never felt that Weir overstepped her bounds in making assumptions, for which I know some readers criticize her.

From Elizabeth's coronation day to her deathbed, the amount of detail that exists is what surprises me the most as a reader. I only wish that as much existed for earlier English monarchs.

This book was wonderful! Alison Weir writes very well, and the book is filled with rich details, both about the life and politics of Elizabeth I and life in royal Tudor England. She intersperses biographic and political sections with wonderful descriptions of such things as royal entertainment, dining, and clothes. You get a vivid portrayal of a long-lost time. Even though the book is non-fiction it reads almost like fiction. For anyone who has an interested in one of the most fascinating women in British history I'd highly recommend this book!

This book is an excellent history of Elizabeth I and how as a single woman she managed to rule her country surrounded by forces that wanted to take England back to Catholicism--including the Pope, Spain, France, and her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scotland. At the time women were generally considered property and could not function as a Queen without a husband. Elizabeth cleverly avoided marriage and ruled her country without devastating wars. It was not easy. Recent Hollywood movies about Elizabeth are generally nonsense. To get the real story this is a must read.

Of the books I have read by Weir (Six Wives of Henry VIII, Children of Henry VIII, The Lady Elizabeth), all have been immensely fascinating and educational. While this biography painted informative portrait of the Virgin Queen, at times it lacked the touch that Weir posseses to transform her subjects from names on a page to the living, breathing people they once were. For example, the latter half of the book, focusing on the trials and tribulations of an older Elizabeth's favorite, Essex, felt like a string of events simply laid on paper - something any mediocre grad student could churn out.

Having finished the book, I am glad to have expanded my knowledge on the reign of Elizabeth I, but feel I did not come away as enlightened as I did after Weir's novel, The Lady Elizabeth. If you want to know Elizabeth on a deeper level and learn about her life before her coronation, read The Lady Elizabeth.

This is one of the most interesting historical texts I've ever read. It is centred on the controversy surrounding Elizabeth's indecision about marriage. It is not a book that highlights her political style or the church/state during her reign. It is clear that Ms. Weir has done comprehensive research for her book. I am also satisfied with her acknowledgement that she has imposed her analysis on some information. I think it is fair for her to do this because she must have had a broader knowledge of history and access to much more material from which to extract the information she chose to present in her book. Her strategy helped me to get over the information gaps without being distracted by them. It was hard for me to read through the quickly because it was so dense. I spent a lot of time recalling what I already knew about European history around that period. A text is as good as your willingness to interact with it. I particularly enjoyed that Ms. Weir refrained from using too many backward and forward references (historically), and focused on what was happening at the time.

I enjoyed the detail of this book as a companion to "The Other Boleyn Girl", and other historic reading I've been doing.
Not dry in its detail, nor over the top in it's style.
Loved this book, it was an easy, informative and well-rounded read.

This is a wonderful book of Elizabeth I. Alison Weir is a great author, I have numerous books by her. You won't be disappointed in this book. It is that good!

This is a biography on the life of Queen Elizabeth I, not a political biography. If you are looking for the latter, then you will be immensely disappointed with this book. The majority of the book is dedicated to Elizabeth's many quarrels/reconciliations with Dudley and Essex. Alison Weir successfully brings the relationships to life with many excerpts from personal letters written by the Queen and her favorites.

Unfortunately, I think Weir was over-generous with the information she included in the book. It seemed like she was eager to share every single piece of information she came across. What Elizabeth ate for breakfast (and what time), what time she took her walks (and what she wore), how she brushed her teeth (what her toliet looked like). I found myself nodding off at times.

I was also not pleased with Weir's version of Arbella Stuart, James I's cousin. She claims Arbella, who she calls "unstable and neurotic", was sent away from court because Elizabeth considered her too arrogant. I usually agree with Mrs Weir, but unfortunately I must disagree with her on this. Arbella was one of Elizabeth's many "wait and see victims". Much like Anjou and Dudley, Arbella spent her entire life waiting for Elizabeth to make a decison. If Arbella became unstable and neurotic it was due to living almost her entire life in seclusion - waiting for Elizabeth to approve a marriage for her. Arbella eventually took matters in her own hands and arranged her own marriage. She found herself in the tower for this, where she stayed until her death.

Overall, I was not unhappy with the book, but I felt it was a bit repetitive at times. I agree with a previous reviewer who pointed out that Weir stated certain facts more than once throughout the book. If I had not read the reviewer's comment, I would have thought I was going crazy. When reading this book, I would sometimes come across a certain sentence that left me wondering where I had heard it before. I found it very odd and distracting.

Alison Weir does a fantastic job in recounting history in layman's terms. Details are vivid and engaging without the hyperbole you would expect in descriptions of the life and times of Elizabeth I.
The book is very easy to read and compelling. The language is not so simplistic that you think you are being talked down to, nor is the language so difficult that you have re-read pages twice to understand. The personal life of Elizabeth I is presented against her public one, though, as Ms. Weir acknowledges, it was hard to differentiate the two. It's as if you are reading a very engaging novel as the life Elizabeth led seems so unrealistic at times.
I carried it everywhere with me until I finished. And now, I make a point of re-reading at least once a year.

This is the fourth Alison Weir novel that I've read and looking back, I've rated them all three stars. This is certainly not an endorsement, as the subject matter of these novels (mid-second millenium English history) is of great interest to me. Each of these works simply falls short in providing the kind of captivating reading experience that the subject matter offers.

The Life of Elizabeth I is a perfect example. Someone relying on this work for their sole exposure to Elizabeth I would think that virtually her entire reign was taken up with the pretense of marriagability. In that respect, this work is very narrow and does a great disservice, not only to Elizabethan accomplishments, but to the scope of 16th century life in general. In addition, analysis contained in the book is virtually non existent. As with Weir's other works, the prose consists almost entirely of short declarative statements, one after another. The style is jarring and not conducive to either entertainment or education.

The same novel on a subject of lesser interest would garner only two stars, however it would be difficult to write a novel on Elizabeth rated under three stars, the subject matter is so rich with possibility. This is a swing and a miss.

I'm giving this book four stars because it has a lot of detailed information, very well-presented, with scholarly heft as well as gossipy sweep. Weir has a strong bias towards Elizabeth but the facts, which Weir to her credit spares no effort to unearth, speak for themselves.

That being said, I want to call attention to this bias and the means by which it's achieved, taking one episode from the life of Elizabeth, her flirtation with Robert Dudley, later Earl of Leicester, and the suspicious death of his wife Amy. Weir, who has to be ranked as the typical feminist historian, is -- like all feminists -- very selective in which women she chooses to support. Those like Elizabeth who are notorious, ruthless or in her parlance "independent" she loves, those who are obscure, pious and devoted to their husbands, like Amy, earn not a shred of sympathy, let alone justice for their deaths. To put it in historical shorthand, Weir's an Anne Boleyn kind of lady, not a Catherine of Aragon type.

We see over and over again that Dudley has the strongest possible motive for wanting to kill his wife, to free him to marry the Queen. We see over and over that he is vain, spends freely and lavishly once in Elizabeth's favor, and boasts about an imminent change in his status. On page 77 Weir writes of Dudley's "haughty manner, transparent ambition and two-faced hypocrisy" ( that last charge is a tautology, Mrs. Weir ). She says that "he could be devious" and refers to his habit of slandering his rivals for Elizabeth's affections. So obvious is his need for disposing of his wife, that most of the courtiers and ambassadors daily expected news of her death. The Spanish ambassador De Quadra reports to his Emperor that Dudley "had sent to poison his wife." Weir then says "Nor were the rumours confined to England" and states that as far afield as Brussels, people expected Dudley to kill his wife.

