Elizabeth's Women: Friends, Rivals, and Foes Who Shaped the Virgin Queen by Tracy Borman

Sep 14, 2010 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: vine, non-fiction, tudor, own

As an avid reader of all things Tudor, I found Elizabeth’s Women to be very accessible despite some minor flaws. I was pleased with its good progression and chronology and anyone not as familiar with Elizabeth I’s life would enjoy Borman’s approach. It effectively demonstrates the influence of the women who surrounded Elizabeth I, whether in the role of surrogate mother, lady in waiting or contender to the throne. These were women who could spark her jealousy or benefit from her goodwill.

I was...more

like 3 likes · see review

Nov 23, 2012 Louise rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, british-bio-hist, elizabeth-i

Tracy Borman took on a large scale project. Some of the women in Elizabeth's life are famous in their own right and have already been extensively studied. There had to be a lot of editorial decisions about the depth of content for these women and how to balance it so they would not crowd out space for the lesser knowns.

With less emphasis on the "big events", the book becomes a treatment of both Elizabeth's daily life and of her intimate and lasting relationships. We learn how her court functione...more Tracy Borman took on a large scale project. Some of the women in Elizabeth's life are famous in their own right and have already been extensively studied. There had to be a lot of editorial decisions about the depth of content for these women and how to balance it so they would not crowd out space for the lesser knowns.

With less emphasis on the "big events", the book becomes a treatment of both Elizabeth's daily life and of her intimate and lasting relationships. We learn how her court functioned, how she viewed and treated her female rivals for the crown, her rivals for the affections of her favorites and those who served her.

The first relationship explored is that with her famous mother. Most histories speed past this noting only Elizabeth's scant mention of Anne Boleyn. Borman writes how Anne doted on her daughter, even wanting to breast feed her, an unconventional idea for its time, quashed by the king himself. Though separated, as was the custom, Anne saw to Elizabeth's welfare as best she could. Elizabeth kept a locket with her mother's likeness and at her coronation adopted her mother's emblem, the falcon, as her own. Elizabeth maintained friendships with Boleyn cousins such as Lady Katherine Howard (with whom she was raised) and many who remembered her mother. She appointed to court positions and otherwise assisted many Boleyn relatives.

The book provides a personal focus on famous events. For instance, the very thorough treatment of the Thomas Seymour flirtation emphasizes what it meant emotionally over what it meant politically. Borman shows how it strained Elizabeth's relationship with mentor and mother-figure, Katherine Parr; how it was viewed by her half-sister Mary; and how it defined and solidified her relationship with her governess Kat Astley. This kind of focus provides a whole new dimension. It shows Elizabeth's courage and loyalty in regards to her governess and how the experience shaped her views.

The chronological arrangement of the emotional highlights, free from other events of the time, allows for the reader to digest their intensity for Elizabeth. For instance, very early in her reign, while she was still feeling her way as a woman at the helm, threats to her reign appeared at once. The timing of the unsanctioned marriages of Katherine Grey and Mary Stewart and their subsequent male off-spring couldn't have been worse. This (and personal jealousy) may have set the pattern for Elizabeth's strong reaction to the many unsanctioned marriages that followed.

This is the first good look I've had at Margaret Douglas who appears here and there in Elizabethan histories. (I've not found a full bio.) Margaret is everywhere, scheming to marry one son into a kingship, another to another high born, visiting Mary Queen of Scots in her imprisoned quarters, thrice imprisoned herself by Elizabeth, and scheming to put her granddaughter in the line of succession all the while expressing her devotion to Elizabeth.

The chapter "That She-Wolf" tells of the Earl of Leicester's two secret marriages since they are the ones that most impact his relationship with Elizabeth (major editorial/space decision, I'm sure, to leave out the first wife). Robert Dudley's story is more intriguing than shown here. Those interested may want to try "Sweet Robin: A Biography of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester 1533-1588" or the more recent "Elizabeth & Leicester: Power, Passion, Politics".

Borman tells the stories of a host of staffers that have only cameos in other books. There are many from the long serving and most intimate such as Blanche Perry and Kat Astley to newer but still long termers such as Helena Snakenborg and Mary Radcliffe. There are some short termers from Lady Tyrwhit to Lady Warwick. Through their stories you learn of their living conditions and the dedication it took to serve Elizabeth. Most give up family time and some give up marriages. Some succumb to male flirtation and earn Elizabeth's wrath. Some, such as Mary Sidney are not appreciated. Many use their positions to advocate for their families and friends. All are virtual slaves.

This book is a big accomplishment for its author. I don't know how much fully new material has been presented, but there was a lot new to me. This book can serve as a basis for subsequent researchers to explore more deeply the domestic and personal aspects of Elizabethan England. The concept could very well be applied to the women in the reign of Charles II or Queen Victoria, or even in the US to the life and adminstration of FDR.

I recommend this book for all who are interested in this period. Tudor readers may yawn at the recounts of the "big events" (digested as they may be), but in each of them they will find new insight on Elizabeth and her most intimate relationships with the women of her age.
(less)

like 4 likes · see review

Aug 12, 2012 Katie rated it 1 of 5 stars

I'm not Shakespeare's biggest fan, but the man knew how to turn a phrase, so I'll let him sum up this book.

"It is a tale told by a [redacted for politeness], full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

There are so many problems with this book that I truly don't know where to start, but what irritated me most was the ugly thread of misogyny running through it. A book about the women around England's greatest female ruler, written by a modern female historian should not take such a nasty view of...more I'm not Shakespeare's biggest fan, but the man knew how to turn a phrase, so I'll let him sum up this book.

"It is a tale told by a [redacted for politeness], full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

There are so many problems with this book that I truly don't know where to start, but what irritated me most was the ugly thread of misogyny running through it. A book about the women around England's greatest female ruler, written by a modern female historian should not take such a nasty view of women. Ms. Borman goes out of her way to portray the subjects as jealous, erratic, erotic shrews, and comments on 'voracious sexuality' and 'carnal femininity' (CARNAL FEMININITY? Seriously? Is this a non fiction book or a romance novel) at every possible opportunity.

And then there are the contradictions. At times she can't get through a single page without contradicting herself, spitting out mutually exclusive conclusions left and right. Quotes out of context, events out of sequence, and generally lazy writing.

Dear Ms. Borman: the women you are writing about lived in the 16th and 17th centuries. As in, not today. Their decisions probably had more to do with the culture and standards of the time than with your modern pop psychology. Congratulations for realizing that both Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth wore ermine mantles at their coronations. So did every other monarch/consort of the period, since ermine was a symbol of royalty. Viewed in context, it amounts to nothing, but in Borman-land, it represents deep seated anxiety and early childhood trauma whatever whatever.

Why am I not surprised that the author is a protege of Alison Weir? They both have the amazing ability to receive magical revelations about history from reading the same documents everyone else does. Ms. Borman has not discovered any new information, yet she somehow knows the secret thoughts, feelings, and desires of everyone who ever lived during the Elizabethan period.

For shame, Tracy Borman. If you want to write this crap, at least tell it like it is and market the book as fiction. (less)

like 3 likes · see review

Jul 11, 2012 Joan rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: hromance and English History fans

Shelves: adult-books, biography, english-history, herstories-history-of-women, nonfiction

It wasn't the book I wanted to read. I was hoping for a study of how Elizabeth influenced politics and was influenced in politics by her women. What this was about was how Elizabeth inflluenced love matches and how those matches influenced Elizabeth. While I acknowledge that would be impossible to exclude love matches from a study of Elizabeth and her women, I also feel a large part of the story I wanted to read was not told. You mean to tell me that Bess of Hardwick's only political interest wa...more It wasn't the book I wanted to read. I was hoping for a study of how Elizabeth influenced politics and was influenced in politics by her women. What this was about was how Elizabeth inflluenced love matches and how those matches influenced Elizabeth. While I acknowledge that would be impossible to exclude love matches from a study of Elizabeth and her women, I also feel a large part of the story I wanted to read was not told. You mean to tell me that Bess of Hardwick's only political interest was the promotion of her direct blood to the throne? Such a formidable woman had no interest in the politics of their world? I have trouble believing that. Yes, I KNOW that Mary of Scotland was an incredible idiot in how she threw away what she could have had in life through a succession of worse and worse marriages. But how did Mary affect the politics of her world? Elizabeth finally reluctantly signed Mary's death warrant because Mary was involved in treason...although one can argue it isn't treason when it isn't your country....but how did her problems with Mary, Queen of Scots, affect her relationship with Scotland? Yes, I've read other books and have an idea as to the answer. However, I was hoping for more detail on this and got none. The closest the book came to being what I wanted was in showing the impact that a few of her numerous step mothers had on Elizabeth, particularly Katherine Parr and Anne of Cleves. I felt that a lot of the book spent way too much time on the romantic partsand not enough on the actual effect these women had on their world. I know the two younger Grey sisters defied the queen and married for love. Particularly with the youngest, Mary, you'd have thought she'd have learnt something from the fates of her two older sisters and tried the one approach none of these seem to have tried: go straight to the queen, say I'm madly in love and will sign a declaration stating that neither I nor my heirs will claim the throne. Particlarly since Mary married way way below her status and her kids would be almost worse than illegitimate: low class. Hopefully somebody will do the research and produce the book I'm interested in. with all of these incredibly well educated women all over the place, I can't believe that none besides Elizabeth were interested in the political world they lived in. The book that was written was an ok book. I think a lot of the conclusions were not really thought out since the author seemed fixated on love and Elizabeth's virginity. Oh well. If one wants romance, there's plenty of it in this book. It is a scholarly book, footnoted etc. but very definitely, romantic!(less)

like 1 like · see review

Sep 06, 2010 Marie Z. Johansen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction-history

I loved this book! I ordered it from Britain before it's US release because I did not want to wait (check out the Book Depository or Amazon UK when you simply can't wait for a US release of a book ). This cover is the British edition cover. I liked it better so I used it here - you can see the US cover now on any book seller’s site! I think this is just about my favorite book about Elizabeth I. It's jam packed with small details and information about Elizabeth that are most often overlooked by m...more I loved this book! I ordered it from Britain before it's US release because I did not want to wait (check out the Book Depository or Amazon UK when you simply can't wait for a US release of a book ). This cover is the British edition cover. I liked it better so I used it here - you can see the US cover now on any book seller’s site! I think this is just about my favorite book about Elizabeth I. It's jam packed with small details and information about Elizabeth that are most often overlooked by many authors who seem to concentrate on her relationships with men and her political acumen.

This book is about Elizabeth I - the queen who has always captured my imagination and has held my interest. I wish I could time travel so that I could hear her voice - see her walk. No - not yet possible!
I think that Elizabeth was so much more than we can ever know. I think she was, most likely rather officious and rude to many of her ladies and maids in waiting - but charming and gregarious when handsome men were involved! That being said said Elizabeth was an amazing female ruler in a time when it was anathema for a country to have such a strong, apt, female leader! This book is about the women in Elizabeth's close circle of trusted female confidants. It's an aspect of Elizabeth's life - a large aspect of her life, that is often overlooked in favor of the larger issues of Elizabeth's life. The book is broken into sections that cover, her mother, Anne Boleyn, her sister, Mary, her step-mothers, Jane, Catherine and Katherine, her governesses, ladies in waiting, cousins, men and the travails of being a female ruler in a country that believed no female could effective rule by herself. Although this edition was 392 pages of relatively small print it flashed by like a novel - I could not put it down!

Ms. Borman's style is easy to read but she in no way "dumbs down" the information. I am off to order her first book now - if I can find one that I can afford that is! " Henrietta Howard: King's Mistress. Queen's Servant". If you love history I think you too will love this book! No disappointment here !

(less)

like 2 likes · see review

Mar 30, 2012 Victoria rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: tudors

I love the idea behind this book, Elizabeth is always portrayed as something of a 'man's woman', so it was interesting to consider her relationships with the women around her. However, there are a lot of little inaccuracies and claims that are not backed up by any evidence, and this ruined things a bit for me. Some examples of these are:

Page 16 "Mary [Boleyn] had borne a son with mental disabilities whom Anne would not suffer to be at court." - This is not backed up by any reference and is very...more

like 2 likes · see review

May 04, 2013 Brittany rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, history

(3.5 stars.)

Goodness, I had high hopes for this book. To its credit, it's comprehensive. I REALLY enjoyed the first few parts other than a bit of eyebrow raising at Borman's vitriolic language towards Anne, and then once Elizabeth becomes Queen the book steadily heads downhill.

It essentially makes false promises and could do with being about a hundred pages shorter. (In fact, I would cut it off once Elizabeth becomes Queen.) If it is one's first exposure to the women in Elizabeth's life, it's a...more (3.5 stars.)

Goodness, I had high hopes for this book. To its credit, it's comprehensive. I REALLY enjoyed the first few parts other than a bit of eyebrow raising at Borman's vitriolic language towards Anne, and then once Elizabeth becomes Queen the book steadily heads downhill.

It essentially makes false promises and could do with being about a hundred pages shorter. (In fact, I would cut it off once Elizabeth becomes Queen.) If it is one's first exposure to the women in Elizabeth's life, it's a good read. If you've done your reading on the period, however, it becomes a bit of a bore.

The book is admittedly structured well. Whenever the book seems to stray too far from Elizabeth, she is skillfully weaved back in; objectively pivotal male-dominated events (e.g. Henry VIII's death, the Armada) are skimmed over in favour of the book's focus. Borman distinctly outlines the personalities of Henry's wives and Elizabeth's ladies, though the accuracy of these portraits is questionable. For example: the staunch Mary is painted VERY sympathetically during her youth despite her insolence (understandable insolence, but insolence all the same), whereas Anne suddenly turns into the devil incarnate after taking the throne. Even the anecdote of Anne excitedly taking a gifted dog from a messenger's arms is portrayed as a rude act rather than an endearing one.

The use of anecdotes gives the book personality, which I liked. Borman's vocabulary at first seems excellent, until she begins to overuse much of it: "barely concealed [attitude]", "ostensibly" and "alacrity" show up more than I'd care to count. Her habit of using quotes as description becomes a severe problem when the phrase "morals of a whore" occurs and you can't tell if Borman is genuinely using that slur against Katherine or not.

Once Borman got to Mary, Queen of Scots, I began to skim. I have read Weir's brick of a biography on Mary and Borman's account seemed like a rehash. After Mary's death, the book limps to the end of Elizabeth's life. Borman grasps at straws of women to sustain the last chapters.

I think the book should have focused on the more formative aspects of Elizabeth's relationships with the women of her life - while Borman says certain events in Elizabeth's childhood had so and so impact on her, she never cites it with any stone-cold proof despite speaking as though it is fact. The title says that it is a book about the women who SHAPED Elizabeth, but by the start of Elizabeth's reign she is already "shaped". Mary Stuart's execution deeply affected her, of course, but it didn't radically change any aspect of her as a person.

Disappointing, but I really did like the first half.

(Also: Anne's "famous "A" necklace", Borman? Seriously?)(less)

like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 Julia rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: new-to-me-2012, non-fiction, 2012-completed

Although this book is highly readable, at times that seems to come at the expense of sound historical methodology, and occasionally even at the expense of continuity. Borman too often says that one thing [definitely] led to another, or that a certain event in Elizabeth's life made - not "contributed to," but "made" - her act in a certain way later in life. Additionally, there were times that the author contradicted herself. For instance, when discussing Mary, Queen of Scots' marriage to the Earl...more

like 2 likes · see review

Nov 04, 2012 Rowena Williamson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Although The Tudor Period is not my favorite, I think Tracy Borman's book is fascinating. It won't solve all anyone's questions about Elizabeth, but it gives some clues about why she was The Virgin Queen. The women around her have their own interesting stories (see my review of Alison Weir's novel A Dangerous Inheritance for the story of Katherine Grey.) Borman manages to give us a thrilling story about the battles raging about England having a woman ruler, and Elizabeth's tightrope walking to k...more

like · see review

Jan 25, 2011 Colleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the second Tudor history book I've read this month, and this was by far the more enjoyable. I've read a lot of books (fiction and non-fiction) about Elizabeth but never one like this that focused on the women who surrounded the Virgin Queen and helped shape her views on life and leadership. Though the cast of characters is huge, and many of them share names, Borman did a good job of helping the reader keep track and differentiating between the Janes and Katherines that populated Elizabet...more

like 1 like · see review

Nov 24, 2012 Madeleine rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: history, religion, nonfiction, tudors

I thought this was an okay book. I loved, loved, loved, loved the idea of it...I thought it was really interesting, however many of the perspectives that she offered (most specifically on Anne Boleyn and Mary, Queen of Scots) were very regular and most you could find in any basic introductory biography to Elizabeth I or the Tudor time period...which is fine, only this wasn't supposed to be an introductory biography to Elizabeth I or the Tudor time period. The writing was lazy and confusing at ti...more

like · see review

Nov 03, 2010 Oldroses rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: herstory, history

I was so excited when this book arrived from Amazon.com. I couldn’t wait to dive into it. After all, it promised a brand new view of Elizabeth I, “…portrayed here as the product of women….” The reader is assured that it is “…a thrilling new angle by the brilliant young historian Tracy Borman.” The author herself guarantees that she has “…focused the story upon those women who help to reveal Elizabeth the woman, as well as Elizabeth the Queen.” 418 pages later, I am still waiting for a revelation...more

like 2 likes · see review

Apr 21, 2011 Danielle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

This was a fantastic biography on Queen Elizabeth. I have read several biographies about Elizabeth as well as the Tudors from her generation and I felt like this painted a very different portrait of Queen Elizabeth. It was interesting to see how her life developed through the eyes of the women in her life rather than the men. I do think most biographer dismiss the importance of the women who surrounded Elizabeth and emphasize the men and her scandalous relationships she had with them. I think th...more

like · see review

Jan 25, 2011 Janet Flora rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wonderful history of Queen Elizabeth I and her relationships with women, family, friends and foes. A lot has been written about how she worked with men, in a "man's world" and how she loved men, yet shunned marriage. This book focuses on the women who helped her in life and in her regency as well as some historical figures we know little about. I learned a lot and it is written so well it is easy to follow. Anyone who knows Tudor and Elizabethan history knows there is plenty of intrigue and scan...more

like 1 like · see review

May 23, 2012 Jenny Barden rated it 5 of 5 stars

A fascinating account of the women who were Elizabeth I's constant companions - her ladies-in-waiting, including the ladies of the bedchamber who slept in her room, washed and dressed her, and the ladies of the privy chamber who were her confidants and playmates, as well as being effectively enslaved to her, often bearing the brunt of her vicious temper. Particularly revealing on the dangerous flirtation between Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour, the new husband of her mother-in-law, Katherine Parr,...more

like · see review

Jan 27, 2012 Shelly Burch rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have read several, okay many, tudor novels, and most about Elizabeth I. The other books were fiction and focus on Queen Elizabeth and a few of the most well known people who surrounded before and during her reign. This book will give many readers more historical information about the women in her life-some that are never mentioned in fiction novels. While at times the book was redundant with some information and was a little awkward to read a few places, it was still a great addition to my "Tu...more

like · see review

Oct 31, 2010 Siria rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography, british-history, european-history, history, nonfiction, womens-history

