What do you think?
Rate this book
Young Elizabeth: Princess. Prisoner. Queen.
Elizabeth I is one of England's most famous monarchs, whose story as the ‘Virgin Queen’ is well known. But queenship was by no means a certain path for Henry VIII’s younger daughter, who spent the majority of her early years as a girl with an uncertain future.
Before she was three years old Elizabeth had been both a princess and then a bastard following the brutal execution of her mother, Anne Boleyn. After losing several stepmothers and then her father, the teenage Elizabeth was confronted with the predatory attentions of Sir Thomas Seymour. The result was devastating, causing a heartbreaking rift with her beloved stepmother Katherine Parr.
Elizabeth was placed in further jeopardy when she was implicated in the Wyatt Rebellion of 1554 – a plot to topple her half-sister, Mary, from her throne. Imprisoned in the Tower of London where her mother had lost her life, under intense pressure and interrogation Elizabeth adamantly protested her innocence. Though she was eventually liberated, she spent the remainder of Mary’s reign under a dark cloud. On 17 November 1558, however, the uncertainty of Elizabeth’s future came to an end when she succeeded to the throne at the age of twenty-five.
When Elizabeth became queen, she had already endured more tumult than many monarchs experienced in a lifetime. This colourful and immensely detailed biography charts Elizabeth’s turbulent and unstable upbringing, exploring the dangers and tragedies that plagued her early life. Nicola Tallis draws on primary sources written by Elizabeth herself and her contemporaries, providing an extensive and thorough study of an exceptionally resilient youngster whose early life would shape the queen she later became. The heart racing story of Elizabeth’s youth as she steered her way through perilous waters towards England’s throne is one of the most sensational of its time.
Before she was three years old Elizabeth had been both a princess and then a bastard following the brutal execution of her mother, Anne Boleyn. After losing several stepmothers and then her father, the teenage Elizabeth was confronted with the predatory attentions of Sir Thomas Seymour. The result was devastating, causing a heartbreaking rift with her beloved stepmother Katherine Parr.
Elizabeth was placed in further jeopardy when she was implicated in the Wyatt Rebellion of 1554 – a plot to topple her half-sister, Mary, from her throne. Imprisoned in the Tower of London where her mother had lost her life, under intense pressure and interrogation Elizabeth adamantly protested her innocence. Though she was eventually liberated, she spent the remainder of Mary’s reign under a dark cloud. On 17 November 1558, however, the uncertainty of Elizabeth’s future came to an end when she succeeded to the throne at the age of twenty-five.
When Elizabeth became queen, she had already endured more tumult than many monarchs experienced in a lifetime. This colourful and immensely detailed biography charts Elizabeth’s turbulent and unstable upbringing, exploring the dangers and tragedies that plagued her early life. Nicola Tallis draws on primary sources written by Elizabeth herself and her contemporaries, providing an extensive and thorough study of an exceptionally resilient youngster whose early life would shape the queen she later became. The heart racing story of Elizabeth’s youth as she steered her way through perilous waters towards England’s throne is one of the most sensational of its time.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 29, 2024
135 people are currently reading
1169 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 12, 2024
The Queen's life until her formal anointment seems to have been discussed both in fiction and non-fiction in numerous publication, yet the Author managed to compile an unputdownable book that kept me invested throughout. Ms Tallis combined engaging writing style with detailed description of Elizabeth's life, and convincingly presents the woman who from the earliest days of her life had to learn how to survive and evade traps and dangers. Being clever and having the skills to 'read' people and interpret circumantances were Elizabeth's strengths which one day brought her the crown.
A big thank-you to Nicola Tallis, Simon & Schuster, and Edelweiss for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
A big thank-you to Nicola Tallis, Simon & Schuster, and Edelweiss for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
July 19, 2024
4.5 ⭐ rounded up
A splendid biography detailing the early years of Elizabeth I, from the circumstances surrounding her birth right up to her coronation as Queen. Scholarly done with footnotes and an extensive bibliography. Well worth a read!
A splendid biography detailing the early years of Elizabeth I, from the circumstances surrounding her birth right up to her coronation as Queen. Scholarly done with footnotes and an extensive bibliography. Well worth a read!
April 30, 2024
Even if you don’t hold a university degree in psychology; you are probably well aware that a child’s upbringing, environment and traumas yield the complete adult that they become. This is simply an inescapable fact, be it something that rears its head occasionally or as an active everyday component. The Great Gloriana, Queen Elizabeth I, is a shining example of this; having grown up motherless after the beheading of Anne Boleyn, enduring multiple stepmothers, health issues, mental distress about her future when declared illegitimate, imprisonment, house arrest and a strained relationship with her half- sister, Queen Mary. Source material on Elizabeth is hardly fragmentary with what feels like millions of biographical portraits available on the history book shelves. Yet, it has been 20 years since a youth-focused account has been added to the accounts. Renowned English historian Nicola Tallis focuses on the early years of Elizabeth’s life in, “Young Elizabeth: Elizabeth I and Her Perilous Path to the Crown”.
Nicola Tallis, working with the Historic Royal Palaces, is no stranger to English history readers having written several books, been the key source for many projects and working in tandem with other famous English historians. In fact, Tallis is a colleague of my own friends/colleagues (I’ve been featured in a 16th century history summit alongside her) although we have never personally conversed. All of this means that she is a credible writer of English history. That said, “Young Elizabeth” encompasses the same highs and lows that readers of Tallis’s previous works will find familiar.
“Young Elizabeth” is a highly-promoted piece that has been shouted from the rooftops by Tallis, the above-mentioned colleagues and publishers as being a fresh, revelatory and indulgent look at the younger years of Elizabeth’s life, her assent to the throne and the psychological ramifications on her character. Yet, as always with Tallis, this simply isn’t the case. “Young Elizabeth” begins with a history of Tudor court life and Elizabeth’s parents (King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn) which is indeed particularly important to lay the foundation that will be Elizabeth in a metaphorical sense. There is nothing new here and readers of the subject will merely find this to be a historical recap. This is at least off-set by the actual writing style that Tallis always exemplifies with a fast-flowing, detailed and visual narrative but still heavy on the academia. “Young Elizabeth” is certainly readable.
Unfortunately, as “Young Elizabeth” progresses into Elizabeth’s actual life highlights; it continues to merely recall history. This is absolutely nothing earth-shattering or ‘new’ in “Young Elizabeth” with regards to information or even a fresh perspective presentation. Everything that graces the pages of “Young Elizabeth” has been discussed millions of times and is everything that English history lovers already know. Now, this isn’t to say that history books are ‘supposed’ to break such boundaries and offer anything that hasn’t been done before – sometimes we simply need to introduce readers to the subjects or provide reinforcement and that’s okay! The issue here that Tallis and the book blurbs made such lofty claims and didn’t live up to the thesis. Be honest and say “Young Elizabeth” is simple a biography of her childhood days and we move on. We will still read it! However, acting like it is something it isn’t is hugely disappointing.
