The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I

by Mark Fiennes (Photographer), Susan Watkins

Traces the private life and romantic intrigues of Elizabeth I, and describes the ways in which the Queen captured the loyalty and affection of her subjects

Genres: History, Tudor Period, Nonfiction, Biography

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[Orsolya · Rating 2 out of 5]

History lovers desire nothing more than an intimate look at the figures they study: through their senses at the world that surrounded them and through their minds, surveying their very thoughts. The latter can be difficult without official extant documents; but the former is more accessible for prosperity. Susan Watkins, a social historian, explores the pageantry surrounding the Virgin Queen in, “The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I” (photographs by Mark Fiennes).

“The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I” is a full-color, glossy, coffee table book exploring the reign of Elizabeth I in regards to the social aspect: architecture, gifts, pageantry, art, clothing, etc; that Elizabeth, herself, experienced. Albeit, in a very restricted and limited way. Watkins recalls the Elizabethan period and categorizes the social history but this is not only without taking a deep dive into the history;but also without 100% accuracy. One must remember that “The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I” is dated (published in 1998); but the main reason for this seems to be a lack of effort and the fact that Watkins is not a Tudor historian. “The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I” is best used as an introductory course for those new to the subject or as a visual guide.

Watkins highlights the graphic aspect of “The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I” by including photos, images and illustrations of Elizabethan artifacts and modern-day locations/influences. Unfortunately, there are more modern-day photos within the pages of “The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I” making the piece less of a history supplement and more of a taster/curiosity-builder. Although the images include descriptive captions; some of the graphics cover the entire background of a page face without presenting the text in darker ink and thus are difficult to read (and I have 20/20 vision). The entire point of “The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I” is to be an inviting coffee table book but it is instead somewhat bland and uninspiring.

Also weakening “The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I” is the absence of a chronological study. Each chapter is a topical view and Watkins goes back-and-forth in a single chapter with Elizabeth’s age making the history difficult to follow along. Much of “The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I” equally falls apart by running off on numerous tangents that are skimmable, at best.

On a positive note, Watkins manages to describe some events in a more social detail than seemingly other Tudor texts; consequentially providing some fresh details and adding much needed depth to “The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I”.

Watkins concludes “The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I” with an epilogue both summarizing the book thesis and discussing Elizabeth’s social legacy. This is followed with a timeline of key events in Elizabeth’s life and a directory of present-day Elizabethan locations/museums and artifacts which can be visited by readers (be sure to double-check the list as, again, “The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I is over 20 years old). “The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I also includes a light bibliography.

“The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I” feels like a thin and incomplete look at the socially intimate life of Queen Elizabeth I with Watkins being a poor authority on the subject despite any of her credentials. “The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I” is suggested only for those readers new to the subject or polished readers striving to read all Elizabeth-based pieces. Otherwise, “The Public and Private Worlds of Elizabeth I” can be skipped.

[Redsteve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now, this one IS more of a coffee table book, lavishly illustrated with photographs of 16th Century art and artifacts. While ordering her work generally as a biography, the author concentrates on the image(s) that Elizabeth Tudor created for herself (or that were created for her) and the material goods that surrounded it: clothing, jewelry, portraiture, architecture, gardens, books, and sundry personal items. There is also a good amount of space devoted to the poetry, music, plays and pageantry that helped define the “cult” of Elizabeth I. Don’t take the “coffee table” mention as a negative; there is a good amount of well-researched details in addition to the beautiful photographs. I’d definitely recommend this for anyone interested in Elizabethan material culture; less so for someone interested in the politics of the age. I’d give this 3.5 if GR allowed ½ points

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a holiday read and enjoyable.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is older than I normally read for history but the art & fashionable items in it were beautiful. Also had interesting information.

[MichelleCH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photos and history of Queen Elizabeth through her life. Most impressive section was on the Elizabethan architecture that was developed during her reign and the fantastic castles built in her honor. The portraits of Elizabeth are also the closest approximations that I have yet seen.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good companion book for the book I just finished (Elizabeth I, by Margaret George). Lots of great photographs of the world she moved in, including the buildings and many portraits of her and her court. Text is informative but not too detailed.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and engrossing look into the world of my favorite monarch. Informative with stunning visuals.

[Megan Fermo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hardly as brilliantly told as her Queen of Scots book though.