The hook of this biography of Elizabeth I is that it sets out to do something new—to create the queen and her society by examining the network of women who surrounded Elizabeth and who influenced her, from the memory of her mother's execution through to faithful female courtiers who attended her in her final days. Sadly, Borman fails to deliver on the promise of that hook. What could have been a very intriguing study of female networks of friendship, co-operation, education, and enmity; of the c...more

like 2 likes · see review

May 13, 2013 Eddy Allen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arts-and-historical

A source of endless fascination and speculation, the subject of countless biographies, novels, and films, Elizabeth I is now considered from a thrilling new angle by the brilliant young historian Tracy Borman. So often viewed in her relationships with men, the Virgin Queen is portrayed here as the product of women—the mother she lost so tragically, the female subjects who worshipped her, and the peers and intimates who loved, raised, challenged, and sometimes opposed her.

In vivid detail, Borman...more

like · see review

Jan 25, 2013 chucklesthescot rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: femalehardship, harsh-regime, historical, political, religion, true, tudors, monarchy

The thing I hate most in history books is when the author can't be bothered to get her most simple facts right. This book is a prime example.

1)The author says that Katherine of Aragon was regent when Henry was on campaign in Scotland. WRONG. She was regent when Henry was in FRANCE and she fought a war against the Scots when the Scottish army invaded England as soon as Henry left for France.

2)She refers to Anne Boleyn's famous 'A' necklace. WRONG. The famous necklace she wore was the initial 'B'...more

like 1 like · see review

Jan 21, 2012 Bridgett rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: sideloads

I was so excited to finally get to this book. I was intrigued by the prospect to learn a bit more about the women in Elizabeth I's life and their role in shaping the Monarch, as well as the woman.

I was aware that there would be some re-hashing of things I knew, since I am an avid "Tudor" reader. I was just not prepared to find the promised new angles and insights entirely missing. :(

Now, I don't want to sound all gruff and mean about this. There were some good things about this book!

If you have...more

like · see review

Jul 28, 2010 NeverDust rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, recommended-to-friends, own

Ok. This book took me forever to read (about a month and a half) but rest-assured, it had absolutely nothing to do with the book itself. I was completely enthralled since almost the very first page. I hadn't read too much about the Elizabethan court before this book but this has definitely made me interested.
Despite my lack of background in the subject matter, it was not impossible to understand and there was a ton of information about every "character" that came into play. Granted, every now an...more Ok. This book took me forever to read (about a month and a half) but rest-assured, it had absolutely nothing to do with the book itself. I was completely enthralled since almost the very first page. I hadn't read too much about the Elizabethan court before this book but this has definitely made me interested.
Despite my lack of background in the subject matter, it was not impossible to understand and there was a ton of information about every "character" that came into play. Granted, every now and then I would flip back to remind myself of one fact or another, but I would expect that in a study such as this.

The most confounding things about it are that the author had to follow certain lines of intrigue up to a certain point or date, then backtrack and start over with another line or person until everything had been covered before she moved on to the next era of the life of Elizabeth. Also, especially in the first half, every now and then I would suddenly be hit with the feeling of repetition, which would actually not be a detriment because it only served to remind me of certain ideas important to the author's point. So really, there was nothing I have to complain about what-so-ever.

A suggestion or two for the publication: please attempt to include a family tree of the ladies or at least for those of royal blood. After all the marriages and illegitimate children, it would just be a little easier to be able to consult one page rather than flip through an entire book and find the passage I was looking for. Another is that if the photos of the “great beauties” mentioned (or of anyone mentioned) are available, it would be a really nice touch to be able to put a face to the names, especially of Helena Snakenborg and Arbella and the statue of Bess of Hardwick. Even just making them an addendum to the index would be a great addition, but obviously not necessary.