Additionally, there is something about “Young Elizabeth” that can’t quite be pinpointed per cause; but sort of keeps Elizabeth aloof and distanced from the readers. There isn’t an opportunity to really get to know Elizabeth, her psyche or see/understand her in a way that jumps out from other books on the subject. There is a missing element in “Young Elizabeth” which may be due to the history recall aspect.
On a positive note, Tallis sticks to her habit of block quotes and heavy sourcing from primary materials, letters, documents and private writings which does in some sense aid in bringing “Young Elizabeth” to life. Tallis also succeeds in not forming a definitive bias and showcasing both sides of Elizabeth’s story by sourcing both those who didn’t favor her and those who held her in high regard. This conceptualizes a more complete picture of Elizabeth versus the typical worshiping at her feet.
The highlights of “Young Elizabeth” are the discussions of the conflict and alleged sexual harassment in the hands of Thomas Seymour and the ill-treatment from Elizabeth’s half-sister, Mary. Tallis is concise but also entertaining allowing readers to be both interested and informed.
“Young Elizabeth” concludes with Elizabeth gaining the throne and summarizes her path to wearing the crown. This isn’t as memorable as the appendices in which Tallis quickly mentions her thoughts on Elizabeth’s health problems (having consulted health professionals) and the modern-day state of actual real estate Elizabeth passed through during her time. Tallis always crafts unique and compelling appendices and the only sore spot is that these aren’t longer in “Young Elizabeth”.
Tallis supplements “Young Elizabeth” with not just one but TWO sections of photo plates, although like the rest of “Young Elizabeth”: there aren’t any images readers haven’t seen 800 times. Tallis also offers lightly annotated notes and a list of primary and secondary sources.
“Young Elizabeth” is a solid and readable account of the juvenile years of Elizabeth Tudor but don’t expect it to live up to its claims of anything revolutionary. Despite this, “Young Elizabeth” is still suggested for Tudor history lovers as it serves as a firm recap or to those seeking an introduction. I will continue to read Tallis as I always do for this reason, alone.
Nicola Tallis, working with the Historic Royal Palaces, is no stranger to English history readers having written several books, been the key source for many projects and working in tandem with other famous English historians. In fact, Tallis is a colleague of my own friends/colleagues (I’ve been featured in a 16th century history summit alongside her) although we have never personally conversed. All of this means that she is a credible writer of English history. That said, “Young Elizabeth” encompasses the same highs and lows that readers of Tallis’s previous works will find familiar.
“Young Elizabeth” is a highly-promoted piece that has been shouted from the rooftops by Tallis, the above-mentioned colleagues and publishers as being a fresh, revelatory and indulgent look at the younger years of Elizabeth’s life, her assent to the throne and the psychological ramifications on her character. Yet, as always with Tallis, this simply isn’t the case. “Young Elizabeth” begins with a history of Tudor court life and Elizabeth’s parents (King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn) which is indeed particularly important to lay the foundation that will be Elizabeth in a metaphorical sense. There is nothing new here and readers of the subject will merely find this to be a historical recap. This is at least off-set by the actual writing style that Tallis always exemplifies with a fast-flowing, detailed and visual narrative but still heavy on the academia. “Young Elizabeth” is certainly readable.
Unfortunately, as “Young Elizabeth” progresses into Elizabeth’s actual life highlights; it continues to merely recall history. This is absolutely nothing earth-shattering or ‘new’ in “Young Elizabeth” with regards to information or even a fresh perspective presentation. Everything that graces the pages of “Young Elizabeth” has been discussed millions of times and is everything that English history lovers already know. Now, this isn’t to say that history books are ‘supposed’ to break such boundaries and offer anything that hasn’t been done before – sometimes we simply need to introduce readers to the subjects or provide reinforcement and that’s okay! The issue here that Tallis and the book blurbs made such lofty claims and didn’t live up to the thesis. Be honest and say “Young Elizabeth” is simple a biography of her childhood days and we move on. We will still read it! However, acting like it is something it isn’t is hugely disappointing.
Additionally, there is something about “Young Elizabeth” that can’t quite be pinpointed per cause; but sort of keeps Elizabeth aloof and distanced from the readers. There isn’t an opportunity to really get to know Elizabeth, her psyche or see/understand her in a way that jumps out from other books on the subject. There is a missing element in “Young Elizabeth” which may be due to the history recall aspect.
On a positive note, Tallis sticks to her habit of block quotes and heavy sourcing from primary materials, letters, documents and private writings which does in some sense aid in bringing “Young Elizabeth” to life. Tallis also succeeds in not forming a definitive bias and showcasing both sides of Elizabeth’s story by sourcing both those who didn’t favor her and those who held her in high regard. This conceptualizes a more complete picture of Elizabeth versus the typical worshiping at her feet.
The highlights of “Young Elizabeth” are the discussions of the conflict and alleged sexual harassment in the hands of Thomas Seymour and the ill-treatment from Elizabeth’s half-sister, Mary. Tallis is concise but also entertaining allowing readers to be both interested and informed.
“Young Elizabeth” concludes with Elizabeth gaining the throne and summarizes her path to wearing the crown. This isn’t as memorable as the appendices in which Tallis quickly mentions her thoughts on Elizabeth’s health problems (having consulted health professionals) and the modern-day state of actual real estate Elizabeth passed through during her time. Tallis always crafts unique and compelling appendices and the only sore spot is that these aren’t longer in “Young Elizabeth”.
Tallis supplements “Young Elizabeth” with not just one but TWO sections of photo plates, although like the rest of “Young Elizabeth”: there aren’t any images readers haven’t seen 800 times. Tallis also offers lightly annotated notes and a list of primary and secondary sources.
“Young Elizabeth” is a solid and readable account of the juvenile years of Elizabeth Tudor but don’t expect it to live up to its claims of anything revolutionary. Despite this, “Young Elizabeth” is still suggested for Tudor history lovers as it serves as a firm recap or to those seeking an introduction. I will continue to read Tallis as I always do for this reason, alone.
March 1, 2024
Expected to be a boy, Elizabeth was a disappointment to her father on birth. Her mother was accused of much and executed and Elizabeth pronounced a bastard before the age of three. Until her late teens, Elizabeth was not really a credible candidate for the throne as her illegitimacy and then her religion stood against her. Potentially abused by her guardian's husband and used as a pawn by many powerful men, this intelligent girl learned to politic to survive.
Usually a biography of Elizabeth I skips lightly over her formative years with huge gaps during her childhood, here Tallis has chosen to focus on the life of the monarch before her coronation and a really excellent book it is. The meticulous research really fills in a lot of gaps and outlines the psychological influences on the actions during the actual reign. Relationships are explored and there is a genuine empathy for the difficult situations a vulnerable girl finds herself in.
Usually a biography of Elizabeth I skips lightly over her formative years with huge gaps during her childhood, here Tallis has chosen to focus on the life of the monarch before her coronation and a really excellent book it is. The meticulous research really fills in a lot of gaps and outlines the psychological influences on the actions during the actual reign. Relationships are explored and there is a genuine empathy for the difficult situations a vulnerable girl finds herself in.
July 24, 2024
4++
Wow! Finished this morning and still pondering it. Such research into 500 years ago Britain, to put it all together. Kudos to Ms Tallis. Family full of tragedies?
Too many religions? Too many wives, Henry? How did Elizabeth survive to reign?
So much information floating around in my head…yet so glad I stuck with it!
Wow! Finished this morning and still pondering it. Such research into 500 years ago Britain, to put it all together. Kudos to Ms Tallis. Family full of tragedies?
Too many religions? Too many wives, Henry? How did Elizabeth survive to reign?
So much information floating around in my head…yet so glad I stuck with it!
December 4, 2025
Excellent. Tallis's portrait of Elizabeth Tudor before she became Elizabeth I, covering her childhood and young adulthood until her coronation at the age of 25, is well researched and utterly engrossing.
February 1, 2024
Nicola Tallis' "Young Elizabeth" is a splendid journey through the early life of the iconic queen, skillfully intertwining personal details with the turbulent political landscape that shaped her destiny. The meticulous research is evident in every page, offering readers a fresh perspective on Elizabeth's formative years.
Tallis's powerful writing not only mirrors the indomitable spirit of Elizabeth but also immerses readers in the intricate web of Tudor politics.
For history enthusiasts, this book is a treasure trove of information with a compelling narrative that keeps readers captivated.
A unique focus on Elizabeth's early life sets it apart, from many previous books that I've read about Elizabeth's life.
This book is a perfect read for fans of the Tudor period, offering a nuanced perspective on a queen who would eventually shape the course of history.
In conclusion, I highly recommend "Young Elizabeth" to history enthusiasts and fans of Tudor literature alike. It's a must-read that seamlessly blends scholarly research with a captivating narrative. Heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Michael O'Mara Ltd. for the opportunity to delve into this Tudor gem.
Tallis's powerful writing not only mirrors the indomitable spirit of Elizabeth but also immerses readers in the intricate web of Tudor politics.
For history enthusiasts, this book is a treasure trove of information with a compelling narrative that keeps readers captivated.
A unique focus on Elizabeth's early life sets it apart, from many previous books that I've read about Elizabeth's life.
This book is a perfect read for fans of the Tudor period, offering a nuanced perspective on a queen who would eventually shape the course of history.
In conclusion, I highly recommend "Young Elizabeth" to history enthusiasts and fans of Tudor literature alike. It's a must-read that seamlessly blends scholarly research with a captivating narrative. Heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Michael O'Mara Ltd. for the opportunity to delve into this Tudor gem.
February 29, 2024
A very interesting biography about Elizabeth I reflecting her life journey towards the crown. Though very detailed and deeply researched, this biography can be read by any reader as well as any academic also looking for many references. The writing is fluid making this book very pleasant to read.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
October 14, 2025
I do enjoy reading biographies of the English Monarchs in this period of our history. This book looks at the life of Elizabeth I from her birth up to her coronation.
The life of Elizabeth was not a carefree one, her mother was Anne Boleyn, who her father, Henry VIII, beheaded when Elizabeth was only 3. Her half-sister Mary tried to take the throne from her, and obviously, Elizabeth had step-mothers that came and went with the seasons!
The author goes into great detail about the life of Elizabeth, her birth, the politics, the throne, power struggles, and everyday life being a Princess and living in a Royal household. The author shows her knowledge of the future Queen, which I found to be fascinating and also interesting. I am aware of the trouble that surrounded Elizabeth before and after her coronation, but there is always something new to learn.
The way this book is laid out is very good, as a reader, you are led through and explained to the various plots, scandals, power plays and more. Done in a way that makes sense, and keeps your interest. There is quite a bit of referencing throughout, but I do tend to ignore this and stick with the bulk of the text. Great reference section at the end for further reading if you want to.
This is a brilliant book to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed adding to and learning more about the young Elizabeth who would then go on to be crowned Queen. The author shows a woman who was not just a princess, but someone who was clever, shrewd and had a sense of her own place in the world at the time of those around her. AN absolutely fascinating woman.
If you are a lover of history, especially of the Tudors, British Monarchy, politics and power play in the 1500s, understanding how a young woman would go on to become Queen, then this is a book you want on your list to read. It is one that I would definitely recommend.
The life of Elizabeth was not a carefree one, her mother was Anne Boleyn, who her father, Henry VIII, beheaded when Elizabeth was only 3. Her half-sister Mary tried to take the throne from her, and obviously, Elizabeth had step-mothers that came and went with the seasons!
The author goes into great detail about the life of Elizabeth, her birth, the politics, the throne, power struggles, and everyday life being a Princess and living in a Royal household. The author shows her knowledge of the future Queen, which I found to be fascinating and also interesting. I am aware of the trouble that surrounded Elizabeth before and after her coronation, but there is always something new to learn.
The way this book is laid out is very good, as a reader, you are led through and explained to the various plots, scandals, power plays and more. Done in a way that makes sense, and keeps your interest. There is quite a bit of referencing throughout, but I do tend to ignore this and stick with the bulk of the text. Great reference section at the end for further reading if you want to.
This is a brilliant book to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed adding to and learning more about the young Elizabeth who would then go on to be crowned Queen. The author shows a woman who was not just a princess, but someone who was clever, shrewd and had a sense of her own place in the world at the time of those around her. AN absolutely fascinating woman.
If you are a lover of history, especially of the Tudors, British Monarchy, politics and power play in the 1500s, understanding how a young woman would go on to become Queen, then this is a book you want on your list to read. It is one that I would definitely recommend.
March 9, 2024
One of the easiest 5 star ratings I have ever given. This book was phenomenal. Most of us know about Elizabeth I’s life when she was queen, but fewer of us know about her life prior to becoming queen, as these years are often glossed over or overlooked completely. This book changes all that. Taking a deep dive into Elizabeth’s early life, from her birth in 1533 to her accession to the throne in 1558, Dr Nicola Tallis re-examines and reevaluates all that we know about this incredible historical figure. The result is one of the best historical biographies in years, and one of the best books on Elizabeth I full stop. It’s beautifully written, packed full of impeccable research and it will certainly teach you some things you didn’t know about before. I cannot praise it highly enough. I also now intend to read the rest of Nicola’s published books, as I’m of the opinion she could write about a Tudor shopping list and make it interesting.
April 20, 2024
This book concentrates on the life of Elizabeth from her birth to the moment she became Queen.
I knew from other reading that this road was a perilous one, especially in the reign of her half sister Mary I (Bloody Mary). What I sort of knew was that Elizabeth had a brilliant mind but did not know she was multi-lingual by the time she was 12 years old. I also didn't know that when Mary I ascended the throne, that she was greeted with support of most of the populace. That of course changed over her 5-year reign. The writing style of this historian is that of a storyteller. I felt as if I was a witness to history. I liked the fact that she pointed out that Elizabeth was a shrewd political operator even in her youth. I appreciated too, that the author pointed out that Elizabeth was also bloody, like her 1/2 sister, with her executions of Catholics. Another plus is that the author does not overly rely on direct quotes from the actual players in this real-life drama. When she does provide quotes, they are understandable to modern ears.
I knew from other reading that this road was a perilous one, especially in the reign of her half sister Mary I (Bloody Mary). What I sort of knew was that Elizabeth had a brilliant mind but did not know she was multi-lingual by the time she was 12 years old. I also didn't know that when Mary I ascended the throne, that she was greeted with support of most of the populace. That of course changed over her 5-year reign. The writing style of this historian is that of a storyteller. I felt as if I was a witness to history. I liked the fact that she pointed out that Elizabeth was a shrewd political operator even in her youth. I appreciated too, that the author pointed out that Elizabeth was also bloody, like her 1/2 sister, with her executions of Catholics. Another plus is that the author does not overly rely on direct quotes from the actual players in this real-life drama. When she does provide quotes, they are understandable to modern ears.
November 18, 2023
Young Elizabeth: Princess. Prisoner. Queen. by Nicola Tallis is a great nonfiction that delves into the early life of Queen Elizabeth…before she became Queen.
I have enjoyed several books by Ms. Tallis in the past, and this falls right amongst the others. I know quite a bit about this infamous Tudor Queen, but it was great to read a well-researched book focusing on her life leading up the throne. Learning more about the “person” behind the “position” gives more insight on just how this woman became one of the most famous monarchs of all time.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Michael O'Mara Limited, Michael O'Mara for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/29/24.
I have enjoyed several books by Ms. Tallis in the past, and this falls right amongst the others. I know quite a bit about this infamous Tudor Queen, but it was great to read a well-researched book focusing on her life leading up the throne. Learning more about the “person” behind the “position” gives more insight on just how this woman became one of the most famous monarchs of all time.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Michael O'Mara Limited, Michael O'Mara for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/29/24.
February 29, 2024
Brings to life the young girl who would later become such an iconic, influential British monarch
“The stigma of illegitimacy, cast upon her by her own father, meant she was cut out of the line of succession before her 3rd birthday”
Her path to the throne was far from smooth, and her future was never set in stone, her life was subject to the twists and turns of the unstable politics of the period.
It will completely transform how you see young Elizabeth.
Well researched, beautifully written, in a totally accessible way for any reader
Thanks @historian_nicola, @michaelomarabooks & @netgalley for such a page turner
“The stigma of illegitimacy, cast upon her by her own father, meant she was cut out of the line of succession before her 3rd birthday”
Her path to the throne was far from smooth, and her future was never set in stone, her life was subject to the twists and turns of the unstable politics of the period.
It will completely transform how you see young Elizabeth.
Well researched, beautifully written, in a totally accessible way for any reader
Thanks @historian_nicola, @michaelomarabooks & @netgalley for such a page turner
February 5, 2024
Young Elizabeth by Nicola Tallis is an informative and engaging account of the life of Queen Elizabeth 1 of England, from her birth to the moment she came to the throne. I have read several biographies but none with such a detailed focus on this part of her life and seeing how the politics of the time affected her childhood and youth made for fascinating reading. Her life was as tumultuous as the subtitle Princess, Prisoner, Queen suggests and I was impressed by the research carried out by the author and the details about sources used which were incorporated into the book. The book does not skimp on historical fact and detail, but the writing has a real narrative quality that draws the reader in and entertains as much as it educates.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
February 7, 2024
This is the best history book that I have read for a long, long time. Not only is it set in almost everyone's favourite time period, it is well written, well documented, with superb dialogue and superb notes.
I did not know Nicola Tallis as a writer of history books but I will certainly look out for her in future.
The author pitched the content just right, not too academic, not too sensational, obviously well researched. I would recommend this book to all lovers of history books, and I think that readers of fiction should give it a go as well.
Thanks to the author for a fantastic book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did not know Nicola Tallis as a writer of history books but I will certainly look out for her in future.
The author pitched the content just right, not too academic, not too sensational, obviously well researched. I would recommend this book to all lovers of history books, and I think that readers of fiction should give it a go as well.
Thanks to the author for a fantastic book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 19, 2024
Well done. Of course, I would have liked even more detail (it did feel like a lot of summary sections …) but I suspect she wrote for a wider audience than me!
February 7, 2024
I am a huge fan of all things Tudor, I enjoy both non fiction and fictional works on the era and this was not a disappointment.
Thoroughly well researched, this incredible and detailed description of Elizabeth I’s early years where her life was in constant turmoil is a most moreish read.
Attention to detail while engaging the reader is prevalent in this book, and ai would recommend to anyone interested in this era.
Thoroughly well researched, this incredible and detailed description of Elizabeth I’s early years where her life was in constant turmoil is a most moreish read.
Attention to detail while engaging the reader is prevalent in this book, and ai would recommend to anyone interested in this era.
March 5, 2024
there's been a lot of great tudor books released in the past five years or so, and this one is no exception, an absolute heater
December 7, 2023
This is a thoroughly well-researched, well-written & insightful book.
Like the author, my passion for the Tudors was ignited by my mum, when we went to the National Portrait Gallery. If there is a book available about the Tudors (fiction or non-fiction) I’ll be interested in reading it so when the publishers reached out to me about this one, I jumped at the chance.
This book covers the early years of Elizabeth I, before she became Gloriana. From the circumstances surrounding her conception and birth to her coronation day, this book has it covered and covers it well. The story of Henry & Anne is well-known & can sometimes seem stale if you’ve read it too many times, but Nicola Tallis deals with it with brevity and interest. As the book moves through Elizabeth’s life, we see it through her eyes by her letters and other first hand accounts. This part of Elizabeth’s history isn’t often something you see or read about in detail so it was refreshing to get this part of her story. As for the text itself, this is well backed up with multiple sources and is both accessible to the reader, whilst also being authoritative. I would definitely be interested in reading future books by this author.
Thanks to the author, publishers & NetGalley for access to this ARC in return for an honest review.
Like the author, my passion for the Tudors was ignited by my mum, when we went to the National Portrait Gallery. If there is a book available about the Tudors (fiction or non-fiction) I’ll be interested in reading it so when the publishers reached out to me about this one, I jumped at the chance.
This book covers the early years of Elizabeth I, before she became Gloriana. From the circumstances surrounding her conception and birth to her coronation day, this book has it covered and covers it well. The story of Henry & Anne is well-known & can sometimes seem stale if you’ve read it too many times, but Nicola Tallis deals with it with brevity and interest. As the book moves through Elizabeth’s life, we see it through her eyes by her letters and other first hand accounts. This part of Elizabeth’s history isn’t often something you see or read about in detail so it was refreshing to get this part of her story. As for the text itself, this is well backed up with multiple sources and is both accessible to the reader, whilst also being authoritative. I would definitely be interested in reading future books by this author.
Thanks to the author, publishers & NetGalley for access to this ARC in return for an honest review.