Weir is undaunted by her own evidence of Dudley's grasping character. On page 72 she writes, "Yet there can be little doubt that the love between Elizabeth and Dudley was genuine on both sides." Oh, can there now? "There is no escaping the sincerity in [his] letters, the warmth of his addresses, nor his obvious concern for her welfare." Has Weir suddenly forgotten that Dudley is a courtier, whose trade is flattery? Why is she so sure that his love is genuine, and that he wasn't just excited to have landed the biggest fish in the realm? Weir says there's a sexual attraction between them, as if that justifies everything. And as if she knows what a long-dead man was attracted to.

Back to the wife. Amy is described by an ambassador as "a fine lady from whom he has always had nothing but good." As if it weren't enough that Dudley was out courting Elizabeth, ignoring his wife, and possibly plotting against her life, she was also ill at this time, many say with breast cancer. Yet nowhere does Weir back off in her admiration for Elizabeth, even when Amy is barred from court so she can dally with her husband. Feminists -- women sticking up for other women. Let's continue. Amy turns up dead, unsurprisingly, at the bottom of the stairs in the virtual hermitage she's been exiled to, and not of cancer but of a broken neck. Dudley hears of the news, while with Elizabeth, and Weir informs us that Dudley "appeared genuinely bewildered," because of course a man versed in the Machiavellian strategems of power would never dissemble or perform. Later he doesn't even bother. Though showing "few signs of grief," Dudley was "zealous in his efforts to uncover the truth surrounding her death," Weir surmising that he wants to clear himself by finding "the real culprit." When he is acquitted, he then tries to convene a second panel to further clear his name. Weir keeps telling us that he is "earnest." She seems blissfully unaware of anything like a cover-up. It doesn't cross her mind, or at least her pages, that Elizabeth would have agents set up a kangaroo court or bribe the first jury to get Dudley acquitted. Or simply that the members of these juries were afraid of delivering a verdict that went against the Queen's Favorite.

Weir then writes a supremely disingenuous footnote on page 104 about Dudley's half-brother, John Appleyard, who claimed to have proof of Dudley's involvement in the murder. Weir, again, tries to sway opinion with the use of the adverb "clearly" or "obviously." "His motive was clearly the desire to profit financially," that is, through blackmail, because as I'm sure anyone would agree, trying to blackmail the aforesaid Queen's Favorite is sound business sense. Sort of like threatening a Mafia member. But -- amazingly! -- Appleyard's blackmail scheme didn't work and he ended up in prison, and is ordered to prove his assertion. I'd say that this would be pretty hard to do while confined to a small cell by the most powerful people in the country, none of whom want any rumors, let alone hard proof against Dudley, to ever see the light of day. But that's just me. "Immediately he backed down" Weir says triumphantly.

This book is very strange in the way that Weir presents the most unflattering facts about Elizabeth, yet feebly tries to spin them in a positive way with her everpresent "clearlies" and "obviouslies." Why not just select the facts to present a more glittering portrait? Not that I'm complaining -- this book, if you read between the lines, is more devastating than any contemporary Catholic account of the heretic Elizabeth. What could be more damning than a book that practically contorts itself to put a halo around its subject, and still makes her look like, in one ambassador's words, the "daughter of the devil"?

I was hooked on this book.I could not put it down.Im amazed at the amount of historical paper work that still survives to this day for this kind of biography.I felt like like I eas there.

I read this book as part of my interest in the Shakespeare authorship question. It was my first biography of Elizabeth, so I can't presume to compare to others. But I have read some other Tudor/Elizabethan history. I found Weir's book engaging, informative, relevant to my own interests, and colorful; and it seemed reasonably balanced. Take Me With You When You Go

I love reading books on the royal family,and this is a great book. Lots of history, very interesting, best book I've read in a long time. She was a great lady. Get ready for a LONG read!

Weir does a great job of giving the flavor of the times and the Virgin Queen. However, she gets bogged down in too much detail sometimes. There are hidden bits of humor that are fun to find, as well.

