Selected Works

by Elizabeth I (Editor)

A carefully researched collection of the British monarch's public and private writings, timed to coincide with the 400th anniversary of her death, includes works of poetry, speeches, letters, prayers, and translations.

Genres: History, Poetry

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 6, 2004

About the author

Elizabeth I succeeded Mary I, her sister, as Queen of England and Ireland in 1558. Her reign saw the reestablishment of Protestantism as the country's official religion, as well as the defeat of the Spanish armada in 1588, and significant domestic prosperity and literary achievement.

Elizabeth's subjects expected her to marry and to produce an heir to continue the Tudor line, but despite numerous courtships, she never married. Instead, she became celebrated for her virginity and became known as "the Virgin Queen."

In the famous Elizabethan era, playwrights, such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe led the flourishing of drama amid the seafaring prowess of adventurers, such as Sir Francis Drake.

After the short reigns of her half-siblings, Elizabeth's 44 years on the throne provided stability for the kingdom and helped to forge a sense of national identity.

Reviews

[Hope Tull · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a rough read but cool on Queen Elizabeth I for writing poetry

[C.B. Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the closest I could find to what I had to read for British Lit, which was a short collection of Elizabeth I's poetry and a few speeches. Definitely interesting, but very hard to read, because of the word selection.

[Lana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful