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Elizabeth I and Her Circle
This is the inside story of Elizabeth I's inner circle and the crucial human relationships which lay at the heart of her personal and political life. Using a wide range of original sources - including private letters, portraits, verse, drama, and state papers - Susan Doran provides a vivid and often dramatic account of political life in Elizabethan England and the queen at its centre, offering a deeper insight into Elizabeth's emotional and political conduct - and challenging many of the popular myths that have grown up around her.
It is a story replete with fascinating questions. What was the true nature of Elizabeth's relationship with her father, Henry VIII, especially after his execution of her mother? What was the influence of her step-mothers on Elizabeth's education and religious beliefs? How close was she really to her half-brother Edward VI - and were relations with her half-sister Mary really as poisonous as is popularly assumed? And what of her relationship with her Stewart cousins, most famously with Mary Queen of Scots, executed on Elizabeth's orders in 1587, but also with Mary's son James VI of Scotland, later to succeed Elizabeth as her chosen successor?
Elizabeth's relations with her family were crucial, but almost as crucial were her relations with her courtiers and her councillors (her 'men of business'). Here again, the story unravels a host of fascinating questions. Was the queen really sexually jealous of her maids of honour? What does her long and intimate relationship with the Earl of Leicester reveal about her character, personality, and attitude to marriage? What can the fall of Essex tell us about Elizabeth's political management in the final years of her reign? And what was the true nature of her personal and political relationship with influential and long-serving councillors such as the Cecils and Sir Francis Walsingham?
It is a story replete with fascinating questions. What was the true nature of Elizabeth's relationship with her father, Henry VIII, especially after his execution of her mother? What was the influence of her step-mothers on Elizabeth's education and religious beliefs? How close was she really to her half-brother Edward VI - and were relations with her half-sister Mary really as poisonous as is popularly assumed? And what of her relationship with her Stewart cousins, most famously with Mary Queen of Scots, executed on Elizabeth's orders in 1587, but also with Mary's son James VI of Scotland, later to succeed Elizabeth as her chosen successor?
Elizabeth's relations with her family were crucial, but almost as crucial were her relations with her courtiers and her councillors (her 'men of business'). Here again, the story unravels a host of fascinating questions. Was the queen really sexually jealous of her maids of honour? What does her long and intimate relationship with the Earl of Leicester reveal about her character, personality, and attitude to marriage? What can the fall of Essex tell us about Elizabeth's political management in the final years of her reign? And what was the true nature of her personal and political relationship with influential and long-serving councillors such as the Cecils and Sir Francis Walsingham?
397 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2015
16 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
Susan Doran
25 books38 followersDr Susan Doran is a British historian whose primary studies surround the reign of Elizabeth I, in particular the theme of marriage and succession. She has published and edited sixteen books, most notably Elizabeth I and Religion, 1558-1603, Monarchy and Matrimony and Queen Elizabeth I, part of the British Library's Historic Lives series.
She is currently a tutor and member of the history faculty at Christ Church, Oxford University where her specific area of interest is stated as being Early Modern British and European history. Previously, Doran was a reader in history, Senior Lecturer in History and Teaching Studies and Director of the History Programme at St Mary's College, Strawberry Hill, part of the University of Surrey.
She is also a Director of Studies for history at Regent's Park College and Senior Research Fellow for History at Jesus College
She is currently a tutor and member of the history faculty at Christ Church, Oxford University where her specific area of interest is stated as being Early Modern British and European history. Previously, Doran was a reader in history, Senior Lecturer in History and Teaching Studies and Director of the History Programme at St Mary's College, Strawberry Hill, part of the University of Surrey.
She is also a Director of Studies for history at Regent's Park College and Senior Research Fellow for History at Jesus College
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 1, 2015
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley
Dorman’s book looks at Elizabeth though the great Queen’s relationships with various people of her court and family. Dorman’s approach is to divide the book up into Family, Courtiers, Women (servants) and councilors. The first and last sections of the book are the best.
The most disappointing section is the one about Elizabeth’s women. It is the shortest section, grouping all the women into one chapter as opposed to an individual chapter per important person as in the other sections. In part, this is could be due to a lack of first hand sources as well as the fact that the women weren’t on the grand stage, yet it still feels disappointing. It does, however, do an excellent job of illustrating that Elizabeth’s concerns about her women’s romantic activities was not due to jealously or a determination that everyone always be a virgin.
The first chapter stands out because of the detail Dorman gives in looking at Elizabeth’s relationship or lack thereof with her father. While the other chapters, centering on siblings and various cousins cover much detail that is well known to the Tudor student, the chapter on Henry VIII looks closely at the gifts that Elizabeth gave her father and comes to some thought provoking conclusions.
The courtier section simply retreads the stories that most people know so well and the chapters in the councilor section about the Cecils do the same. The chapter about Walsingham is nicely done and goes a long way to adding toward the understanding of the Moor.
June 28, 2015
This non-fiction book which focuses on Elizabeth I and the people that had close personal relationships with her is easy to follow and an interesting read. Rather than offer a chronological history, Doran presents a “thematic” structure focusing each chapter on a key individual or group or individuals who were key to Elizabeth’s life. Below I discuss my favorite relationships.
1. Chapter one focuses on Elizabeth’s relationship with her parents, King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn; also her relationship between Elizabeth and her younger brother Edward and elder sister Mary.
2. Chapters two and three. History has shown us how uncomfortable a King or Queen on the throne is when there are rivals to their throne. King Henry VIII’s two sisters’ many descendants were potential claimants to the throne on Elizabeth’s death. The book describes Elizabeth’s relationships with her cousins with one full chapter, chapter three, being devoted to her relationship with the famous Mary Queen of Scots.
3. Chapter four focuses on Elizabeth’s political actions after the birth of Queen Mary’s son, James VI of Scotland and her relationship with him.
4. Chapter five,( finally!) , talked about Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester. Doran wades through the rumors of possible romance and a sexual relationship between the two and she concludes what really was the motive behind the close relationship between the two.
5. Doran also discusses Elizabeth’s relationships with her ladies and her councillors.
Because of the books thematic arrangement, I thought I might sacrifice an understanding of the order in which things occurred. But I don’t feel as though that is the case. I feel that I better understand Elizabeth by looking at how she interacted with those that were most important to her. Arranging the book this way was key to my enjoyment of the book. It helped me to focus on a particular issue, and follow how that issue played out before chapter’s end.
Recommended for all interested in the Tudors or Elizabeth I.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
1. Chapter one focuses on Elizabeth’s relationship with her parents, King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn; also her relationship between Elizabeth and her younger brother Edward and elder sister Mary.
