The Reign and Life of Queen Elizabeth I: Politics, Culture, and Society

by Carole Levin

This textbook provides an overview of the long reign of Elizabeth I (1558–1603), a highly significant female ruler in a time of great change. It offers an accessible yet detailed survey of the events of her life and reign, followed by thematic chapters exploring key aspects of her time in power and the wider context of politics, culture and society in early modern England. Topics covered range from the composition of the queen's Privy Council; the 'Other' in Elizabethan England; assassination attempts; friendship; entertainment; and dreams. Gathering a great deal of cutting-edge and original research from one of the foremost scholars of Elizabeth's reign, this book is an essential companion for students and a crucial reference work for researchers.

320 pages, Paperback

Published April 24, 2022

About the author

Carole Levin is Willa Cather Professor of History at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She is the author of Dreaming the English Renaissance: Politics and Desire in Court and Culture and The Heart and Stomach of a King: Elizabeth I and the Politics of Sex and Power.

Reviews

[Sherry Sharpnack]

I have read SO many biographies of Queen Elizabeth I, my favorite historical figure. Dr. Carole Levin is an expert on this Queen, and I met Dr. Levin approximately 25 years ago, when I was her pharmacist while she was a professor at the University of Nebraska. At that time, I read her "The Heart and Stomach of a King:..." and enjoyed it.
Since then, Dr Levin has retired and now teaches classes through the OLLI program (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. I have been fortunate enough to take two of her classes at UNL's Love Library; this is where I heard of her second book on Queen Elizabeth.
However, this book assumes that you know Queen Elizabeth's life story; the introduction and early part of the book skim her life story. The rest of the book is more of a compendium/encyclopedia of information about QEI. This would be GREAT for someone to use for a quick list of scandals, plots against her life, etc. However, it makes it harder to read as it isn't narrative, more quick hits. Again, you are already expected to know the high points of her life story. Still enjoyable for me, just not a narrative story.