Elizabeth - David Starkey
The Virgin Queen, Gloriana, Good Queen Bess; Elizabeth I holds a unique place in the
... more
English imagination as one of the nation's most powerful, charismatic and successful monarchs. Elizabeth is usually imagined as the icy, untouchable figure memorably recreated on screen by Bette Davis and Judi Dench, but that vision of Elizabeth ignores the turbulent years of her early life, from her birth as the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in 1533, until her accession to the throne in 1558 following the death of her sister Mary. It is these early years which are the subject of David Starkey's fascinatingElizabeth I, written to accompany his television series about the life of Elizabeth.Starkey argues that in her first 25 years Elizabeth "had experienced every vicissitude of fortune and ever extreme of condition. She had been Princess and inheritrix of England, and bastard and disinherited; the nominated successor to the throne and an accused traitor on the verge of execution; showered with lands and houses and a prisoner in the Tower". He draws on his skills as a respected Tudor historian to produce a deft account of the religious, political and dynastic maelstrom of mid-16th century England that reads "like a historical thriller". The book carefully picks its way through the finer points of contemporary religious conflict and the peculiarities of Tudor court ceremony, whilst also exploring the formation of Elizabeth's character in relation to a murdered mother, a charismatic father, a tortured sister, and a predatory guardian. Highly readable and written with verve and pace, this is a fascinating account of the young Elizabeth. --Jerry Brotton
Elizabeth - David Starkey
The Virgin Queen, Gloriana, Good Queen Bess; Elizabeth I holds a unique place in the
... more
English imagination as one of the nation's most powerful, charismatic and successful monarchs. Elizabeth is usually imagined as the icy, untouchable figure memorably recreated on screen by Bette Davis and Judi Dench, but that vision of Elizabeth ignores the turbulent years of her early life, from her birth as the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in 1533, until her accession to the throne in 1558 following the death of her sister Mary. It is these early years which are the subject of David Starkey's fascinatingElizabeth I, written to accompany his television series about the life of Elizabeth.Starkey argues that in her first 25 years Elizabeth "had experienced every vicissitude of fortune and ever extreme of condition. She had been Princess and inheritrix of England, and bastard and disinherited; the nominated successor to the throne and an accused traitor on the verge of execution; showered with lands and houses and a prisoner in the Tower". He draws on his skills as a respected Tudor historian to produce a deft account of the religious, political and dynastic maelstrom of mid-16th century England that reads "like a historical thriller". The book carefully picks its way through the finer points of contemporary religious conflict and the peculiarities of Tudor court ceremony, whilst also exploring the formation of Elizabeth's character in relation to a murdered mother, a charismatic father, a tortured sister, and a predatory guardian. Highly readable and written with verve and pace, this is a fascinating account of the young Elizabeth. --Jerry Brotton
Elizabeth - David Starkey
The Virgin Queen, Gloriana, Good Queen Bess; Elizabeth I holds a unique place in the
... more
English imagination as one of the nation's most powerful, charismatic and successful monarchs. Elizabeth is usually imagined as the icy, untouchable figure memorably recreated on screen by Bette Davis and Judi Dench, but that vision of Elizabeth ignores the turbulent years of her early life, from her birth as the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in 1533, until her accession to the throne in 1558 following the death of her sister Mary. It is these early years which are the subject of David Starkey's fascinatingElizabeth I, written to accompany his television series about the life of Elizabeth.Starkey argues that in her first 25 years Elizabeth "had experienced every vicissitude of fortune and ever extreme of condition. She had been Princess and inheritrix of England, and bastard and disinherited; the nominated successor to the throne and an accused traitor on the verge of execution; showered with lands and houses and a prisoner in the Tower". He draws on his skills as a respected Tudor historian to produce a deft account of the religious, political and dynastic maelstrom of mid-16th century England that reads "like a historical thriller". The book carefully picks its way through the finer points of contemporary religious conflict and the peculiarities of Tudor court ceremony, whilst also exploring the formation of Elizabeth's character in relation to a murdered mother, a charismatic father, a tortured sister, and a predatory guardian. Highly readable and written with verve and pace, this is a fascinating account of the young Elizabeth. --Jerry Brotton
Advantages: Excellent information, easily read Disadvantages: Only out in hardback, which can prove pricey
...'Elizabeth' by eminent historian DavidStarkey tells the oft forgotten story of the childhood of Queen Elizabeth I.
This book was bought for me as a present and it is captivating. Starkey mixes in pure fact with amusing anecdote, which is always simple and clear to understand.
He deals well with Elizabeths turbulent relationship with her father King Henry VIII, the man who beheaded her mother when she was 3, but who she so greatly admired.
I think this book would suit anyone with an interest in history or British royalty. People of most ages would be able to understand and appreciate the book. It doesn't use pompous or complicated language, it sets out the facts in an orderly fashion.
Brilliant! I'd recommend this book to everybody....
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Imformative, authorative, masterpeice Disadvantages: Doesn't cover all of her life
...I purchased this book as a member of the History Guild. I had watched a couple of DavidStarkey's documentaries on tv and found him to be extremely knowledgeable and commanding. 'Elizabeth' only affirms those opinions.
The book spans Elizabeth's life from her birth up to her ascession. (It may be pointed out, as I have done above, that failing to coverthe years of her reign is a drawback). However, Starkey has provided a clear picture of the events that Elizabeth went through which shaped the person that she was. From an abused child, called a heretic, traitor and disinherited, Starkey clearly shows using original documents how the political, religious and consitutional trials of England shaped Elizabeth into the formiddable monarch she ultimately proved to be. Starkey examines Elizabeth in contrast to her sister Mary, and thus we gain...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: a fascinating life told in thriller-style Disadvantages: not her whole life - just the first 30 years
...I've just finished reading this book which accompanies the excellent Channel 4 series with DavidStarkey. The book concentrates on the early years of Elizabeth I's life, so by the end she is still in her twenties and has only just been coronated.
The book is accessible without being patronising. I don't claim to have a great historical knowledge and I stopped having history lessons at the earliest possible opportunity at school. But DavidStarkey has a great passion for his subject that enlivens the book no end, and the range of materials he has used for research purposes is vast. The chapters are concise and the book is deliberately written in thriller-style, with cliffhangers and no information given away as to what ultimately happens.
The book also looks at the impact on Elizabeth of having such a domineering father as Henry...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Imformative, authorative, masterpeice Disadvantages: Doesn't cover all of her life
...I purchased this book as a member of the History Guild. I had watched a couple of DavidStarkey's documentaries on tv and found him to be extremely knowledgeable and commanding. 'Elizabeth' only affirms those opinions.
The book spans Elizabeth's life from her birth up to her ascession. (It may be pointed out, as I have done above, that failing to coverthe years of her reign is a drawback). However, Starkey has provided a clear picture of the events that Elizabeth went through which shaped the person that she was. From an abused child, called a heretic, traitor and disinherited, Starkey clearly shows using original documents how the political, religious and consitutional trials of England shaped Elizabeth into the formiddable monarch she ultimately proved to be. Starkey examines Elizabeth in contrast to her sister Mary, and thus we gain...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Excellent information, easily read Disadvantages: Only out in hardback, which can prove pricey
...'Elizabeth' by eminent historian DavidStarkey tells the oft forgotten story of the childhood of Queen Elizabeth I.
This book was bought for me as a present and it is captivating. Starkey mixes in pure fact with amusing anecdote, which is always simple and clear to understand.
He deals well with Elizabeths turbulent relationship with her father King Henry VIII, the man who beheaded her mother when she was 3, but who she so greatly admired.
I think this book would suit anyone with an interest in history or British royalty. People of most ages would be able to understand and appreciate the book. It doesn't use pompous or complicated language, it sets out the facts in an orderly fashion.
Brilliant! I'd recommend this book to everybody....
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: a fascinating life told in thriller-style Disadvantages: not her whole life - just the first 30 years
...I've just finished reading this book which accompanies the excellent Channel 4 series with DavidStarkey. The book concentrates on the early years of Elizabeth I's life, so by the end she is still in her twenties and has only just been coronated.
The book is accessible without being patronising. I don't claim to have a great historical knowledge and I stopped having history lessons at the earliest possible opportunity at school. But DavidStarkey has a great passion for his subject that enlivens the book no end, and the range of materials he has used for research purposes is vast. The chapters are concise and the book is deliberately written in thriller-style, with cliffhangers and no information given away as to what ultimately happens.
The book also looks at the impact on Elizabeth of having such a domineering father as Henry...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
08.06.2000
07.09.2003
19.05.2001