Overall I believe this is a good biography of the Queen, however, it isn't for those looking for a quick or simple read.

This magnificent book has me convinced that a woman can rule a complex country. My mind is changed and I think it's time for this country to elect a female president.

This book reads like a history book and not a story book so might get a bit boring for some. But I liked it. It gave insight on even the smallest things in QE1 life (clothes,her teeth,household, etc) I think this book covers alot of things in her life and I am glade I bought this book!

While I recognize that her neverending courtships, both for politics and her own vanity are important, I do feel that this subject dominated the book. Of course Dudley and especially Essex reflect her faults. The book does not focus on many other very important aspects of her reign. It seems to want to be a "love story" as opposed to a complete biography. I did find it to be "easy reading" for a book of this kind but I must recommend Anne Somerset's biography for a more well rounded and informed view.

I have read many books on the lives of the Tudors. This one is so realistic, it is like she was writing about the present instead of 500 years ago. It is a fascinating book

This is a sweet attempt to tell a somewhat romantic story of Elizabeth 1. For those interested in English history they might want to read 'Character's of the Reformation' by Hillaire Belloc. This English historian deals with the political side of the Tudor monarchy and the men who actually gave Elizabeth her marching orders and who ran the government during her reign.

I am an Elizabethan freak so it takes a lot for me to really get into a book about the period and not nit pick it. This book follows Elizabeth across her life. I didn't think it offered much of a new perspective or new data however. It was a pretty standard biography of her (I've read about 10), but Alison Weir is a good writer which makes it enjoyable. If you are looking for new facts or a more thought provoking read, I would suggest David Starkey's Elizabeth. It explores her youth more and discusses many of the possible theories of a pregnancy, dispells tower gossip stories based on scientifc records from the time period, and is also an enjoyable read. So if you want something a little mindless and entertaining, or if you are new to this field of study, this is a good book. If you're a little more seasoned, I would choose the Starkey book and if you can afford both, I would suggest that so you can compare and contrast.

I am an Elizabethan freak so it takes a lot for me to really get into a book about the period and not nit pick it. This book follows Elizabeth across her life. I didn't think it offered much of a new perspective or new data however. It was a pretty standard biography of her (I've read about 10), but Alison Weir is a good writer which makes it enjoyable. If you are looking for new facts or a more thought provoking read, I would suggest David Starkey's Elizabeth. It explores her youth more and discusses many of the possible theories of a pregnancy, dispells tower gossip stories based on scientifc records from the time period, and is also an enjoyable read. So if you want something a little mindless and entertaining, or if you are new to this field of study, this is a good book. If you're a little more seasoned, I would choose the Starkey book and if you can afford both, I would suggest that so you can compare and contrast.

I had heard several negative reviews in regards to Alison Weir and her "take" on history regarding Elizabeth I from friends. As a historical actress at our local renaissance faire for many years, I actually enjoyed this book quite a bit. Ms Weir does state that some of the events are historical while others had to be imaginative at times so I dont feel this book misrepresents anything at all. The accuracies are fraught with historical proof therefore the uncertainties don't really matter. Sadly there arent any valid historical documents from Elizabeth's personal journals to compare with, so assumption on what she thought, how she felt or what influenced her at times is perfectly acceptable based upon common knowledge of Elizabeth's upbringing.
I personally own now 4 of Ms Weir's books and have yet to find one I haven't enjoyed. Highly recommend it though it is a bit long and you dont want to put it down.

I am reading this book after having read several others on the tudors. If you are interested in a very opinionated and dry take on the life of Elizabeth I--then this book is for you.

Lots of Weir's opinions but the content isn't any different than anything Ive read already.

Alison Weir brings to life the fascinating story of Elizabeth I. The intellectual, vital, mysterious, and cautious Princess Elizabeth rose to power in 1558 and surprised the world by maintaining a stable and generally prosperous reign for 45 years. As a leader she devoted her life to serving England and this devotion and the great loyalty it inspired is the hallmark of Elizabeth's reign. Weir, author of numerous books about the Tudors, has written a highly entertaining, comprehensive, and well-crafted biography of the political and personal life of Elizabeth I.

Alison Weir, a very successful popular historian, has written an absorbing biography of the ever popular Elizabeth I. However, serious students of history should beware. The author makes only cursory attempts to be even handed in her analysis of this controversial queen. Colorful, mercurial, brilliant are all apt descriptions of Elizabeth, but if you're Irish or Catholic, you might use other adjectives. Ms. Weir pretty much dismisses those other unmentionable attributes with a hohum, let's get on with more Eliza worship. I'd like to see a more balanced, critical picture of this Tudor monarch.

A lively and readable introduction to Tudor History. Ms. Weir makes Elizabeth come alive on every page and it becomes obvious why even now, more than 400 years after her death, people are so fascinated by her. The prose is engaging and avoids the trap of becoming overly scholarly and plodding as some historical biographies are wont to do. Reading this left me wanting to know more, and I highly recommend Ms. Weir's other books on the Tudor family, especially 'The Six Wives of Henry VIII'.

I came to this book out of my interest for Elizabeth from the striking film with Cate Blanchett. While the film is not entirely historically accurate, it captures the emotional impact of Elizabeth's reign. This book has drawn me in and I'm about one third of the way through it, and find that I cannot put it down. It is very accessibly written, very exciting, and reads almost like a mystery novel. It answers all my questions about Elizabeth, her time period, and her reign. If you want to know more about her in broad strokes as well as specific details, and want something other than the feared 'dry, academic' style, by all means please pick this book up. It flows, reads fast, and stays in your mind. Very well done.

I came to this book out of my interest for Elizabeth from the striking film with Cate Blanchett. While the film is not entirely historically accurate, it captures the emotional impact of Elizabeth's reign. This book has drawn me in and I'm about one third of the way through it, and find that I cannot put it down. It is very accessibly written, very exciting, and reads almost like a mystery novel. It answers all my questions about Elizabeth, her time period, and her reign. If you want to know more about her in broad strokes as well as specific details, and want something other than the feared 'dry, academic' style, by all means please pick this book up. It flows, reads fast, and stays in your mind. Very well done.

I've always been fascinated with Elizabeth I ever since I read a biography of Shakespeare (can't remember the title but it was written for young-adults). She was a person who could inspire works of art and deep loyalty from her subjects. Then I saw the 1998 movie "Elizabeth" (not historically accurate but very stylish and engrossing) which deepened my interest. I felt I had to read a biography on her and this one was well recommended. I can say that it really painted a new picture for me who Elizabeth was, and I'm even more fascinated. I could imagine her as being very indecisive and yet very determined to make the best choices for her country. She allowed things to occur that weren't honorable but she still managed to evoke devotion from her people that seemed almost unmatched compared to other monarchs during this time period. For those who are interested in learning more about Elizabeth I, I really recommend this.

For Elizabeth I lovers, also check out the HBO movie series starring Helen Mirren as Elizabeth I. Warning though: It's excellent but also very graphic.

I loved this book, it was easy to read and I couldn't put it down, missing it when I did. It showed the human side to Elizabeth in a 'warts'n'all' approach as well as the politics and extravagant life-style of Tudor England. It deals with Elizabeth's strengths as a woman in this role but also outlined the weaknesses a female ruler of her time could be prone to. I have not had much experience reading history before but am fascinated by Elizabeth I, this book has wet my appetite for the period and am now in the middle of Alison Weirs 'The Six Wives of Henry VIII'

Alison Weir makes History a joy ! The Life of Elizabeth I is an incredible book. Don't miss this if you like to delve into the lives of the rich and famous !