June 17, 2024
Young Elizabeth traces the life of Queen Elizabeth 1 from the time of her birth to the beginning of her reign as queen. And while I enjoyed this book quite a bit, it has to be quite something in order to stand out from the huge amount of work that already exists about her life. There is little question that the traumas of childhood will affect and shape your life and Elizabeth had survived quite a lot while growing up in the tumultuous reign of first Henry VIII, then through the shorter reigns of her brother and sister. Growing up motherless after the beheading of Anne Boleyn and dealing with the slurs that put on her birth and the questions of her legitimacy, enduring multiple stepmothers, having to deal with implications of plots against the crown and subsequent imprisonment and house arrests, mental health issues resulting from the political plotting, and the physical ailments from which she suffered, Elizabeth suffered through quite a bit while growing up, but managed to survive and achieve something very few people thought she would achieve, the crown.
The book begins with a history of King Henry VIII and his courtship of Anne Boleyn, something that is necessary to include as it has a huge impact on what happens later in Elizabeth's life. While I don't feel that anything new was added, and have actually read more detailed accounts in other books, the author does draw a lot on academic facts and tries to keep an open mind with readers, to let them draw their own conclusions. While it was very readable, this type of writing continued into the next parts of the book as well. There was nothing wrong with the research or the writing style, but what it did was distance Elizabeth so that I didn't really feel a connection to her, her suffering, and what she was going through. I enjoyed it on purely on an academic level, but not an emotional one. I did thoroughly enjoy the discussions around Thomas Seymour as well as the contrasting relationships with Edward and Mary. I thought the author did a tenable job portraying sources from people who did not see her in a favourable light as well as from those who spent the most time with her allowing the reader to form their own thoughts and opinions on the topics being discussed based on informed and valid sources. While I don't feel anything new was brought to the table, it was still interesting.
What I did find fascinating were the author's thoughts on Elizabeth's health problems found in one of the appendices. Having consulted with professionals, she outlines her thoughts on the problems that Elizabeth suffered throughout her life. There were also her notes on the places mentioned in the book and what currently exists in today's modern world. I actually felt these were too short and would have liked to read a lot more on her thoughts. I also spent some times reading through the notes included within her primary and secondary sources, but that may just be the history geek in me.
Young Elizabeth, while extremely readable, did not really add that much more to the bulk of work that currently exists on Elizabeth 1. If you are looking for a good recap of Elizabeth's life before she ascended the throne, of if you are new to the world of the Tudors and don't know where to start, this is a great book from which to do so as it doesn't overwhelm and the explanations are quite clear. I have always enjoyed this author's non-fiction work, and will continue to read future publications just because I find them so readable.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
The book begins with a history of King Henry VIII and his courtship of Anne Boleyn, something that is necessary to include as it has a huge impact on what happens later in Elizabeth's life. While I don't feel that anything new was added, and have actually read more detailed accounts in other books, the author does draw a lot on academic facts and tries to keep an open mind with readers, to let them draw their own conclusions. While it was very readable, this type of writing continued into the next parts of the book as well. There was nothing wrong with the research or the writing style, but what it did was distance Elizabeth so that I didn't really feel a connection to her, her suffering, and what she was going through. I enjoyed it on purely on an academic level, but not an emotional one. I did thoroughly enjoy the discussions around Thomas Seymour as well as the contrasting relationships with Edward and Mary. I thought the author did a tenable job portraying sources from people who did not see her in a favourable light as well as from those who spent the most time with her allowing the reader to form their own thoughts and opinions on the topics being discussed based on informed and valid sources. While I don't feel anything new was brought to the table, it was still interesting.
What I did find fascinating were the author's thoughts on Elizabeth's health problems found in one of the appendices. Having consulted with professionals, she outlines her thoughts on the problems that Elizabeth suffered throughout her life. There were also her notes on the places mentioned in the book and what currently exists in today's modern world. I actually felt these were too short and would have liked to read a lot more on her thoughts. I also spent some times reading through the notes included within her primary and secondary sources, but that may just be the history geek in me.
Young Elizabeth, while extremely readable, did not really add that much more to the bulk of work that currently exists on Elizabeth 1. If you are looking for a good recap of Elizabeth's life before she ascended the throne, of if you are new to the world of the Tudors and don't know where to start, this is a great book from which to do so as it doesn't overwhelm and the explanations are quite clear. I have always enjoyed this author's non-fiction work, and will continue to read future publications just because I find them so readable.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
November 4, 2025
Visually Stunning As Always.
My interest is women through history up until including the 17th century.
The front cover of this book is beautiful with Elizabeth's portrait and golden glossy writing set on Royal Blue.
I love the subheading for this: Princess. Prisoner. Queen.
On this occasion I was looking for books on Lady Jane Grey, Mary 1 and Elizabeth 1.
Mary 1 Queen Of Sorrows jumped out at me from the bookshelf by Alison Weir. The other 2 i had to do more research until I decided on Nicola Tallis.
I was aware that this book is just about Elizabeth's young life prior to her life as Queen. It goes up to her Coronation. I know that I'll have to search for a book as Elizabeth as Queen next.
So I chose Nicola Tallis as I loved listening to her interviews on podcasts.
Unlike Alison Weir's book, this isn't a historical fictional novel based on the facts but it reads like one (not as flowingly as her Lady Jane Grey book) with all the details of Elizabeth's life from birth and quite a lot about her sister Mary too.
I highly recommend that you read Alison Weir's Mary Queen Of Sorrows too as both books dovetail their life stories. I much preferred the way Alison wrote her book and wished that Young Elizabeth had been written that way too as it's much more of an enjoyable read.
I found this to be spiritless as i dredged my way through. Sure all the facts are here and of course it's incredibly researched but it makes for an unexciting tiresome reading experience.
However there are some fantastic illustrations which are photos of original portraits, buildings of residences, paintings, letters & jewellery. These make up 2 eight page sections of the book on quality glossy paper.
I loved Nicola's Lady Jane Grey book Crown Of Blood which i rated 5 stars, which cranked up a gear from when she became Queen setting off a brilliant climax that just couldn't be stopped!
With Young Elizabeth there is no climax, it's just a straight path.
But that's the history, or is it Nicola's writing style for this book? Who am I to judge?
I feel that this would have been so much different had the book gone on to include her life as Queen. Now there's a climax.
Still i highly recommend this book and it'll have its proud place on my bookshelf with its factual history of young Elizabeth's life.
My interest is women through history up until including the 17th century.
The front cover of this book is beautiful with Elizabeth's portrait and golden glossy writing set on Royal Blue.
I love the subheading for this: Princess. Prisoner. Queen.
On this occasion I was looking for books on Lady Jane Grey, Mary 1 and Elizabeth 1.
Mary 1 Queen Of Sorrows jumped out at me from the bookshelf by Alison Weir. The other 2 i had to do more research until I decided on Nicola Tallis.
I was aware that this book is just about Elizabeth's young life prior to her life as Queen. It goes up to her Coronation. I know that I'll have to search for a book as Elizabeth as Queen next.
So I chose Nicola Tallis as I loved listening to her interviews on podcasts.
Unlike Alison Weir's book, this isn't a historical fictional novel based on the facts but it reads like one (not as flowingly as her Lady Jane Grey book) with all the details of Elizabeth's life from birth and quite a lot about her sister Mary too.
I highly recommend that you read Alison Weir's Mary Queen Of Sorrows too as both books dovetail their life stories. I much preferred the way Alison wrote her book and wished that Young Elizabeth had been written that way too as it's much more of an enjoyable read.
I found this to be spiritless as i dredged my way through. Sure all the facts are here and of course it's incredibly researched but it makes for an unexciting tiresome reading experience.
However there are some fantastic illustrations which are photos of original portraits, buildings of residences, paintings, letters & jewellery. These make up 2 eight page sections of the book on quality glossy paper.
I loved Nicola's Lady Jane Grey book Crown Of Blood which i rated 5 stars, which cranked up a gear from when she became Queen setting off a brilliant climax that just couldn't be stopped!
With Young Elizabeth there is no climax, it's just a straight path.
But that's the history, or is it Nicola's writing style for this book? Who am I to judge?
I feel that this would have been so much different had the book gone on to include her life as Queen. Now there's a climax.
Still i highly recommend this book and it'll have its proud place on my bookshelf with its factual history of young Elizabeth's life.
February 19, 2024
A familiar story, but told from the viewpoint of a Princess who quickly learnt about the disappointment of being born the wrong sex.
Henry the Eighth and Anne Boleyn wanted a son, heir to their new Protestant Kingdom, but a girl arrived and everything changed for both mother and daughter.
Elizabeth lost her place in the line of succession when she was three years old. Her mother was beheaded upon trumped up charges of adultery and during her young life, she had four stepmothers. She very quickly learnt not to trust men. I shall never marry, she is rumoured to have said, and who could blame her? As an eligible female, she was paraded in front of foreign ambassador on the marriage merry go round, but, she refused any suitors, as she was content to be ‘ settled in the single state’.
Her life was in peril many times and she was imprisoned in the Tower of London, when her step sister Queen Mary believed she was planning against her Catholic Religion.
Elizabeth ascended the throne when she was 25 years old. She was incredibly well educated , has a good working knowledge of at least six languages, could debate with her ministers, had beautiful handwriting, and a love of fine clothes and jewels. She was tolerant of religious differences, and rules her realm fairly.
If only her father could have known what a strong and impressive Queen she became. The most touching aspect is the description of the Chequers Ring, worn constantly by the Queen. Hidden inside are two portraits, one of Elizabeth, the other of her mother, Anne Boleyn.
All portraits of Anne had been destroyed on the orders of King Henry, the portraits we have now were commissioned many years after her death.
I found this to be a very powerful and well researched novel. Finally, Elizabeth has a voice!
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Michael O’ Mara Limited for my advanced copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I shall leave my five star rated review to Goodreads and Amazon upon publication.
Henry the Eighth and Anne Boleyn wanted a son, heir to their new Protestant Kingdom, but a girl arrived and everything changed for both mother and daughter.
Elizabeth lost her place in the line of succession when she was three years old. Her mother was beheaded upon trumped up charges of adultery and during her young life, she had four stepmothers. She very quickly learnt not to trust men. I shall never marry, she is rumoured to have said, and who could blame her? As an eligible female, she was paraded in front of foreign ambassador on the marriage merry go round, but, she refused any suitors, as she was content to be ‘ settled in the single state’.
Her life was in peril many times and she was imprisoned in the Tower of London, when her step sister Queen Mary believed she was planning against her Catholic Religion.
Elizabeth ascended the throne when she was 25 years old. She was incredibly well educated , has a good working knowledge of at least six languages, could debate with her ministers, had beautiful handwriting, and a love of fine clothes and jewels. She was tolerant of religious differences, and rules her realm fairly.
If only her father could have known what a strong and impressive Queen she became. The most touching aspect is the description of the Chequers Ring, worn constantly by the Queen. Hidden inside are two portraits, one of Elizabeth, the other of her mother, Anne Boleyn.
All portraits of Anne had been destroyed on the orders of King Henry, the portraits we have now were commissioned many years after her death.
I found this to be a very powerful and well researched novel. Finally, Elizabeth has a voice!
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Michael O’ Mara Limited for my advanced copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I shall leave my five star rated review to Goodreads and Amazon upon publication.
January 5, 2025
Elizabeth I, England’s most famous monarch, has been the subject of many books varying in quality. Some of them are excellent, some could’ve used some improvement, while some are quite terrible. Luckily, Nicola Tallis’s biography fits in the first category.
Elizabeth’s formative years were the most turbulent period of her life. By the time she became Queen at the age of 25, she had dealt with a lifetime of trauma, which included: the execution of her mother before Elizabeth had turned three; the execution of another stepmother; parental neglect; grooming at the hands of a ruthless lord when she was only 14; and imprisonment in the Tower of London under sister's order, due to suspicion of treason. Those tumultuous years shaped the kind of ruler Elizabeth would be, in comparison to her half-siblings, Elizabeth was more shrewd, cautious, and willing to negotiate.
Fortunately, there were also more positive experiences that influenced the ruler Elizabeth would grow into, such as her humanist education, which had started when she was just a child and continued into her 20s. The Queen would retain her love of learning for the rest of her life.
Of course, none of this is new information. However, Tallis narrates the story of the young Elizabeth in a very enthralling way, more so than other authors who have also written books on Elizabeth’s formative years. While David Starkey’s Elizabeth: The Struggle for The Throne is an excellent read, I believe Tallis’s book is more detailed and engaging.
Tallis dives into aspects that were overlooked in other books, such as Elizabeth's relationships with her first 3 stepmothers (Jane Seymour, Anne of Clever and Katherine Howard) and with her younger brother, Edward VI, thus uncovering small details that had been neglected. For example, I had no idea that as a teenager, Elizabeth asked her brother to let her remain unmarried.
To sum up, Nicola Tallis’s Young Elizabeth is essential reading for those interested in Elizabeth, even if you're already well-acquainted with her life. It is an absolute page-turner!
Elizabeth’s formative years were the most turbulent period of her life. By the time she became Queen at the age of 25, she had dealt with a lifetime of trauma, which included: the execution of her mother before Elizabeth had turned three; the execution of another stepmother; parental neglect; grooming at the hands of a ruthless lord when she was only 14; and imprisonment in the Tower of London under sister's order, due to suspicion of treason. Those tumultuous years shaped the kind of ruler Elizabeth would be, in comparison to her half-siblings, Elizabeth was more shrewd, cautious, and willing to negotiate.
Fortunately, there were also more positive experiences that influenced the ruler Elizabeth would grow into, such as her humanist education, which had started when she was just a child and continued into her 20s. The Queen would retain her love of learning for the rest of her life.
Of course, none of this is new information. However, Tallis narrates the story of the young Elizabeth in a very enthralling way, more so than other authors who have also written books on Elizabeth’s formative years. While David Starkey’s Elizabeth: The Struggle for The Throne is an excellent read, I believe Tallis’s book is more detailed and engaging.
