The Life and Times of Elizabeth I

Kings and Queens of England

by Antonia Fraser

Book by Williams, Neville

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Tudor Period, Reference

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Antonia Fraser is the author of many widely acclaimed historical works, including the biographies Mary, Queen of Scots (a 40th anniversary edition was published in May 2009), Cromwell: Our Chief of Men, King Charles II and The Gunpowder Plot (CWA Non-Fiction Gold Dagger; St Louis Literary Award). She has written five highly praised books which focus on women in history, The Weaker Vessel: Women's Lot in Seventeenth Century Britain (Wolfson Award for History, 1984), The Warrior Queens: Boadecia's Chariot, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Marie Antoinette: The Journey (Franco-British Literary Prize 2001), which was made into a film by Sofia Coppola in 2006 and most recently Love and Louis XIV: The Women in the Life of the Sun King. She was awarded the Norton Medlicott Medal by the Historical Association in 2000. Antonia Fraser was made DBE in 2011 for her services to literature. Her most recent book is Must You Go?, celebrating her life with Harold Pinter, who died on Christmas Eve 2008. She lives in London.

Reviews

[Edward · Rating 3 out of 5]

This oversized book is a good introduction to the reign of Elizabeth I who was queen for 44 years (1558 to 1602). Its chief virtues are numerous pictures from the time, mostly portraits. Many of them are in color and give the reader a good visual sense of some of these now obscure figures that surrounded the Queen, as attendants, suitors, advisors,and even conspirators and enemies.
Elizabeth was shrewd and intelligent (she had to be to survive), but one of her successful tactics was that of never committing herself too soon, of always playing for time. This was particularly evident in her treatment of a rival to the throne, Mary Queen of Scots, who was held prisoner in England for 20 years until Elizabeth finally had to reach a decision and have her beheaded for treason.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this rendition of Elizabeth's biography, details of her Court and summary of the time period. The complex subject matter, while organized chronologically, was styled so that it was accessible to the reader, with interesting detail; successfully dispelling rumor and fiction, this book is much more than a recitation of names and dates.

[Astrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A relatively short but interesting account of the reign of Elizabeth I. It would serve as a good introductory book to anyone wishing to learn about Queen Elizabeth I and her reign and court, and even though it's an older book (1971 I believe?) and perhaps a few more things have come to light since it was published, it's still an accurate and interesting read and has stood the test of time.

I found it easy going, enjoyed looking at the many images of Elizabeth and the people that surrounded her in court, and the accompanying descriptions. I enjoyed slowly going through this book over several afternoons. A great beginners book to the life and times of Elizabeth I. Recommended.

[Bryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing account of the great Queen Elizabeth I life, with many pictures and portraits to go with the biography. Being such an Anne Boleyn fan, I was excited to learn more about her beloved daughter. How amazing it is to me that King Henry killed Anne for not giving him a son, but she instead gave him arguably the best monarch of all time. I like to think of that as Anne’s final revenge. Amazing!

[Charlotte Mclean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of facts and brief story as to her life and reign

[Rick Chollett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a lot of this book was focused on the unsuccessful match-making of Elizabeth. But the later details of her shrewdness and political prowess was very interesting indeed!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is full of interesting information. But I've realized that I am so not interested in 16th century politics.