I have just finished reading this book and it is one of the best I have read. Ms. Weir paints a vivid, larger than life picture of Queen Elizabeth I and the complexities of court life with all its politics and intrigue. To think Henry was so set on having a male heir. Little did he know his rightful heir was right under his nose and oh so very capable. The really good rulers (as in modern times) were/are far and few between. Elizabeth I was definitely a superb leader and was a woman much more modern than her time. Excellent read by an admirable author and a more than admirable English Queen.

An excellent and unsensationalist overview of Elizabeth I, both the ruler and the person. Most gratifying is the time Ms. Weir takes to go through all the evidence and controversy surrounding various historical mysteries (such as the death of Robert Dudley's wife) before coming to her own, well reasoned conclusions. This is also the first time I've ever read E described as a bit histrionic, silly and girlish (these are not meant as synonyms). It's refreshing, although increasingly more common, to read a more rounded view of great historical figures. Whether one wishes to read only one comprehensive book or to find a new addition to his or her Elizabeth collection, I recommend this one.

Historian Alison Weir presents an extremely sensible, not sensational, biography of the great Queen Elizabeth I. It is an excellent work, worthy of the many other great bios she has authored. However, there is something in the writing that lacks pacing and it is often more slow-going than her usual prose.

That said, British history buffs will still enjoy this lengthy and detailed account of Elizabeth's life.

Absolutely fantastic book. Explains in detail about the life and times of Elizabeth I. Any Tudor fan must have

Alison Weir has been a favorite of mine ever since I read War of the Roses and Eleanor of Aquitaine. She writes fluently and is able to understand the facts, giving you an accurate rendition of who Elizabeth I was. It is on this note that I was not pleased with this book, because I was looking for a bio of Elizabeth I that captured her beautiful political career and showed how adept she was at appeasing the Parliament and accomplishing what she wanted.

So it is very tiresome to read about Elizabeth's first ten years of her reign, spread over 200 pages, and find that all Weir writes about is her suitors and what her councilors wanted in regards to her marriage. Understandably, this was a major part of what Elizabeth went through, but for 200 pages? It just doesn't make for an interesting read, one that captivates you and draws you in.

But, as another reviewer pointed out, this is partly my own fault because I didn't fully understand what Weir had set out to do, which was to write about Elizabeth's personal life more than her achievements. So, coupling this with her well researched (although poorly documented) writing, Weir set out to accomplish what she wanted. Take note, though, that this is a bio more for those interested in Elizabeth's suitors, her progresses, her clothes and so on, so if you like that than I would recommend this biography.

Though I have not finished this book, I love it! Alison Weir is such an adept storyteller that it is hard to remind yourself that this is a history book! It is definately nothing like the history books of childhood. Vivid and lively and told with such depth and approachability, it is so easy to read. Elizabeth's life becomes real and dynamic, and historical facts are interwoven together in a way that makes you feel as if you have embarked on an adventure!

I highly recommend this.

Nowadays the most fascinating news we can hope to attain from the British monarchy is where Prince Harry was caught smoking dope or punching a cameraman. But all histories have their moments of real fascination, within the English monarchy there is no more universally appealing story than that of Elizabeth I. The 1998 movie only helps to show just how iconic Elizabeth is, probably the most iconic queen England has ever produced. Alison Weir's "The Life Of Elizabeth I" is a magnificent book that chronicles the life of Elizabeth and in rich detail explores both the icon and her human side, Weir bravely takes on the rumous about Elizabeth's love affairs and explores each one. She also brilliantly transports us to the England of the 1500s, giving us a tour of a world where death was almost certain before the age of 41 and where being a Protestant or Catholic was not simple religious association like today, but a position that could very well mean life or death. The character of Elizabeth that Weir builds is that of a strong-willed, independent-thinking queen who was not afraid to speak her mind, be natural (yet still retain a sense of the formal and majestic) and had the wits to take on powerful enemies and survive to see another day and establish the England that gave us Shakespeare. Weir does not however only present Elizabeth the icon, she also lays bare the theories of why Elizabeth would not marry and who her lovers were (Weir leaves it for the reader to decide if any of the relationships might have been sexual). There are also brilliant comedic moments where you laugh and smile at some of the outrageous, almost ridiculous situations Elizabeth would find herself in with a world pressuring her to marry and provide an heir. One of the special things we get from reading "The Life Of Elizabeth I" is the sense that this author loves the subject and has obsessed herself with it. This is such a detailed, monumental work that it deserves to be read more than once to be able to process all the information, emotions and history. The world has had it's share of intriguing, towering leaders from Alexander The Great to Winston Churchill, Elizabeth is surely among them and Weir's book not only informs you but gives you the sense that you have gotten to know the character.