2. Chapters two and three. History has shown us how uncomfortable a King or Queen on the throne is when there are rivals to their throne. King Henry VIII’s two sisters’ many descendants were potential claimants to the throne on Elizabeth’s death. The book describes Elizabeth’s relationships with her cousins with one full chapter, chapter three, being devoted to her relationship with the famous Mary Queen of Scots.
3. Chapter four focuses on Elizabeth’s political actions after the birth of Queen Mary’s son, James VI of Scotland and her relationship with him.
4. Chapter five,( finally!) , talked about Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester. Doran wades through the rumors of possible romance and a sexual relationship between the two and she concludes what really was the motive behind the close relationship between the two.
5. Doran also discusses Elizabeth’s relationships with her ladies and her councillors.
Because of the books thematic arrangement, I thought I might sacrifice an understanding of the order in which things occurred. But I don’t feel as though that is the case. I feel that I better understand Elizabeth by looking at how she interacted with those that were most important to her. Arranging the book this way was key to my enjoyment of the book. It helped me to focus on a particular issue, and follow how that issue played out before chapter’s end.
Recommended for all interested in the Tudors or Elizabeth I.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.
Behind every great queen…
The Tudor Monarchs are endlessly fascinating to many people. There are countless books devoted to them and their lives are perfect for richly colourful yet often gruesome screen portrayals. But do we get the full picture of their reigns by focusing merely on the head that wears the crown? In Elizabeth I’s case we certainly don’t which is what makes this book so interesting and relevant.
Susan Doran uses her depth of knowledge and extensive research to explore the people who were most important to Elizabeth; her friends, family, rivals, courtiers, councillors and confidantes. By investigating them we learn more about her, but many of them are interesting in their own right. Although the nature of this book means that there are necessarily lots of dates and complex genealogies Susan Doran’s writing flows smoothly and is enjoyable to read. I greatly appreciated the author’s use of original spellings when quoting from letters or documents, it can take a little getting used to but it really brings the reader close to the men and women who wrote them.
The first chapter deals with the rapport (or lack thereof) with her closest kin, in particular her formidable father and sister Mary I. She must have felt like she was constantly walking a tight-rope with her nearest and dearest, the slightest slip could lead to a loss of status or even her head. Then we have her extended family; her many Boleyn cousins who found favour and positions at court and those whose royal blood meant that they could never be fully trusted by Elizabeth.
Much has been made of the handsome young men that the queen liked to gather around her. The courtly Christopher Hatton, dashing Walter Raleigh, impetuous Earl of Essex and of course her beloved Robert Dudley. The author examines them all and shows us not only how they affected Elizabeth but also how she influenced their lives - for better or worse. Her court included some of the brightest and most accomplished men of the age and it is likely that her reign would have been less successful without the talents of Burghley, Walsingham and Robert Cecil. These men were unceasingly loyal and had to work extremely hard to keep the realm and Her Majesty safe.
I liked this book and would recommend it to any Tudorphile who wants to peel away the layers surrounding Elizabeth, so much has been written of (and by) her but there is still something elusive about The Virgin Queen. By introducing us to those who had the most impact Susan Doran brings us that little bit closer to the real woman.
Behind every great queen…
The Tudor Monarchs are endlessly fascinating to many people. There are countless books devoted to them and their lives are perfect for richly colourful yet often gruesome screen portrayals. But do we get the full picture of their reigns by focusing merely on the head that wears the crown? In Elizabeth I’s case we certainly don’t which is what makes this book so interesting and relevant.
Susan Doran uses her depth of knowledge and extensive research to explore the people who were most important to Elizabeth; her friends, family, rivals, courtiers, councillors and confidantes. By investigating them we learn more about her, but many of them are interesting in their own right. Although the nature of this book means that there are necessarily lots of dates and complex genealogies Susan Doran’s writing flows smoothly and is enjoyable to read. I greatly appreciated the author’s use of original spellings when quoting from letters or documents, it can take a little getting used to but it really brings the reader close to the men and women who wrote them.
The first chapter deals with the rapport (or lack thereof) with her closest kin, in particular her formidable father and sister Mary I. She must have felt like she was constantly walking a tight-rope with her nearest and dearest, the slightest slip could lead to a loss of status or even her head. Then we have her extended family; her many Boleyn cousins who found favour and positions at court and those whose royal blood meant that they could never be fully trusted by Elizabeth.
Much has been made of the handsome young men that the queen liked to gather around her. The courtly Christopher Hatton, dashing Walter Raleigh, impetuous Earl of Essex and of course her beloved Robert Dudley. The author examines them all and shows us not only how they affected Elizabeth but also how she influenced their lives - for better or worse. Her court included some of the brightest and most accomplished men of the age and it is likely that her reign would have been less successful without the talents of Burghley, Walsingham and Robert Cecil. These men were unceasingly loyal and had to work extremely hard to keep the realm and Her Majesty safe.
I liked this book and would recommend it to any Tudorphile who wants to peel away the layers surrounding Elizabeth, so much has been written of (and by) her but there is still something elusive about The Virgin Queen. By introducing us to those who had the most impact Susan Doran brings us that little bit closer to the real woman.
September 18, 2015
My copy courtesy of Oxford University Press/Net Galley; much thanks!
Probably about 3.5 stars. Recommended for those already interested in the Tudor period.
For a further review: http://susannag.booklikes.com/post/12... .
Probably about 3.5 stars. Recommended for those already interested in the Tudor period.
For a further review: http://susannag.booklikes.com/post/12... .
March 6, 2015
I have always loved period movies and ones about Queen Elizabeth I in particular. These films contribute to a collision of thoughts about some of the “factoids” stated or implied: Was Elizabeth raised by The Other Boleyn Girl as implied by the ending scene of that movie? In the movie, Elizabeth, starring Cate Blanchett, did she really take the risk of telling Bloody Queen Mary that she would use her conscience in matters of religion? Seemed a foolhardy thing to say. And how did she feel about her mother and father?
Along came “Elizabeth I and Her Circle” from NetGalley, which I began with alacrity (although since it was written with academics in mind, I did get bogged down shortly thereafter. Brr . .the quotes with the Elizabethans’ crazy spelling. Those archaically spelled citations were quite distracting. A few times the author included a quote a but modified it with modern spelling, making me wonder why sometimes and not others.) While the book didn’t answer all my questions, I didn’t really expect it to. E I and Her Circle showed that although young Elizabeth did have some interaction with Henry VIII, she didn’t react emotionally to news of her father’s death. And when she did become queen she favored her mother’s relatives with appointed positions. Draw your own conclusions.