Tallis dives into aspects that were overlooked in other books, such as Elizabeth's relationships with her first 3 stepmothers (Jane Seymour, Anne of Clever and Katherine Howard) and with her younger brother, Edward VI, thus uncovering small details that had been neglected. For example, I had no idea that as a teenager, Elizabeth asked her brother to let her remain unmarried.
To sum up, Nicola Tallis’s Young Elizabeth is essential reading for those interested in Elizabeth, even if you're already well-acquainted with her life. It is an absolute page-turner!
September 6, 2024
DNF
I skipped the first part of this book (not a good sign) as Nicola Tallis goes through the backgrounds of both Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, in great detail for a book not about them! Anyone who has read any book on Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth would know all this. To be honest, I think that most people would know details about these veery famous people, so that was a waste of time and effort.
Then we come to Elizabeth’s childhood, her young years growing up in the household of Katherine Parr, her much loved stepmother. Again, there is little new information, and I did not get any more sense of the Young Elizabeth on a more personal level that Nicola Tallis has promised. There are sadly better biographies of this amazing woman, that still manage to portray the vulnerable woman. Julia Baird wrote an exceptionally good book on Victoria, long, but this really did give us a more personal picture of another amazing woman. That book was one of the best biography of a famous figure to give us a more personal picture.
Two points about this book. I did appreciate Nicola Tallis giving us modern monetary values, without longwinded reasons why this is difficult. Secondly, I was disappointed that Robert Dudley, Elizabeth’s great love was only mentioned in passing. Yes, I appreciate that the book ends with Elizabeth’s coronation, however, they were well acquainted with each other, most especially from their time in the Tower of London. He is not even mentioned in the Dramatis Persona. So much for a more personal portrayal of Elizabeth.
I didn’t get any new information nor impressions about Elizabeth, certain;y not a more intimate picture as Nicola Tallis did promise us in her introduction.
I skipped the first part of this book (not a good sign) as Nicola Tallis goes through the backgrounds of both Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, in great detail for a book not about them! Anyone who has read any book on Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth would know all this. To be honest, I think that most people would know details about these veery famous people, so that was a waste of time and effort.
Then we come to Elizabeth’s childhood, her young years growing up in the household of Katherine Parr, her much loved stepmother. Again, there is little new information, and I did not get any more sense of the Young Elizabeth on a more personal level that Nicola Tallis has promised. There are sadly better biographies of this amazing woman, that still manage to portray the vulnerable woman. Julia Baird wrote an exceptionally good book on Victoria, long, but this really did give us a more personal picture of another amazing woman. That book was one of the best biography of a famous figure to give us a more personal picture.
Two points about this book. I did appreciate Nicola Tallis giving us modern monetary values, without longwinded reasons why this is difficult. Secondly, I was disappointed that Robert Dudley, Elizabeth’s great love was only mentioned in passing. Yes, I appreciate that the book ends with Elizabeth’s coronation, however, they were well acquainted with each other, most especially from their time in the Tower of London. He is not even mentioned in the Dramatis Persona. So much for a more personal portrayal of Elizabeth.
I didn’t get any new information nor impressions about Elizabeth, certain;y not a more intimate picture as Nicola Tallis did promise us in her introduction.
August 23, 2024
Spoilers!
This book focuses on Elizabeth 1st early life, from the moment she was born her future was uncertain, due to her mother anne boleyn negative reputation and finally her execution, elizabeth was deemed illegitemate and removed from the line of succession. As a young child she was fully aware of this and just like her sister mary (who was also deemed illegitemate when henry divorced her mother katherine) the two sisters took great comfort in eachother.
Things took a grave turn in elizabeths life when she grew older and took an interest in religion. Just like her brother edward, she was a proud protestant. She was very close to her brother, and when he became king she continued to visit him, however she and mary were still illigitemate and when edward grew gravely ill, he had no choice but to give the throne to lady jane grey (he wasnt close to mary at all, mary hated edward and elizabeth as none of them were catholics as she was, mary took the catholic religion very seriously, he didnt want a catholic on the throne). When edward passed, lady jane grey was unknown and unpopular in england, this made mary very successful in gaining supporters and dethroning lady grey, locking her up in the tower for treason before eventually having her killed.
Selfishly, mary made herself legitemate, but refused to make her sister elizabeth legitemate, keeping her out of the line of succession. Elizabeth and mary at this point hated eachother and eventually mary had elizabeth locked up in the tower of london for years and burnt anyone at the stake who refused to be catholics.
This was a huge turning point in elizabeths life, she was illigitemate, a prisoner, and possibly on her way to being executed by her own sister, and its here that we see exactly how elizabeth survived and became the most recognised ruler in english royal history.
Final thoughts:
I loved this book, it was great to see how elizabeths life changed constantly and how she adapted and adjusted herself to climbing up the ranks, going from illigitemate and hated from her mothers bad reputation, to the most powerful and recognised queen.
This book focuses on Elizabeth 1st early life, from the moment she was born her future was uncertain, due to her mother anne boleyn negative reputation and finally her execution, elizabeth was deemed illegitemate and removed from the line of succession. As a young child she was fully aware of this and just like her sister mary (who was also deemed illegitemate when henry divorced her mother katherine) the two sisters took great comfort in eachother.
Things took a grave turn in elizabeths life when she grew older and took an interest in religion. Just like her brother edward, she was a proud protestant. She was very close to her brother, and when he became king she continued to visit him, however she and mary were still illigitemate and when edward grew gravely ill, he had no choice but to give the throne to lady jane grey (he wasnt close to mary at all, mary hated edward and elizabeth as none of them were catholics as she was, mary took the catholic religion very seriously, he didnt want a catholic on the throne). When edward passed, lady jane grey was unknown and unpopular in england, this made mary very successful in gaining supporters and dethroning lady grey, locking her up in the tower for treason before eventually having her killed.
Selfishly, mary made herself legitemate, but refused to make her sister elizabeth legitemate, keeping her out of the line of succession. Elizabeth and mary at this point hated eachother and eventually mary had elizabeth locked up in the tower of london for years and burnt anyone at the stake who refused to be catholics.
This was a huge turning point in elizabeths life, she was illigitemate, a prisoner, and possibly on her way to being executed by her own sister, and its here that we see exactly how elizabeth survived and became the most recognised ruler in english royal history.
Final thoughts:
I loved this book, it was great to see how elizabeths life changed constantly and how she adapted and adjusted herself to climbing up the ranks, going from illigitemate and hated from her mothers bad reputation, to the most powerful and recognised queen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2025
Drawing on well-known facts, as well as new archival research, Nicola Tallis has done a superb job filling in the outlines of Elizabeth’s childhood and youth. As she does so, she offers a compelling view of the girl who would eventually become Queen Elizabeth I of England. The basics of Elizabeth’s early story are well known; what is impressive about this book is how much Tallis has uncovered about Elizabeth’s every day life and relationships. As much reading as I have done about Elizabeth, father Henry, mother Anne, etc. I had no idea how little time she spent in her father's presence. She had no memory of her mother, Anne having been killed before she was three.