In her introduction to "The Life of Elizabeth I," Alison Weir states that it "was never meant to be a political biography, nor did I intend to write a social history of the times. My aim has always been to write a history of Elizabeth's personal life within the framework of her reign...." If that dovetails with your interest in Elizabeth I at this time, then this book may be for you. I, on the other hand, failed to grasp the earnestness of Weir's caveat before starting the book, and ended up frustrated by its deliberately limited scope.

Like Weir's captivating "The Children of Henry VIII" and "The Princes in the Tower," this book benefits from her exceptional research skills--though maybe too much. It covers in excruciatingly fine detail, almost to tedium, every angry scowl and fit of pique (and there were evidently many), every chaste romance and court squabble Elizabeth had during her reign. Unfortunately, Weir seems to have trouble managing the volume of details, and they frequently detract from the flow of her writing. This enslavement to connecting every available dot also costs her the passionate storytelling that made "The Children" and "The Princes" so engaging.

Rightly, however, Weir delves deeply into Elizabeth's love affair with Robert Dudley and into the machinations of her several non-marriages. Weir does a passable job of conveying Elizabeth's emotions, and you can feel the queen's sadness at Dudley's death. But Elizabeth's life offers so much material that Weir is required to move on immediately, continuing to hop from topic to topic in order to touch every milestone within a reasonable page count. In the end, I found myself wanting more information on things merely hinted at, such as religious burnings and court behavior, which the book is simply not intended to cover.

By not going into sufficient detail on Elizabeth's statesmanship, her place among her contemporaries, her imprint on history, and the culture of the time, Weir gives the reader little context in which to understand Elizabeth's choices and actions. That's fine for a reader who is familiar with Elizabeth's era and political role, but for someone looking for a well-rounded introduction to her as a historical character, this isn't the book. At least it wasn't for me.

"The Life" is a valuable companion to the political biographies available on Elizabeth; after spending several laborious weeks slogging through it, I plan to read one of them and figure out what it really means. I give "The Life" four stars because of Weir's skill and accomplishment--I give myself zero stars for not taking her warning more seriously.

Elizabeth I was one of the most impressive monarchs in European history. Born in 1533 of Henry VIII's second wife, Anne Boleyn, she was declared illegitimate upon Anne's execution. Elizabeth's childhood was turbulent, and it was much a matter of luck that she ever came to power at all, preceded in the line of succession by her half-siblings Edward and Mary, and her legitimacy being a matter of heated debate. Elizabeth finally ascended the throne in 1558, at age twenty-five, upon Mary's death. From the very start she faced adversity. After Queen Mary (nicknamed "Bloody Mary" by an unadoring public), most Englishmen were unenthusiastic about having another female ruler. To succeed, Elizabeth would need to present herself to her people as an almost superhuman figure, a symbol of both strength and purity.

Those considering this book should first be aware of what it's primary purpose is. It deals mainly with Elizabeth's private and social life. Politics does of course come into the book, as it can't be entirely separated from the life of a monarch, but this is not its main focus. Weir writes in her preface: "This was never meant to be a political biography, nor did I intend to write a social history of the times. My aim has always been to write a history of Elizabeth's personal life within the framework of her reign . . . The manuscript was originally entitled "The Private Life of Elizabeth I," but it very soon became apparent that Elizabeth's 'private' life was very public indeed, hence the change of title." The bulk of the book concerns itself with Elizabeth's relationships with other people, both personal and diplomatic. And much of this took the form of courtships. Elizabeth recognized her ability to use herself as a pawn, turning her biggest challenge - her gender - into an asset, and manipulating fellow rulers through the marriage market. She took full advantage of this, often to the exasperation of all around her.

And of course, no account of Elizabeth's personal life would be complete without much attention paid to her particular relationship with Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Weir does an admirable job in exploring the complexities of this friendship and star-crossed romance, offering one of the most compelling accounts of it that I've read anywhere. Many people have embellished the story of Elizabeth and Dudley, letting their imaginations run wild around all the details that we cannot know for sure, but Weir remains objective and honest, acknowledging the facts and offering her well-reasoned opinions, either in affirmation or refutation, of the common rumors.

Long a fan of Queen Elizabeth I, and of the Elizabethan period of British history as a whole, I dove into this book with eagerness and, since I had previously read and been impressed with Weir's "The Six Wives of Henry VIII," high expectations as well. I was not disappointed at all. One of the striking characteristics of Weir's books is their readability. Unlike much of the dry material put out by Academia, her writing is full of life and highly accessible to a general audience. "The Life of Elizabeth I" reads more like a story than a biography, remaining rich in detail but arranging the information in such a way that it stimulates rather than strangles the reader. Elizabeth really comes alive through Weir's words, and one gets to know her most intimately as Weir reveals all the nuances of her character, strengths and weaknesses alike. The book also offers a wealth of information on lifestyles and customs of the time, painting a colorful background for Elizabeth's life.

Included at the back are an extensive bibliography, clearly showing how exhaustively Weir researched for this book; genealogical tables on the Tudors, the Boleyns and Howards, and the Dudleys; a thorough index, making it easy to refer back information on any person, place, or event connected with Elizabeth's life; and a "Reader's Guide" that includes discussion questions for reading groups. This is one of the most engaging and informative biographies I've ever read, and I recommend it most highly to anyone interested in Tudor history. Well worth the read.

Put that insipid David Starkey book down and step away slowly. Wouldn't you rather read a wonderfully researched and well written book by an author who can write coherent sentences?

The third book in Alison Weir's Tudor Monarchs trilogy, this book picks up more or less where "The Children of Henry VIII" leaves off. It offers a fascinating biography of a fascinating woman, who laid the foundation of what later became the British Empire.

As other reviewers have pointed out, this is not the book to go for if you are looking to find out about the details of Elizabethan foreign policy or governmental theory. It is, however, the book to go to if you are interested in finding out more about the woman behind those things. Weir makes great use of the ample letters that Elizabeth wrote to let us see inside the mind of a truly brilliant monarch. Yes she used her sex appeal (or at least her eligability for marriage) to guide her foreign policy program, but this books shows us why and how.

Chock full of information, this book is a fun and relatively simple read. Weir is an excellent writer who always manages to find the pefect balance of accessible writing and detailed research.

...if this were my only source of knowledge about QE1, I would have thought the first few decades of the good queen's rule were spent almost entirely on 3 activities: duping prospective spouses, giggling girlishly with Leicester, and engaging in petty jealousies and childish reprimands. It wasn't until the death of Leicester that the content of Weir's book began to get interesting--call me a glutton for punishment, but I was determined to finish what I'd started.

A French visitor to court was quoted late in the book as saying QE1 was 'truly worthy of that high reputation she had acquired.' Sadly the 400+ pages prior to this gave me precious little reason to nod in agreement.

I have no doubts the scholarship on the selected point-of-view is unimpeachable as others suggest. The problem I had is, perhaps, my *choice* of book. This, my introductory biography, was of 'the woman' rather than 'the monarch'.

If you're looking for the personals section, get this book. If you want to see how QE1 shaped Britain and the world of her time, look elsewhere--as a recent UK transplant, I still am...