The truncated events in the Cate Blanchett film, Elizabeth, muddied up events and people. E I and Her Circle clarified some of these for me. Mary of Guise was Mary of Scotland’s mother. Elizabeth did know William Cecil before she took the throne, Dudley not so much. So much for Robert dancing with Elizabeth when she was arrested and taken to the Tower at the opening of that movie.
I did admire E’s fortitude and cunning in hanging on to the throne of England for the long years of her reign. It seemed like she walked a tightrope and did so very well in comparison to her cousin Mary of Scotland. The question of succession was vital to understanding E I’s actions. Whoever she named could become a possible rallying point for her own overthrow. She strung people along throughout her whole life in regards to announcing a successor or a husband. Many of the foreign princes were Catholic and would bring unrest to her religiously divided kingdom as well as a real threat to her life. This affected her relationship with Mary of Scotland, who had been married to a French prince and was Catholic. It would have been very unwise for Elizabeth to name Mary as her successor and E was no fool. Instead, she gave Mary’s son, James, a stipend and coerced him into having protestant tutors.
The book was very informative if a bit of a chore getting through. 3 ½ stars.
Along came “Elizabeth I and Her Circle” from NetGalley, which I began with alacrity (although since it was written with academics in mind, I did get bogged down shortly thereafter. Brr . .the quotes with the Elizabethans’ crazy spelling. Those archaically spelled citations were quite distracting. A few times the author included a quote a but modified it with modern spelling, making me wonder why sometimes and not others.) While the book didn’t answer all my questions, I didn’t really expect it to. E I and Her Circle showed that although young Elizabeth did have some interaction with Henry VIII, she didn’t react emotionally to news of her father’s death. And when she did become queen she favored her mother’s relatives with appointed positions. Draw your own conclusions.
The truncated events in the Cate Blanchett film, Elizabeth, muddied up events and people. E I and Her Circle clarified some of these for me. Mary of Guise was Mary of Scotland’s mother. Elizabeth did know William Cecil before she took the throne, Dudley not so much. So much for Robert dancing with Elizabeth when she was arrested and taken to the Tower at the opening of that movie.
I did admire E’s fortitude and cunning in hanging on to the throne of England for the long years of her reign. It seemed like she walked a tightrope and did so very well in comparison to her cousin Mary of Scotland. The question of succession was vital to understanding E I’s actions. Whoever she named could become a possible rallying point for her own overthrow. She strung people along throughout her whole life in regards to announcing a successor or a husband. Many of the foreign princes were Catholic and would bring unrest to her religiously divided kingdom as well as a real threat to her life. This affected her relationship with Mary of Scotland, who had been married to a French prince and was Catholic. It would have been very unwise for Elizabeth to name Mary as her successor and E was no fool. Instead, she gave Mary’s son, James, a stipend and coerced him into having protestant tutors.
The book was very informative if a bit of a chore getting through. 3 ½ stars.
July 28, 2015
Disclaimer: I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. Also the amount of time it took me to finish this book is no reflection on the book, but that I was busy with other study.
This is a 4* book, rather than a 5* book due to the plates being entirely in black and white. If you are going to talk about the symbolism in portraits of Elizabeth I, they really need to be reproduced in colour, or a lot of the detail is lost.
Otherwise this is an excellent book. It is a really interesting way of looking at the reign of Elizabeth I - at a time when monarchical power was so personal, relationships matter. This splits those relationships into three categories, kin, courtiers, and councillors - of course, there is some overlap, as kin can be both courtiers and councillors.
I have read many other books on this period, and this gave me a new perspective, I particularly liked the chapter on the women who serve, as mostly these women are mainly known for their transgressions. Of course, some of the people Doran focuses on are famous, but the examination of their relationships with Elizabeth, and each other, does show some of their actions in a different light.
I would definitely recommend this to any one with an interest in this period.
This is a 4* book, rather than a 5* book due to the plates being entirely in black and white. If you are going to talk about the symbolism in portraits of Elizabeth I, they really need to be reproduced in colour, or a lot of the detail is lost.
Otherwise this is an excellent book. It is a really interesting way of looking at the reign of Elizabeth I - at a time when monarchical power was so personal, relationships matter. This splits those relationships into three categories, kin, courtiers, and councillors - of course, there is some overlap, as kin can be both courtiers and councillors.
I have read many other books on this period, and this gave me a new perspective, I particularly liked the chapter on the women who serve, as mostly these women are mainly known for their transgressions. Of course, some of the people Doran focuses on are famous, but the examination of their relationships with Elizabeth, and each other, does show some of their actions in a different light.
I would definitely recommend this to any one with an interest in this period.
December 15, 2015
This is a well written and meticulously documented account of Elizabeth I. I confess I didn't read it straight through (I think you would have to be extremely interested in the subject to be able to do that), but I read through parts and compared them to a novel on Elizabeth I I was reading concurrently.
July 14, 2019
A very good overview of the courtiers and advisors close to Elizabeth I.
March 29, 2015
I received this as an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I must first disclose that I am no particular fan of Elizabeth I. She was a spoiled, manipulative, whiny brat who made everyone around her suffer with her tantrums and outbursts. She could not stand to see her favorites happy with anyone but her, yet would or could not ever commit to any of them due to their varying statuses in society. However, that being said, I find the Tudor dynasty truly fascinating, and even Elizabeth's place in it. (Incidentally, I was concurrently reading God's Traitors: Terror and Faith in Elizabethan England, and Elizabeth was not nearly as religiously tolerant as some have been lead to believe in the past. I find it unfair that Mary Tudor will forever be 'Bloody Mary' because of her religious fervor, yet there are hardly any mentions at times of the terror that Catholics felt and faced once Mary died and Elizabeth assumed the throne. But that is another review for another book.)
I have read many books about life in Elizabethan England, including various books specific in regards to Elizabeth's relationships with certain people, such as her half-sister Mary, one specifically about Elizabeth and Dudley, and of course her doomed cousin who repeatedly made the most appallingly poor choices once could make, given her precarious position once in Elizabeth's custody, Mary, Queen of Scots. And don't even get me started on the fact that Elizabeth had no right to hold, or put on trial the monarch of another country, nor sign the laughable death warrant and PLEASE, of course she knew about it and sanctioned it and only played innocent afterwards to avoid war with James - who himself did not seem terribly bothered by the murder of his mother. But why should he, since he had never really known her and was too busy being a sloppily dressed king who apparently could not keep his tongue in his mouth, But I digress.