The author has woven together a fascinating narrative. Tallis is particularly good at explaining the difficult, yet deep, relationship between Elizabeth and her much older sister Mary and the lessons that Elizabeth likely drew from Mary’s experience as queen. Her discussion of Elizabeth ‘s possibly abusive encounters with Thomas Seymour is equally enlightening Unlike many earlier scholars of Elizabeth’s early life, Tallis also focuses on the role that stress and uncertainty may have played on Elizabeth’s health crises, an aspect of her youth that is often overlooked but which will continue to affect her once she takes the throne. Elegantly written and deeply researched. Scholars of British history and the Tudors should enjoy this book.
The author has woven together a fascinating narrative. Tallis is particularly good at explaining the difficult, yet deep, relationship between Elizabeth and her much older sister Mary and the lessons that Elizabeth likely drew from Mary’s experience as queen. Her discussion of Elizabeth ‘s possibly abusive encounters with Thomas Seymour is equally enlightening Unlike many earlier scholars of Elizabeth’s early life, Tallis also focuses on the role that stress and uncertainty may have played on Elizabeth’s health crises, an aspect of her youth that is often overlooked but which will continue to affect her once she takes the throne. Elegantly written and deeply researched. Scholars of British history and the Tudors should enjoy this book.
July 31, 2024
Consider the rating as 4½ stars. It is a good book, and easy reading. Not only is it easy to place the historical figures in the good box or the bad box, but why.
Quite a section of the book is dedicated to Henry Vlll and his troubles, but that is important to endure for it is essential for the reader to get the mind into the correct place. That is where this book shines. Tallis’s research which included reading 500-year-old letters and then using contemporary wording and phrases, provides the reader with a realistic understanding of what otherwise would probably render much of the book as being the same old story yet again. What may appear as unsavoury today, was apparently normal in those erstwhile times. This is especially so in the actions of Henry Vlll and daughter Mary l. When reading of one unjust deed after another, there was some feeling of affinity with the victims. That is important.
The book did spend too much time on gossip and scandal. It was important to include a little, but…only a little.
What was annoying was where the book ended, we did not see Elizabeth as head of state earning the reputation which we also know her for.
The final pages did have a clumsy feeling. Maybe the author ran out of time.
Apparently, there is a collection of data covering the following years. Hopefully this will lead to the next offering, perhaps titled, Elizabeth and the Crown.
Quite a section of the book is dedicated to Henry Vlll and his troubles, but that is important to endure for it is essential for the reader to get the mind into the correct place. That is where this book shines. Tallis’s research which included reading 500-year-old letters and then using contemporary wording and phrases, provides the reader with a realistic understanding of what otherwise would probably render much of the book as being the same old story yet again. What may appear as unsavoury today, was apparently normal in those erstwhile times. This is especially so in the actions of Henry Vlll and daughter Mary l. When reading of one unjust deed after another, there was some feeling of affinity with the victims. That is important.
The book did spend too much time on gossip and scandal. It was important to include a little, but…only a little.
What was annoying was where the book ended, we did not see Elizabeth as head of state earning the reputation which we also know her for.
The final pages did have a clumsy feeling. Maybe the author ran out of time.
Apparently, there is a collection of data covering the following years. Hopefully this will lead to the next offering, perhaps titled, Elizabeth and the Crown.
February 29, 2024
I’ve read a few books about Elizabeth l. She’s a fascinating figure; conflicted, strong, enigmatic, flawed….Few match the approach taken by Dr Nicola Tallis and the research appears to be meticulous and extraordinary. There can be few individuals who’ve experienced so many significant traumas in their early and formative years. It’s difficult to look back on those events with any true understanding of how they must have affected and ultimately shaped a young woman destined to rule. Dr Tallis takes the reader through these events with fascinating, if speculative, views on how such traumas may have caused some of her known physical ailments including breathlessness, headaches and swelling.
This is an academic title, but it’s presented in a way accessible to the lay reader. It’s often an emotive and bumpy ride as we follow her life from one disaster to another. One moment feted by the Court, the next vilified with the suggestion of inappropriate liaisons. A domineering and distant father, her mother beheaded, four stepmothers and then the death of her father is beyond the bounds of our imagination. Dr Tallis brings it all very vividly to life and the text is rich in detail. I found this a fresh and thoroughly engaging read. .
This is an academic title, but it’s presented in a way accessible to the lay reader. It’s often an emotive and bumpy ride as we follow her life from one disaster to another. One moment feted by the Court, the next vilified with the suggestion of inappropriate liaisons. A domineering and distant father, her mother beheaded, four stepmothers and then the death of her father is beyond the bounds of our imagination. Dr Tallis brings it all very vividly to life and the text is rich in detail. I found this a fresh and thoroughly engaging read. .
August 24, 2024
elizabeth tudor is one of my absolute favorite figures in history. her story is full of adversity, triumph, and loss. elizabeth is rightfully immortalized as a headstrong, iconic figure, but i wanted to learn more about those years before she rises from the ashes.
having a good idea of Elizabeth’s early life beforehand, i already knew what to expect of some of the events covered in this book. yet, getting an in-depth look into these events changed my perspective on various events and figures in elizabeth’s story.
her relationship with mary was one of those highlights where what i thought I knew was very little compared to reality. their relationship and story is tragic and a great representation of doomed siblings to the absolute max (oh my god I wanted to tear my heart out and throw it down a well. i was in pieces).
overall i think tallis did a fantastic job at tackling the early years of Elizabeth’s life with the limited information we have and she certainly reinforced that love i already have for my favorite tudor.
having a good idea of Elizabeth’s early life beforehand, i already knew what to expect of some of the events covered in this book. yet, getting an in-depth look into these events changed my perspective on various events and figures in elizabeth’s story.
her relationship with mary was one of those highlights where what i thought I knew was very little compared to reality. their relationship and story is tragic and a great representation of doomed siblings to the absolute max (oh my god I wanted to tear my heart out and throw it down a well. i was in pieces).
overall i think tallis did a fantastic job at tackling the early years of Elizabeth’s life with the limited information we have and she certainly reinforced that love i already have for my favorite tudor.
July 16, 2025
Started off a bit slow as it covered stuff I already knew, but more picked up as it went on. Reading it really helps to understand the person Elizabeth was as the famous great queen, and how she was shaped by her early years and the strength and resilience that she had to show to endure the challenges and attacks on her.
I have to say it gave me a lot more insight into her than I’d had before, even if nothing was entirely unexpected or completely new to me, but just in more depth and not just a vague idea “her brother and sister ruled before her, her dad made her illegitimate and she had lots of step mothers, and her mother was considered such an evil traitor”.
Well worth reading, expressed in clear language, and easy to follow, plus did a good job of pinpointing how the groundwork was laid for England and Europe for her reign.
I have to say it gave me a lot more insight into her than I’d had before, even if nothing was entirely unexpected or completely new to me, but just in more depth and not just a vague idea “her brother and sister ruled before her, her dad made her illegitimate and she had lots of step mothers, and her mother was considered such an evil traitor”.
Well worth reading, expressed in clear language, and easy to follow, plus did a good job of pinpointing how the groundwork was laid for England and Europe for her reign.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews