Elizabeth I

by Jasper Ridley

The central question that Jasper Ridley addresses in this perceptive and entertaining biography is, "Was Elizabeth herself a great Queen or did she simply preside over a great era in English history?" Employing the same narrative skill and fascinating use of detail as in his biography of Henry VIII, Jasper Ridley brings Elizabeth and her court vividly to life.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Tudor Period, British Literature

391 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Jasper Ridley was a British writer, known for historical biographies. He was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, and the Sorbonne. He trained and practiced as a barrister, before starting to write. During World War II, he was a conscientious objector and was, by his own account, violently abused while in a detention camp. He served on St Pancras Borough Council from 1945 to 1949, and stood, unsuccessfully, as Labour Party candidate for Winchester in 1955 general election.

Reviews

[Juliew. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very,very detailed account about Elizabeth which is a plus in any bio but at times I admit I failed to recognize one of my most favorite queens in history.The writing is excellent but even though lots of the author's sources come from state papers I felt he viewed Elizabeth and her actions and motivations in a negative light.As a whole I dont think many would agree with this assessment.England prospered,thrived and became a world power during her reign and she was at the very least one of the reasons if not the reason.This should be read with caution.3 stars for the writing and detail.

[Joseph Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well balanced historical account of Elizabeth's life. Very recommendable for leisurely reading.

[Maranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well written full length biography of Good Queen Bess! Definitely worth the read it is a well researched and well written book. A long bibliography gives credit to the time put into the research.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took a little effort, sometimes, but it was good. I'm always fascinated by the major historical turns that happen (or don't) just based on this or that individual's choices, or health, or what have you. I'll also never consider the differences between the Catholic church (that my wife was raised in) and Protestantism (that I was raised in, and she switched to) quite the same way again. We've each had some slightly awkward church services, but never been worried about being hanged, drawn, and quartered over it. Speaking of which, the breathtaking brutality of the age was shocking, too.

The author has a clear distillation of Elizabeth that he drums in more and more, right to the end (spoiler? nah): that she was indecisive to a fault. And maybe she was, but I finished this book thinking that it would be interesting to see if other biographers homed in on that point so relentlessly. That said, to be honest, I'm not sure I'll have the energy to wade through all these names, dates, battles, etc. again any time too soon.

So, it wasn't a page-turner, but what nonfiction biography of a 16th-century ruler would be? It was well-written, and had enough of a dose of an editorial point to not be too dry; I recommend it, if you're interested in the subject.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ridley can certainly summarize complex issues such as the religious conflicts at home and abroad. The authoritative manner in which he writes often camouflages the lack of manuscript primary source materials used and the absence of analysis.

Must say, it often felt as if Queen Elizabeth was a background player, albeit important. Sometimes her role seemed to be tacked on as an afterthought as Ridley extensively covers foreign affairs—fascinating in its right as England shifted from containing France to defeating Spain—and ignores discussing insights into the Queen’s personality. Maybe it was because Ridley obviously does not fall into the adulation one expects in a biographer of Queen Elizabeth.
Okay, I cannot have it both ways I know, because I distrust writers who tell me what the historical figure was feeling and thinking—but a glimpse into her temperament (beyond her tantrums and indecisiveness) would have not been amiss.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished Alison Weir's The Children of Henry the VIII with frustration because she short-changed Elizabeth. Thus I read Ridley's Elizabeth I. Okay, she deserves to be called extraordianry for her religious stand and leadership as a woman in what was a VERY man's world. On the other hand, her inability to make up her mind drove me nuts. Ridley tried to say that she was using an appearancce of indecision as a tool, but I'm not sure. Anyway, by the time I had read 10 to 15 pages on Elizabeth's changing mind on a matter in Ireland or a events in The Netherland, or concerning Spain, I really did not care about the outcome. The book came across as unclear as Elizabeth was being. Ridley needed to show less of the equivocation and to come to the point.

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this when I was browsing the library's biography section, looking for nothing specific. It's not bad. I'm not sure I'll make it all the way through this one. I wonder if there is a better biography of her out there.

It's readable. I wouldn't say, though, that it exactly brings her or the era to life.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my favorite historical books. what a different life women led back then, and yet, this woman literally changed history, with her remaining unmarried and turning her country around from nearly bankrupt, to prosperous, and her support of the arts. magnificent!

[Carline · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt like I was reading a history book. It was interesting but very tedious.