This book is well-researched and neatly laid out in a way that anyone could find interesting, whether they are just learning about Elizabeth's world for the first time, or they, like me, have an in-depth knowledge already. I liked that it was broken up into sections, family, courtiers (both men and women), and councilors. While I did skim over the chapter on courtiers as it related especially to Dudley (because seriously, that is a dead horse that continues to be flogged. He and Elizabeth truly were perfect for each other - whiny, manipulative brats, a lot of the time. And don't even try to tell me he cared one iota when Amy died, since he had not seen her in A YEAR. He cared that his reputation was in tatters over the murder allegations and her certainly could never marry Elizabeth now.) I recognize that of course in any book about Elizabeth there will have to be sections related to Dudley, he was easily the most important man in her life for decades, I just personally am not especially interested in reading any more, as I am not sure at this stage what new information can be uncovered. Nor to I really care too much that they did or did not ever actually have a sexual relationship. I'm quite sure they probably did, though I can only hope that the stories of the babies resulting from the rumored relationship being killed are untrue, because that in itself is wholly heartbreaking to think of.
I especially found the section on Christopher Hatton interesting, as he is one of the courtiers I knew the least about. And we best not forget poor, stupid Devereux, busting into Elizabeth's chamber in a misguided attempt to win back her favor. Clearly he knew her not at all if he thought that was ever a good idea.
I wish there was more information available on the women who served Elizabeth in her lifetime. In this section about courtiers, each of the gentlemen (Dudley, Hatton, and Devereux) are given their own chapters, while the women are all lumped together in one long chapter. Again, this is likely due to the fact that there simply is not as much information about the women of the time, despite them being wholly more important than those three men, as they were the one who literally attended to the queen's ever whim and need. Kat Astley/Ashley, whatever you would prefer to call her, as every author takes their own liberty with her name, seems to be one of the few where there are more than a few sentences. This is owing to the fact that she is the one woman who was almost always constant in Elizabeth's life, despite a few times where she was locked up for various offences (did it ever really seem like a good idea to try to hook the teenaged Elizabeth up with Seymour? Seriously?) But anyway, it felt as though the women were less important and less influencing then the men, which perhaps may have been the case, though it seems to be with as stubborn and narrowminded as Elizabeth seemed to be, that no one could really tell her what to do, save one man, William Cecil.
I especially enjoyed the section devoted to Elizabeth's councilors. Walsingham has always been a somewhat shadowy figure for me and this book really helped flesh him out and make him more real. I guess perhaps because he was so good at his job being a spymaster and all, even in all the books I've read, I have never been able to fully get a grasp on him as a person. But this text nicely laid out who he was and how he fit into this world, spying and all.
As I said before, I am not actually particularly fond of Elizabeth as a monarch, but truly found her treatment as a child horrible at times, that she can't really be blamed for turning out the way she did - just as I feel the same way about her half-sister Mary. Here is a baby, clearly one who has a devoted mother who cared deeply for her child, despite not being able to personally raise her (Anne Boleyn might have been a lot of things - manipulative and home-wrecker among them [though not incestuous, despite the accusations] but from other readings I have done 'terrible and unattentive mother' are not ways she could ever be described). You have to wonder how early on she learned the fate of her mother, and how deeply it might have effected Elizabeth for the rest of her life - and her relationship with her father. Now granted, family relationships look far different today than they did then, but children are still children, and trauma like that surely caused her grief. And by various account, Jane Seymour seemed far more fond of Mary than Elizabeth, to the point Elizabeth was all but ignored. So here, you have a child who may or may not know her mother was beheaded on her father's orders, who has been sent away from court, reduced from princess to lady, then to be rejected by a potential mother figure for reasons that are not in control? I must say, while I certainly enjoy reading about this time period, and the Tudors especially, I am certainly glad I was born in the 20th century.
Overall, I found this to be a well-written, well-researched account of Elizabeth's life and the people who knew her. While the title may be a bit mis-leading (as Mary, Queen of Scots was certainly NOT part of her 'circle'), I understand what the author was going for with the title. These are the people who, for better or worse, shaped Elizabeth into the person she became, who history (though not me) remembers as one of England's greatest monarchs. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the time period or the Tudors.
I must first disclose that I am no particular fan of Elizabeth I. She was a spoiled, manipulative, whiny brat who made everyone around her suffer with her tantrums and outbursts. She could not stand to see her favorites happy with anyone but her, yet would or could not ever commit to any of them due to their varying statuses in society. However, that being said, I find the Tudor dynasty truly fascinating, and even Elizabeth's place in it. (Incidentally, I was concurrently reading God's Traitors: Terror and Faith in Elizabethan England, and Elizabeth was not nearly as religiously tolerant as some have been lead to believe in the past. I find it unfair that Mary Tudor will forever be 'Bloody Mary' because of her religious fervor, yet there are hardly any mentions at times of the terror that Catholics felt and faced once Mary died and Elizabeth assumed the throne. But that is another review for another book.)
I have read many books about life in Elizabethan England, including various books specific in regards to Elizabeth's relationships with certain people, such as her half-sister Mary, one specifically about Elizabeth and Dudley, and of course her doomed cousin who repeatedly made the most appallingly poor choices once could make, given her precarious position once in Elizabeth's custody, Mary, Queen of Scots. And don't even get me started on the fact that Elizabeth had no right to hold, or put on trial the monarch of another country, nor sign the laughable death warrant and PLEASE, of course she knew about it and sanctioned it and only played innocent afterwards to avoid war with James - who himself did not seem terribly bothered by the murder of his mother. But why should he, since he had never really known her and was too busy being a sloppily dressed king who apparently could not keep his tongue in his mouth, But I digress.
This book is well-researched and neatly laid out in a way that anyone could find interesting, whether they are just learning about Elizabeth's world for the first time, or they, like me, have an in-depth knowledge already. I liked that it was broken up into sections, family, courtiers (both men and women), and councilors. While I did skim over the chapter on courtiers as it related especially to Dudley (because seriously, that is a dead horse that continues to be flogged. He and Elizabeth truly were perfect for each other - whiny, manipulative brats, a lot of the time. And don't even try to tell me he cared one iota when Amy died, since he had not seen her in A YEAR. He cared that his reputation was in tatters over the murder allegations and her certainly could never marry Elizabeth now.) I recognize that of course in any book about Elizabeth there will have to be sections related to Dudley, he was easily the most important man in her life for decades, I just personally am not especially interested in reading any more, as I am not sure at this stage what new information can be uncovered. Nor to I really care too much that they did or did not ever actually have a sexual relationship. I'm quite sure they probably did, though I can only hope that the stories of the babies resulting from the rumored relationship being killed are untrue, because that in itself is wholly heartbreaking to think of.
I especially found the section on Christopher Hatton interesting, as he is one of the courtiers I knew the least about. And we best not forget poor, stupid Devereux, busting into Elizabeth's chamber in a misguided attempt to win back her favor. Clearly he knew her not at all if he thought that was ever a good idea.
I wish there was more information available on the women who served Elizabeth in her lifetime. In this section about courtiers, each of the gentlemen (Dudley, Hatton, and Devereux) are given their own chapters, while the women are all lumped together in one long chapter. Again, this is likely due to the fact that there simply is not as much information about the women of the time, despite them being wholly more important than those three men, as they were the one who literally attended to the queen's ever whim and need. Kat Astley/Ashley, whatever you would prefer to call her, as every author takes their own liberty with her name, seems to be one of the few where there are more than a few sentences. This is owing to the fact that she is the one woman who was almost always constant in Elizabeth's life, despite a few times where she was locked up for various offences (did it ever really seem like a good idea to try to hook the teenaged Elizabeth up with Seymour? Seriously?) But anyway, it felt as though the women were less important and less influencing then the men, which perhaps may have been the case, though it seems to be with as stubborn and narrowminded as Elizabeth seemed to be, that no one could really tell her what to do, save one man, William Cecil.
I especially enjoyed the section devoted to Elizabeth's councilors. Walsingham has always been a somewhat shadowy figure for me and this book really helped flesh him out and make him more real. I guess perhaps because he was so good at his job being a spymaster and all, even in all the books I've read, I have never been able to fully get a grasp on him as a person. But this text nicely laid out who he was and how he fit into this world, spying and all.
As I said before, I am not actually particularly fond of Elizabeth as a monarch, but truly found her treatment as a child horrible at times, that she can't really be blamed for turning out the way she did - just as I feel the same way about her half-sister Mary. Here is a baby, clearly one who has a devoted mother who cared deeply for her child, despite not being able to personally raise her (Anne Boleyn might have been a lot of things - manipulative and home-wrecker among them [though not incestuous, despite the accusations] but from other readings I have done 'terrible and unattentive mother' are not ways she could ever be described). You have to wonder how early on she learned the fate of her mother, and how deeply it might have effected Elizabeth for the rest of her life - and her relationship with her father. Now granted, family relationships look far different today than they did then, but children are still children, and trauma like that surely caused her grief. And by various account, Jane Seymour seemed far more fond of Mary than Elizabeth, to the point Elizabeth was all but ignored. So here, you have a child who may or may not know her mother was beheaded on her father's orders, who has been sent away from court, reduced from princess to lady, then to be rejected by a potential mother figure for reasons that are not in control? I must say, while I certainly enjoy reading about this time period, and the Tudors especially, I am certainly glad I was born in the 20th century.
Overall, I found this to be a well-written, well-researched account of Elizabeth's life and the people who knew her. While the title may be a bit mis-leading (as Mary, Queen of Scots was certainly NOT part of her 'circle'), I understand what the author was going for with the title. These are the people who, for better or worse, shaped Elizabeth into the person she became, who history (though not me) remembers as one of England's greatest monarchs. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the time period or the Tudors.
March 15, 2020
It is definitely dense, just packed with information, that requires much longer to read and absorb. That said, I liked that she included multiple views of Elizabeth and the listed personages in the book, rather than only including those sources that tend to the author’s beliefs. I liked that she clearly stated what the general consensus tended toward, what the dissent was, and what she thought. She used quotes liberally and once you adjust to the inconsistent spelling of 16th c England, they’re great. She organized it well and kept each person largely within their own chapter but discussed the same topics for continuity. It’s a good book.
September 12, 2017
This was an extremely detailed account of Elizabeth I and those who surrounded her during her reign. This is a period I have a great deal of interest in, and so I was very pleased to be able to read this book. Unfortunately, because of the density of the subject and how it was presented, it was one that took me many months to get through. As a tome for research, I think it will be useful, but for general reading, it was a bit much. I definitely appreciated the work that went into it and wish I could have enjoyed it more.
November 9, 2020
A novel and interesting approach to Elizabeth I that considers the range of circles in which she moved: her immediate family, her courtiers, and her councillors. Each chapter counts as a discrete essay on a particular prime mover throughout her reign but also brings in the big issues of the day: the succession, religion, power and authority, etc. As expected, exceptionally well researched and written.
October 14, 2023
Sue Doran's account of Elizabeth's relationship with her intimates at court gives a perspective of the Elizabethan era which is both unique and refreshing. Shining a light on figures often ignored by other political and religious histories of this period, it's a valuable addition to any Tudor fan's collection.
July 3, 2018
3.5 rounded up
November 20, 2018
On the dry side; format necessitated quite a bit of backtracking since each individual was discussed separately but were involved in common events; each event was raised again under each person.
November 14, 2023
eh? wanted to love. didn't ever end up engaging fully with the structure Doran chose.
April 15, 2018
This is a non-fiction book that explores the relationships of Elizabeth I and the people around her, such as her family and kin, her courtiers and her councillors. I liked how each person connected and associated with Elizabeth was given their own chapters, so you were able to read and find out more about the person themselves and what sort of relationship they had with Elizabeth, but also what events they witnessed and helped to be reminded throughout history. Very informative and would recommend to anyone who enjoys history, especially Tudor and Elizabethan history and those who wish to explore more figures associated with Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen.
May 15, 2024
Royal Reads 2024
January 6, 2017
Doran's factual knowledge and research is evident throughout the text however her choice of layout severely hinders the depth of her analysis. She goes to great lengths in her introduction to justify her decision not to write the book chronologically, instead splitting it into sections by the relationship to the queen which the subjects of the book held e.g. family, courtiers, privy council members. This had great potential; I've seen it work in the past and welcomed it with celebration in my undergraduate days of trawling through texts for evidence, but here it caused confusion and repetition.
The main shortfall of Doran's approach is that she never found a way of contextualising information in each section without retelling the story of what Elizabeth herself was doing at that moment. I'm far from an expert in Elizabethan history however I have a good grasp of it and in all honesty I only need to read about her reaction to Mary Queen of Scots death once in a text. I would expect going into the book that Doran would then spend the chapters on Privy Council members dealing with their involvement in this episode and other matters in-depthly rather than telling me again what Elizabeth's reaction was. In these moments I'm not supposed to be diverting attention back to Elizabeth but Doran's contextualisation attempts go beyond their remit and are distracting; editing would have severely aided this. Confusion arises also as it is hard to keep track of who she is analysing - this was exacerbated by the fact I was listening to an audiobook and could not flick back and check relationships and titles etcetera but it does also stem from her frequent breaks from the analysis of characters for contextual purposes.
Despite the fact it was split to allow clarity and increased depth of analysis I feel it lacked both in places. In speaking about the ladies Elizabeth surrounded herself with, Doran split them well, dealing with one and moving on however in other sections she jumped from one person to another and back again which made it difficult to know who she was referring to, particularly when they began to change titles in their later careers.
Ironically though she back referenced overly in many places she failed to in vital places. During the chapters on her 'ladies in waiting' I struggled to remember exactly which of them had the scandalous marriages which were referenced in her earlier chapters on their husbands, a fault of my own memory, yes, but also of the book as only a sentence would have been needed to reference it.
Overall I found myself not enjoying this text and it was a chore to finish it, which is a pity as I'm interested in the period and find Elizabeth I fascinating.
The main shortfall of Doran's approach is that she never found a way of contextualising information in each section without retelling the story of what Elizabeth herself was doing at that moment. I'm far from an expert in Elizabethan history however I have a good grasp of it and in all honesty I only need to read about her reaction to Mary Queen of Scots death once in a text. I would expect going into the book that Doran would then spend the chapters on Privy Council members dealing with their involvement in this episode and other matters in-depthly rather than telling me again what Elizabeth's reaction was. In these moments I'm not supposed to be diverting attention back to Elizabeth but Doran's contextualisation attempts go beyond their remit and are distracting; editing would have severely aided this. Confusion arises also as it is hard to keep track of who she is analysing - this was exacerbated by the fact I was listening to an audiobook and could not flick back and check relationships and titles etcetera but it does also stem from her frequent breaks from the analysis of characters for contextual purposes.
Despite the fact it was split to allow clarity and increased depth of analysis I feel it lacked both in places. In speaking about the ladies Elizabeth surrounded herself with, Doran split them well, dealing with one and moving on however in other sections she jumped from one person to another and back again which made it difficult to know who she was referring to, particularly when they began to change titles in their later careers.
Ironically though she back referenced overly in many places she failed to in vital places. During the chapters on her 'ladies in waiting' I struggled to remember exactly which of them had the scandalous marriages which were referenced in her earlier chapters on their husbands, a fault of my own memory, yes, but also of the book as only a sentence would have been needed to reference it.
Overall I found myself not enjoying this text and it was a chore to finish it, which is a pity as I'm interested in the period and find Elizabeth I fascinating.
March 6, 2015
Although I've read a fair number of books about the Tudors, they are all of the popular history variety, Alison Weir, Tracy Borman, David Starkey, and others. Susan Doran is a more scholarly writer, and the only book I'd read of her before this one is her excellent short biography of Elizabeth I for the British Library Historic Lives series.
Elizabeth and Her Circle zeroes in on the people around the Queen and their relationships with her. Doran concentrates on the period of Elizabeth's reign, so we don't get too much about those who figured in her life before she came to the throne.
The book is divided into Elizabeth's relatives, her courtiers, and her privy councilors. It's not exhaustive, at about 400 pages including copious end notes, and a bibliography that is a resource for Elizabeth scholars in itself. Doran has chosen the most important figures in Elizabeth's life and since she had no personal life to speak of as queen, it's a collection of political portraits.
The book doesn't proceed chronologically, as most histories do, rather it concentrates on each figure in turn, and we get different angles on some of the same events that way, as we see how the unrest in Ireland, for instance, effected Robert Dudley and Francis Walsingham in different ways.
Despite its relatively short length, this was not a quick read. I enjoyed the many quotations that were left, at least partially, in the spelling and language of the time, so that you could see how English has changed over the years. One example has William Cecil retiring to his "sylly hyrmytage" while grieving for his recently deceased wife and daughter. "Silly" meant happy or blessed before it morphed into meaning ridiculous.
One thing that stands out is that Elizabeth was not surrounded by men who just echoed what she wanted to hear. Of course it was necessary to be diplomatic about disagreeing with her, but it seems that Elizabeth was a good judge of character and had many excellent advisors throughout her reign.
Elizabeth and Her Circle zeroes in on the people around the Queen and their relationships with her. Doran concentrates on the period of Elizabeth's reign, so we don't get too much about those who figured in her life before she came to the throne.
The book is divided into Elizabeth's relatives, her courtiers, and her privy councilors. It's not exhaustive, at about 400 pages including copious end notes, and a bibliography that is a resource for Elizabeth scholars in itself. Doran has chosen the most important figures in Elizabeth's life and since she had no personal life to speak of as queen, it's a collection of political portraits.
The book doesn't proceed chronologically, as most histories do, rather it concentrates on each figure in turn, and we get different angles on some of the same events that way, as we see how the unrest in Ireland, for instance, effected Robert Dudley and Francis Walsingham in different ways.
Despite its relatively short length, this was not a quick read. I enjoyed the many quotations that were left, at least partially, in the spelling and language of the time, so that you could see how English has changed over the years. One example has William Cecil retiring to his "sylly hyrmytage" while grieving for his recently deceased wife and daughter. "Silly" meant happy or blessed before it morphed into meaning ridiculous.
One thing that stands out is that Elizabeth was not surrounded by men who just echoed what she wanted to hear. Of course it was necessary to be diplomatic about disagreeing with her, but it seems that Elizabeth was a good judge of character and had many excellent advisors throughout her reign.
November 22, 2015
This book is a must read for anyone who wants to learn more about Elizabeth I, daughter to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
It's a rather quick paced read, and ends at 416 pages. It's well researched, and the author has made it as easy to get through as slicing a piece of cake, IF you are academically driven. That is very unusual to say, because most books that include sources in the passages take a bit of dedication to muddle through, and even then, you may have to read through it again to catch everything. This one is actually written in a way that makes it flow nicely, and it kept me quite interested from the get go.
It isn't in chronological order, but it is divided into sections and the bibliography is beautifully done. It's a collection of political portraits, going into interesting details about her relationships with those she chose to surround herself with, and those she didn't. I have read several books about Elizabeth, so I was surprised to learn a few things that I didn't already know. Bravo for the author!
For being a woman, and not the son that her father so much wanted her to be, she knew enough to surround herself with very clever advisers. She may not have done everything right, but she had heart, and didn't back down from anyone. Her father would have been proud.
Like history? Non - fiction? Add this to your list. I am certain that you won't regret it.
Although this book was given as a copy to review by NetGalley, my review is written with honesty and without any ties to the author herself. I did not receive any monetary gain from doing so.
It's a rather quick paced read, and ends at 416 pages. It's well researched, and the author has made it as easy to get through as slicing a piece of cake, IF you are academically driven. That is very unusual to say, because most books that include sources in the passages take a bit of dedication to muddle through, and even then, you may have to read through it again to catch everything. This one is actually written in a way that makes it flow nicely, and it kept me quite interested from the get go.
It isn't in chronological order, but it is divided into sections and the bibliography is beautifully done. It's a collection of political portraits, going into interesting details about her relationships with those she chose to surround herself with, and those she didn't. I have read several books about Elizabeth, so I was surprised to learn a few things that I didn't already know. Bravo for the author!
For being a woman, and not the son that her father so much wanted her to be, she knew enough to surround herself with very clever advisers. She may not have done everything right, but she had heart, and didn't back down from anyone. Her father would have been proud.
Like history? Non - fiction? Add this to your list. I am certain that you won't regret it.
Although this book was given as a copy to review by NetGalley, my review is written with honesty and without any ties to the author herself. I did not receive any monetary gain from doing so.
Read
June 21, 2016I didn't learn much new from this book, but it was a good review of who was who and what went on at court. I especially liked the structure of the book. It is divided into three parts: Kin, Courtiers, and Councillors, and each section is divided into chapters focused on small groups or specific persons. "Kin" has chapter on Parents & Siblings, The Suffolk Cousins, Mary Queen of Scots, and James VI of Scotland (her eventual heir to the English throne). Three favorites are the chapter subjects of "Courtiers": Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester; Sir Christopher Hatton; and Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex. The section has an additional chapter on the noblewomen who served as ladies in waiting to the queen. Part Three, "Councillors," includes chapters on William Cecil, Lord Burghley; Sir Francis Walsingham; and Burghley's son, Robert Cecil. In the course of the book, relationships between the various subjects and Elizabeth are analyzed and important events (the succession, Elizabeth's "marriage game," the Spanish Armada, the Dutch wars, religious dissent, etc.) are discussed in detail. In short, it's a nice primer or reference book on Elizabeth's reign.
Note: If anyone is interested in this book, Amazon's "Look Inside" feature is particularly good: it gives you several pages from each chapter, as well as the bibliography and index, so you will get a good idea of exactly what the book is like.
Note: If anyone is interested in this book, Amazon's "Look Inside" feature is particularly good: it gives you several pages from each chapter, as well as the bibliography and index, so you will get a good idea of exactly what the book is like.
May 25, 2015
This was an interesting look at the people that surrounded Elizabeth I from her first to last days as Queen. It does not concentrate on them as merely political figures but gives a more human touch to the people who were on an intimate footing with her. Elizabeth is shown to have been an extraordinary woman who could be ruled by her faults at times, her quick temper and stubbornness could prove dangerous obstacles to her councilors and many felt the sting of her anger. But just as she was proud and vain at times she could be the most generous of masters and rewarded them just as richly. Here you'll meet the real figures behind the cinema versions that pale in comparison. People she held as dear to her on a personal level as well as her most trusted advisors.
You will come to appreciate how famous Elizabethan courtiers and ladies helped to influence a Queen and build the very foundations of one of the greatest kingdoms in the world at a time when its very existence was threatened by nations that wanted too overtake it. This is a great read for beginners or anyone interested in the Elizabethan era. When finished you will be able to see a much clearer picture of a life at court with all its subtle nuances and vagaries. A definite recommend.
You will come to appreciate how famous Elizabethan courtiers and ladies helped to influence a Queen and build the very foundations of one of the greatest kingdoms in the world at a time when its very existence was threatened by nations that wanted too overtake it. This is a great read for beginners or anyone interested in the Elizabethan era. When finished you will be able to see a much clearer picture of a life at court with all its subtle nuances and vagaries. A definite recommend.
February 10, 2015
I received this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have always had a fascination with the Tudors so I was very eager to read this new account of Elizabeth I’s life. So many times these books can be dull and lackluster but Susan Doran’s writing brought history to life in this new book. There were so many new things I learned. One of the things that interested me the most in her account was Elizabeth’s relationship with Henry VIII. In most accounts, Elizabeth is always shown to greatly admire and love her father in a way that makes it seem as if they were very close, even after sentencing her mother to die. Contrary to those beliefs, Doran points out why this was not necessarily the case. Royal children generally do not spend much time with their parents, often seeing them only a few times per year. And even when they do meet, it is not the type of quality time that modern parents share with their children. I thought that this book was incredibly fascinating and would recommend it 100% to any lover of history or of Elizabeth and the Tudor family.
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I have always had a fascination with the Tudors so I was very eager to read this new account of Elizabeth I’s life. So many times these books can be dull and lackluster but Susan Doran’s writing brought history to life in this new book. There were so many new things I learned. One of the things that interested me the most in her account was Elizabeth’s relationship with Henry VIII. In most accounts, Elizabeth is always shown to greatly admire and love her father in a way that makes it seem as if they were very close, even after sentencing her mother to die. Contrary to those beliefs, Doran points out why this was not necessarily the case. Royal children generally do not spend much time with their parents, often seeing them only a few times per year. And even when they do meet, it is not the type of quality time that modern parents share with their children. I thought that this book was incredibly fascinating and would recommend it 100% to any lover of history or of Elizabeth and the Tudor family.
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February 5, 2015
From Netgalley for a review:
It is no surprise that I immediately grabbed this book and promptly could not put it down, I am a long time fan of the Tudors, especially Elizabeth I, one of the few people from history who I greatly admire. I say few because even though I love history and studying people's lives, I do not admire many, there are many I respect and even more that I find interesting, but it takes a lot for me to admire. I also admire this book.
It is very much so a history book and looks at how Elizabeth interacted with those close to her, instead of telling a story it uses first hand accounts and quotes from letters and other correspondences. True, there are lots of great books presented as narrative that pull from these same sources, but that is different and usually has a more biased tone. My favorite thing about this book was how it was presented as history and is not biased, and when there are opinions the author is very clear that it is that and not history.
It is well written, I enjoyed reading it and recommend it to anyone who is a fan of English history, Elizabeth I, or just that time period.
It is no surprise that I immediately grabbed this book and promptly could not put it down, I am a long time fan of the Tudors, especially Elizabeth I, one of the few people from history who I greatly admire. I say few because even though I love history and studying people's lives, I do not admire many, there are many I respect and even more that I find interesting, but it takes a lot for me to admire. I also admire this book.
It is very much so a history book and looks at how Elizabeth interacted with those close to her, instead of telling a story it uses first hand accounts and quotes from letters and other correspondences. True, there are lots of great books presented as narrative that pull from these same sources, but that is different and usually has a more biased tone. My favorite thing about this book was how it was presented as history and is not biased, and when there are opinions the author is very clear that it is that and not history.
It is well written, I enjoyed reading it and recommend it to anyone who is a fan of English history, Elizabeth I, or just that time period.
May 30, 2015
The inner circle of courtiers who surrounded Elizabeth I during her momentous reign is the focus of this beautifully written book, which aims to put the personal into the myth and legend which all too often surrounds this charismatic Queen of England.
Not only does the book look at Elizabeth's personal relationships with her limited family, namely her father and elder sister, but it also shines the spotlight on the interactions Elizabeth had with those courtiers who have come to symbolise the first Elizabethan age, particularly the brightest and best statesmen, men like Burghley and Walsingham and adventurers like Raleigh whose far reaching expertise ensured the overriding success of Gloriana. The well documented effect that Elizabeth had on certain male courtiers is described in some detail, but perhaps lesser known and beautifully highlighted, is the influence that Elizabeth had on the women of her court, particularly those she treated as maid-servants.
If you enjoy Tudor history and want to add another well written and easily readable version of the Elizabethan age to your collection, then this book would be a welcome addition to any bookshelf.
Not only does the book look at Elizabeth's personal relationships with her limited family, namely her father and elder sister, but it also shines the spotlight on the interactions Elizabeth had with those courtiers who have come to symbolise the first Elizabethan age, particularly the brightest and best statesmen, men like Burghley and Walsingham and adventurers like Raleigh whose far reaching expertise ensured the overriding success of Gloriana. The well documented effect that Elizabeth had on certain male courtiers is described in some detail, but perhaps lesser known and beautifully highlighted, is the influence that Elizabeth had on the women of her court, particularly those she treated as maid-servants.
If you enjoy Tudor history and want to add another well written and easily readable version of the Elizabethan age to your collection, then this book would be a welcome addition to any bookshelf.
September 13, 2015
A big thank you to First Reads and Oxford University Press for sending me a copy of this book.
'Elizabeth I and her Circle' describes the various people who came in regular contact with this strong-willed Tudor queen. Divided into three sections, the book deals with family members including Mary, Queen of Scots,
some of Elizabeth's courtiers and, in the final part, her most famous councillors.
This is a well-written book with a very readable style that can be enjoyed by serious historians and the general reader alike. Of particular interest is the chapter on women courtiers. Elizabeth I has long had the reputation of being rather strict when it came to letting her ladies have relationships with men and marrying. This book shows that most of her female courtiers did marry and with Elizabeth's blessing too. It was only when developing relationships were kept secret from her, that subsequently threw her into a temper.
Anyone with a general interest in the Tudor Age will gain a lot from reading this excellent book. A very interesting and enjoyable read.
'Elizabeth I and her Circle' describes the various people who came in regular contact with this strong-willed Tudor queen. Divided into three sections, the book deals with family members including Mary, Queen of Scots,
some of Elizabeth's courtiers and, in the final part, her most famous councillors.
This is a well-written book with a very readable style that can be enjoyed by serious historians and the general reader alike. Of particular interest is the chapter on women courtiers. Elizabeth I has long had the reputation of being rather strict when it came to letting her ladies have relationships with men and marrying. This book shows that most of her female courtiers did marry and with Elizabeth's blessing too. It was only when developing relationships were kept secret from her, that subsequently threw her into a temper.
Anyone with a general interest in the Tudor Age will gain a lot from reading this excellent book. A very interesting and enjoyable read.
August 28, 2015
Most biographies of Elizabeth I describe her life from birth in 1533 to death in 1603, covering the events of her path to the throne and reign in chronological order. In Elizabeth I and Her Circle, Susan Doran, a Senior Research Fellow at Jesus College, Oxford, co-editor of The Elizabethan World and Mary Tudor: Old and New Perspectives, and author of Mary Queen of Scots: An Illustrated Life and numerous books on Tudor England, instead devotes a chapter to each of the key relationships in the Queen’s life. Through analysis of Elizabeth I’s connections to her relatives, courtiers and councilors, Doran explodes the myths about the Queen’s character and reign, revealing the that England’s most famous ruler was a more complicated person than past biographers – and popular culture – have assumed. For full review, see http://www.royalhistorian.com/friday-...
March 11, 2015
I received this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Doran's work really expanded my knowledge of the people surrounding Elizabeth I. I had read quite a bit about the Tudors before, but never realized what her relationship with her father and sister was really like. The section involving the courtiers wasn't as interesting for me as the other sections as it rehashed information that I had read before. Still not quite sure how I felt about Doran arranging this book by what function people played in Elizabeth's life (immediate family/cousins/courtiers/etc) instead of going chronologically, as it occasionally made it hard to follow as to what people she was actually dealing with at the same time. Would definitely recommend this to any fans of Tudor history.
Doran's work really expanded my knowledge of the people surrounding Elizabeth I. I had read quite a bit about the Tudors before, but never realized what her relationship with her father and sister was really like. The section involving the courtiers wasn't as interesting for me as the other sections as it rehashed information that I had read before. Still not quite sure how I felt about Doran arranging this book by what function people played in Elizabeth's life (immediate family/cousins/courtiers/etc) instead of going chronologically, as it occasionally made it hard to follow as to what people she was actually dealing with at the same time. Would definitely recommend this to any fans of Tudor history.
May 4, 2015
I received a free copy in a Goodreads 'First Reads' giveaway.
I'm fascinated by Tudor history and have read plenty of books about Elizabeth, but I think that using a thematic rather than a chronological approach worked really well to mark this out as different. It does make it slightly more difficult in places to keep track of relationships between the courtiers themselves but Doran has tried to cross-reference in most cases to keep these in context.
A very well written and researched book, I would definitely recommend it for anyone wanting to look at Elizabeth's rule in a slightly different way.
I'm fascinated by Tudor history and have read plenty of books about Elizabeth, but I think that using a thematic rather than a chronological approach worked really well to mark this out as different. It does make it slightly more difficult in places to keep track of relationships between the courtiers themselves but Doran has tried to cross-reference in most cases to keep these in context.
A very well written and researched book, I would definitely recommend it for anyone wanting to look at Elizabeth's rule in a slightly different way.
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