Now, for what I really loved about this publication:
That the author retained the original spelling, grammar and syntax of the quotes she used. I did have to use the dictionary once or twice and may or may not have caught myself sounding out a word or two on the train, but I feel like it definitely added to the feeling and do in fact “give a wonderful sense of the period” as the author states in her introduction.
The sheer amount of information. I love that there is so much I feel I’ve learned about all these people. The entire book is littered with quotes and details about individuals from their marriages and mental state to their fashion sense and political wile. I love it.
And of course, I can feel while reading, the great amount of awe and respect this author has for both her subject matter and the queen herself. It’s refreshing and it’s also probably what made the text so easy to read in a school of study that can be easily made dry if the author isn’t careful. Riding on this thought, it’s necessary to mention that the awe is not equivalent to blindness on her part. There are several times when she is frank, and sometimes brutally so, about the queen’s vices, especially her affectations, courtly love, treatment of her ladies, treatment of other women, and especially of her vanity.
It was entirely well-rounded and evenly distributed in all aspects and I am so happy I was able to read this book.(less)

like · see review

Oct 12, 2009 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, non-fiction, england

The story of Elizabeth I of England has been told many times. These stories tend to focus on the men in her life – Robert Dudley, her father Henry VIII, Thomas Seymour, just to name a few. This new book by Tracy Borman explores the effects that the women in Elizabeth’s life had on her – starting with her mother and moving on to courtiers, cousins, stepmothers etc. Don’t get me wrong, the men are still an integral part of the story, but they are not the focus.

This book was very interesting to me...more The story of Elizabeth I of England has been told many times. These stories tend to focus on the men in her life – Robert Dudley, her father Henry VIII, Thomas Seymour, just to name a few. This new book by Tracy Borman explores the effects that the women in Elizabeth’s life had on her – starting with her mother and moving on to courtiers, cousins, stepmothers etc. Don’t get me wrong, the men are still an integral part of the story, but they are not the focus.

This book was very interesting to me. I had only read one book about Elizabeth before and that book didn’t really focus on Elizabeth’s life but more of the effect her mother’s legacy had on her life. I had enjoyed the perspective of that book and Elizabeth’s Women took that perspective much further. This book was organized very well – each chapter focused on a different set of relationships in chronological order. You could see how interactions with women early in her life effected decisions she made later in her life. One of my favorite things about the book was that the author kept coming back to how these early relationships (particularly the deaths of her mother and stepmother, Katherine Howard) effected her decisions about men, marriage, and children.

The chapters that focused on her servants were sometimes hard to pay attention to. There were a lot of names that were thrown about and it was difficult to focus on who was who. I tended to just gloss over these parts. The only other part, and it was a very small part, that I had an issue with was there was a mention of a son between Jane Parker and George Boleyn that I can't find reference to anywhere else. Other than these small issues, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I feel that I learned a lot about Queen Elizabeth – what drove her as well as the way she ruled. I respect her more because of the way she paid homage to her mother when it wasn't a popular thing to do.

I would recommend this to anyone who doesn’t know much about Elizabeth as well as those who would like to see the Queen from a different perspective.

This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
(less)

like · see review

Oct 12, 2009 Marie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own

In a world inundated with modern biographies on Elizabeth I, historian Tracy Borman sets out to explore the world of women surrounding Elizabeth I in hopes of shedding light on Elizabeth's character and personality. Who helped shaped Elizabeth into such a formidable female ruler, something that was an anomaly in itself? This is a proficient account of the story behind the stories of Elizabeth's peers, elders and family members that helps the reader to better understand the nuts and bolts of Eliz...more In a world inundated with modern biographies on Elizabeth I, historian Tracy Borman sets out to explore the world of women surrounding Elizabeth I in hopes of shedding light on Elizabeth's character and personality. Who helped shaped Elizabeth into such a formidable female ruler, something that was an anomaly in itself? This is a proficient account of the story behind the stories of Elizabeth's peers, elders and family members that helps the reader to better understand the nuts and bolts of Elizabeth's mind, which was always skillfully at work.

Despite the bevy of information at our fingertips regarding Elizabeth, she is still one of the most intriguing figures of the Tudor era. Born to Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, she was at first a disappointment to her parents and a kingdom by being a girl. Losing her mother at the age of 3, she was brought up in her own household under the tutelage of preferred women. It is with these women that Elizabeth begins cultivating her personality and understanding the way of the tumultuous world around her. Although we regularly hear of the men or the favorites in Elizabeth's life, rarely do we obtain as much information about the women who constantly attended her and were with her behind the scenes.. until now.

Borman begins the story of Elizabeth with her mother, Anne Boleyn, and gives the standard biography of Anne. Although at first she praises Anne's intellect, she soon writes of her haughtiness and the swift fall from Henry's graces once they were finally married. Seemingly it was once they were married that Anne's and Henry's marriage fell apart. Elizabeth seems to have not had much of a relationship with Anne or Henry as a child, except for Anne sending gifts to Elizabeth.

Borman explains how Elizabeth interacted with a few of the children and caretakers, such as Blanche Parry (who ended up serving Elizabeth for over fifty years), and she goes into small biographies of these secondary women as she introduces them to us. Another woman who also stayed with Elizabeth a lengthy amount and therefore gets more attention is the governess, Kat Astley or Ashley, who joined Elizabeth's household when Elizabeth was 3 and Kat was probably in her late twenties. Elizabeth was very close to her as Kat was one of the few people in her life that stayed with her in her younger years. I had not realized the extent of Kat's own learning because of the ridicule she receives by historians due to the Thomas Seymour affair. After Lady Bryan it was Kat who had continued to instill a love for learning, which was further enhanced by her last stepmother, Katherine Parr and the tutors she chose for Elizabeth.

For some thirty, forty and fifty years these few women such as Kat Ashley, Blanche Parry and Anne Dudley stayed nearby with Elizabeth and were close confidantes and friends to the Queen. Borman details the relationships of the women with Elizabeth in a way that has not been done before, when before we had always heard of merely Cecil influencing Elizabeth's political decisions. We now get a look on the inside, the female perspective of jealousy, vanity and courtly appearance.

One of the most interesting continuing relationships in Borman's book deals with the sisterhood of Elizabeth and Mary. Borman tells of how Elizabeth interacted with her half siblings, and I was surprised to learn that her sister Mary had eventually grown fond of Elizabeth, probably out of pity, once Anne Boleyn was executed. Knowing of the strained relationship Mary and Elizabeth had once their brother King Edward had died, I had never assumed that they were in reality ever close, yet Borman portrays Mary as once being maternal to Elizabeth. They were 17 years apart, and with Elizabeth being 3 when she lost her mother, Mary may have felt sorry for her. But soon enough for Mary's reign, Mary was calling Elizabeth the bastard, the daughter of the little whore, etc. A swift turn around for Mary's feelings towards Elizabeth, but one wonders all the different mechanisms at play, such as Mary's jealousy towards Elizabeth as Elizabeth grew into a pleasant looking young lady and Mary was soon eclipsed by Elizabeth's sharp mind and looks. Anne of Cleves favored Elizabeth over Mary, and Katherine Parr did as well. Did Mary resent this? Once Mary was queen, she did not trust Elizabeth, and denounced her right to the succession. There was a long look at Mary Tudor here, but was appreciated for the fact that we were able to glean what Elizabeth learned from Mary's reign.

One of the many people who helped shaped the progress of Elizabeth's reign was her cousin, Mary the Queen of Scots. Most people know of the outcome that happened after Mary had been a burr in Elizabeth's side for nearly thirty years, and the author devotes an entire 50 page chapter to this conflict. This is where the allure of the book started to lose its luster, but it picked up its interesting pace as soon as the Queen of Scots was dealt with. I had already read enough accounts of these two Queen's relationships and there was not any new insight for me regarding the effects of their animosity towards each other. Those who are not acquainted with that story may not be as disappointed as I was to see so much time devoted to this, however.

Of some of the influencers and courtiers that we read about are the Seymour family, the Sidneys, and Lettice Knollys (who married Elizabeth's favorite, Leicester, much to Elizabeth's chagrin). We also are treated to accounts regarding Bess of Hardwick, married to George Talbot, both as she was a gaoler for Mary Queen of Scots and later when Arbella was growing up into an eccentric young lady. Other characters include Bess Throckmorton who shocked Elizabeth by becoming pregnant by Sir Walter Ralegh, and the cousins Katherine and Mary Grey who posed a threat to Elizabeth's throne.

Those who are looking for more insight into the characters surrounding Elizabeth during her life will not be disappointed. Beginning with Anne Boleyn and continuing with the two Queen Mary's, we are privy to the causes and effects that made Elizabeth who she was, Gloriana. This is thoroughly researched, with the footnotes to prove it, and it is put together effectively. Through the reign of Mary I, we are made to understand how Elizabeth learned from Mary's mistakes and held fast to her beliefs on how to rule exclusively without a husband or even an heir, as opposed to the hard and unbending rule of her sister. We begin to understand Elizabeth's decisions on the refusal of marriage when Elizabeth witnesses the catastrophic effects of most marriages of those in power, from her father to her sister. We learn that Elizabeth had a strict expectation of the women in her chambers and wished for them to not marry at all, and was hard on those that strayed from the virginal status.

This is not just another biography of Elizabeth I or the history of Elizabethan England. In fact, Borman successfully dodges that bullet by not repeating many of the historical events that happened during Elizabeth's life, and even skips those that greatly effected her. For instance, the author does not discuss the fatal period of Lady Jane Grey's reign, nor does she go into the Dudley plot which scared Elizabeth half out of her mind as she was imprisoned when her sister was Queen and there is no mention of the burning of heretics. This is a fulfilling account of the women who definitely instilled Elizabeth's characteristics and beliefs into her heart and mind. Moreover, I would recommend reading a biography on Elizabeth I before reading this one due to the nature that this is more of a study and commentary on those surrounding her who helped to shape the character of Elizabeth. It would be hard to understand the ramifications of some of the things that Elizabeth encountered in her relationships that are discussed here without knowing any of the political and biographical history of Elizabeth I. If you do not feel intrigued by the persona of Elizabeth I, this is not the book for you. I had hoped for more of a finishing commentary as a summary on Elizabeth from the author's opinion; but overall I was sad that I had completed this book because I was enjoying my enlightened status of understanding Elizabeth as a woman, as the Virgin Queen, and why she chose that status for herself. There was the blurb about George and Jane Boleyn having a son which I disagree with, and the excessive information on the Queen of Scots negated a star for me. I enjoyed 95% of this book, being a Tudor fanatic that I am, and I definitely recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in the workings of Elizabeth's mind, and of the many supporting or bothersome women in her life.(less)

like · see review

Aug 02, 2011 Shawn Thrasher rated it 3 of 5 stars

Slightly uneven and a bit chronologically awry - but that said, still quite enjoyable. Those Elizabethans were something else. Conniving, scandalous, frequently backstabbing, passionate, and oh so very interesting! Bess of Hardwick should have her own soap - whether a major or minor character, she's as fascinating as the queen! Borman has an accessible, almost chatty style of writing that really made this book. I'm a lover of all books Tudor, and it's not often I read something new - this was fu...more

like · see review

May 14, 2011 Charles rated it 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth I is one of my heroes so anything that adds to my knowledge of her is worth the effort. I found the prose of the author to be fresh and fluid. Borman's sympathy for the last Tudor queen is obvious and well-placed. For all of Queen Elizabeth's power, she lived in the proverbial fishbowl surrounded by the women of her court who did her bidding, or pretended to. This is a finely written biography that is not weighted down with unnecessary academic jargon.

like · see review

Aug 19, 2011 Lynne-marie rated it 4 of 5 stars

A splendidly written book, which considers, for a change, the women in Elizabeth's life, not the men around her: the affect on her of her late mother, Anne Boleyn; the life-long nurturing, though often heedless advice-giving of Kat Astley; the bleeding wound that was Mary, Queen of Scots; and others. This is a remarkable book for its conception, its scholarship, and its readability. For anyone with an abiding interest in Elizabeth I, I cannot recommend it enough.

like · see review

Mar 07, 2010 Jenny rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Tracy Borman gives names and personalities to the many women who surrounded Elizabeth I during her life and reign as Queen of England. The book is well researched and documented with a full bibliography of primary and secondary sources.

The author clearly describes women as active participants in courtly life. Although not able to access the powerful paid positions that were available to men, the women still sought and wielded power to gain political and personal rewards. The Queen was very focus...more

like · see review

May 06, 2011 Meg Ulmes rated it 4 of 5 stars

This non-fiction narrative is carefully researched and enticingly written. All the important women in Elizabeth I's life, beginning with her mother Anne Boleyn, are presented in their relationship to the great Queen. All the great Elizabethan historical characters are on display in these stories. When I finished the book, I felt like I had become acquainted with all the characters--especially the Virgin Queen. It was fun to read.

like · see review

Apr 10, 2011 Zen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: i-am-woman-hear-me-roar, history

Really awesome, read-able account of Q.E. I really love how it focused on how women affected each others status in the Middle ages. Elizabeth was the perfect choice for the centerpiece because the author didn't have to stretch to reveal these relationships - there are enough documents to support her theories. Definitely not one of the "dry" types of historical accounts I am used to reading.

like · see review

Jul 08, 2010 Beverly rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was excellent. Through the authors research she was able to give a detailed account of each woman who touched Elizabeth's life, both good and bad. As a fan of both Anne Easter Smith and Phillipa Gregory,this book added another dimension and understanding for me of the women they write about.I would highly recommend this book as both a good read and as a reference book.

like · see review

title link	preview: Elizabeth's Women: Friends, Rivals, and Foes Who Shaped the Virgin Queen
avg rating	preview: Elizabeth's Women: Friends, Rivals, and Foes Who Shaped the Virgin Queen Goodreads rating: 3.94 (597 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7897065-elizabeth-s-women?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320407969l/7897065.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7897065-elizabeth-s-women?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Elizabeth's Women: Friends, Rivals, and Foes Who Shaped the Virgin Queen by Tracy Borman[/url]

Elizabeth's Women: Friends, Rivals, and Foes Who Shaped the Virgin Queen

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (8)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Tracy Borman

Books by Tracy Borman

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Elizabeth's Women