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The Expansion of Elizabethan England
Elizabethan society is arguably the most successful in English history. The adventurers and merchants (as well as the poets and playwrights) of that age are legendary. The subject of this classic study by A.L. Rowse is that society's 'expansion'. Elizabethan society expanded both physically (first into Cornwall, then Ireland, then across the oceans to first contact with Russian, the Canadian North and then the opening up of trade with India and the Far East) and in terms of ideas and influence on international affairs. Rowse argues that in the Elizabethan age we see the beginning of England's huge impact upon the world.
- GenresHistory
468 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1955
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38 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Rowse
278 books13 followersAlfred Leslie Rowse, CH FBA, known professionally as A. L. Rowse and to his friends and family as Leslie, was a prolific Cornish historian. He is perhaps best known for his poetry about Cornwall and his work on Elizabethan England. He was also a Shakespearean scholar and biographer. He developed a widespread reputation for irascibility and intellectual arrogance.
One of Rowse's great enthusiasms was collecting books, and he owned many first editions, many of them bearing his acerbic annotations. For example, his copy of the January 1924 edition of The Adelphi magazine edited by John Middleton Murry bears a pencilled note after Murry's poem In Memory of Katherine Mansfield: 'Sentimental gush on the part of JMM. And a bad poem. A.L.R.'
Upon his death in 1997 he bequeathed his book collection to the University of Exeter, and his personal archive of manuscripts, diaries, and correspondence. In 1998 the University Librarian selected about sixty books from Rowse’s own working library and a complete set of his published books. The Royal Institution of Cornwall selected some of the remaining books, and the rest were sold to dealers.
One of Rowse's great enthusiasms was collecting books, and he owned many first editions, many of them bearing his acerbic annotations. For example, his copy of the January 1924 edition of The Adelphi magazine edited by John Middleton Murry bears a pencilled note after Murry's poem In Memory of Katherine Mansfield: 'Sentimental gush on the part of JMM. And a bad poem. A.L.R.'
Upon his death in 1997 he bequeathed his book collection to the University of Exeter, and his personal archive of manuscripts, diaries, and correspondence. In 1998 the University Librarian selected about sixty books from Rowse’s own working library and a complete set of his published books. The Royal Institution of Cornwall selected some of the remaining books, and the rest were sold to dealers.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 5, 2022
Triumphalist history by an establishment historian, who described how 16th century England under the reign of Elizabeth I subjugated the barbaric Celtic periphery and singed the King of Spain's beard. Huzzah! [sarcasm]
I lost track of the cliches. Rowse's condescending attitude towards the Welsh, and sneering contempt for the Irish and their "refusal to accept civilizing by the English" put me off. (My quotes)
Feh.
I lost track of the cliches. Rowse's condescending attitude towards the Welsh, and sneering contempt for the Irish and their "refusal to accept civilizing by the English" put me off. (My quotes)
Feh.
February 28, 2022
Overview:
During the expansion stage of the British empire, they began to govern more regions. Regions that were more centralized, and similar to the British, accepted the rule much easier, without much hardships. Other regions that were decentralized, and very different from the British, had terrible fighting causing devastation and misery. Without some similarities or agreements, there is a propensity for conflict. The raiding and reprisals escalate the damage. But after the fighting, the land became productive, and people were able work themselves out of poverty. The British empire started with a terrible navy and army, but to compete and defend its regions, was able to develop their military and naval might. The expansion brought with it economic prosperity, industrial development, efficiency in bureaucracy, and more power to the people. The author takes a more neutral approach to history, and away from the ideological certainties that cause others to die for someone else’s ideals.
Caveats?
This book is very difficult to read. There are many details given, but not enough about what they mean, and how they go together. The details themselves are hard to understand without an appropriate background.
During the expansion stage of the British empire, they began to govern more regions. Regions that were more centralized, and similar to the British, accepted the rule much easier, without much hardships. Other regions that were decentralized, and very different from the British, had terrible fighting causing devastation and misery. Without some similarities or agreements, there is a propensity for conflict. The raiding and reprisals escalate the damage. But after the fighting, the land became productive, and people were able work themselves out of poverty. The British empire started with a terrible navy and army, but to compete and defend its regions, was able to develop their military and naval might. The expansion brought with it economic prosperity, industrial development, efficiency in bureaucracy, and more power to the people. The author takes a more neutral approach to history, and away from the ideological certainties that cause others to die for someone else’s ideals.
Caveats?
This book is very difficult to read. There are many details given, but not enough about what they mean, and how they go together. The details themselves are hard to understand without an appropriate background.
July 28, 2019
Una obra interesante, que menciona y elabora una buena cantidad de asuntos poco tratados en otras obras sobre el periodo (por ejemplo el papel de Gales y el galés en la misma), lastrado por un sesgado punto de vista que hoy, además, se lee como terriblemente anticuado y a veces molesto. Su visión partidista, por ejemplo, de la administración inglesa de Irlanda (aunque trufado de excelentes datos e interesantes reflexiones) parece justificar constantemente cualquier medida inglesa ante la necesidad de civilizar a los primitivos irlandeses (en un discurso que refleja el pensamiento imperialista y colonialista británico contemporáneo más que cualquier actitud isabelina)
Sin embargo escrito de forma amena y bien resuelto en general.
Sin embargo escrito de forma amena y bien resuelto en general.
May 14, 2014
The narrative continues in Rowse's inimitable style of love for his subject and at times derogatory humour. He dwells in depth on the lives of such people as Lord Burghley, Leicester, Essex, Drake, Sidney and many many more. Myths are exploded and new insights gleefully stated throwing in anecdotes of among others Shakespeare and Marlowe. Totally engrossing.
July 5, 2016
Incredibly boring. A.L. Rowse is also incredibly biased about England. He still sees blacks as slaves and natives as savages. Really outdated and limited view. What saved this book from a one star was that there was at least some interesting parts.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews