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Elizabeth I: A Biography
Vintage hardcover
511 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1974
2 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Paul Johnson
134 books839 followersPaul Johnson works as a historian, journalist and author. He was educated at Stonyhurst School in Clitheroe, Lancashire and Magdalen College, Oxford, and first came to prominence in the 1950s as a journalist writing for, and later editing, the New Statesman magazine. He has also written for leading newspapers and magazines in Britain, the US and Europe.
Paul Johnson has published over 40 books including A History of Christianity (1979), A History of the English People (1987), Intellectuals (1988), The Birth of the Modern: World Society, 1815—1830 (1991), Modern Times: A History of the World from the 1920s to the Year 2000 (1999), A History of the American People (2000), A History of the Jews (2001) and Art: A New History (2003) as well as biographies of Elizabeth I (1974), Napoleon (2002), George Washington (2005) and Pope John Paul II (1982).
Paul Johnson has published over 40 books including A History of Christianity (1979), A History of the English People (1987), Intellectuals (1988), The Birth of the Modern: World Society, 1815—1830 (1991), Modern Times: A History of the World from the 1920s to the Year 2000 (1999), A History of the American People (2000), A History of the Jews (2001) and Art: A New History (2003) as well as biographies of Elizabeth I (1974), Napoleon (2002), George Washington (2005) and Pope John Paul II (1982).
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 26, 2021
Brilliant biography, just brilliant. Insightful, careful. Wonderful resource
September 30, 2024
As someone who has gotten super into English history over the last couple years from Alfred’s Anglo-Saxon England through to some of the Stuart’s as I’ve read a general history on that period, I had finally got to the point of needing to read a book on Queen Elizabeth.
In terms of biographies on English monarchs, I have read every Yale Monarch Series book for every monarch they have a book on till this point. Yet as of writing, this awesome series has yet to release one on one of England’s greatest monarchs though from my understanding it is in the works. Yet I couldn’t wait. So I look into a number of biographies and Paul Johnson’s is the one that got my attention. It came off as the type of biography. Fairly detailed, good analysis on the person the book is on, and a good documentation on the events of the reign. So something very Yale Monarch Series-esque. This book delivered.
Elizabeth’s reign was one I had gotten quite familiar with. It was something from just general upbringing and learning about history I had some knowledge on then got much more knowledge on from reading a couple general histories of the Tudor period. So this book was treading familiar ground, but now with much needed insight into Elizabeth herself, her government, and so on.
The book is an excellent biography on Elizabeth. It’s also an excellent telling of her reign. From the major happenings. To the important players. I liked that Johnson took some time to give background info on Cecil, Cecil’s son, Raleigh, Winstanley, and so on. Elizabeth herself was quite the character, but her reign saw quite many characters as well and Johnson gave them their spotlight.
So I would have to recommend this book if looking for a biography on Elizabeth that I’d say leans a little more academic imo. Cause personally that’s what I’m wanting and if that is what you’re wanting, then look no further. While it is an older book published in the 70s, I felt like it still held up. Johnson’s writing was good and I imagine much of the info is still accurate as Elizabeth’s reign happened at a time where things were better covered. I mean we quite literally have quotes and some dang fine ones as well. And I’ll leave with one: Anger makes dull men witty, but it keeps them poor.
In terms of biographies on English monarchs, I have read every Yale Monarch Series book for every monarch they have a book on till this point. Yet as of writing, this awesome series has yet to release one on one of England’s greatest monarchs though from my understanding it is in the works. Yet I couldn’t wait. So I look into a number of biographies and Paul Johnson’s is the one that got my attention. It came off as the type of biography. Fairly detailed, good analysis on the person the book is on, and a good documentation on the events of the reign. So something very Yale Monarch Series-esque. This book delivered.
Elizabeth’s reign was one I had gotten quite familiar with. It was something from just general upbringing and learning about history I had some knowledge on then got much more knowledge on from reading a couple general histories of the Tudor period. So this book was treading familiar ground, but now with much needed insight into Elizabeth herself, her government, and so on.
The book is an excellent biography on Elizabeth. It’s also an excellent telling of her reign. From the major happenings. To the important players. I liked that Johnson took some time to give background info on Cecil, Cecil’s son, Raleigh, Winstanley, and so on. Elizabeth herself was quite the character, but her reign saw quite many characters as well and Johnson gave them their spotlight.
So I would have to recommend this book if looking for a biography on Elizabeth that I’d say leans a little more academic imo. Cause personally that’s what I’m wanting and if that is what you’re wanting, then look no further. While it is an older book published in the 70s, I felt like it still held up. Johnson’s writing was good and I imagine much of the info is still accurate as Elizabeth’s reign happened at a time where things were better covered. I mean we quite literally have quotes and some dang fine ones as well. And I’ll leave with one: Anger makes dull men witty, but it keeps them poor.
May 28, 2018
A sympathetic, masterful study of a formidable woman, a great 'Prince' of England.
November 3, 2007
After reading this book, I have a better grasp of the events of Elizabeth I's reign. (All the better to get disgusted at however the new movie distorts the facts.) She was certainly one of the most remarkable women the world has ever known.
February 6, 2016
A straightforward biography, interesting, but very like a textbook
November 24, 2014
One of the best biographies of a great queen - very readable with his learning carried lightly.
November 15, 2016
Elizabeth Tudor 2020
January 30, 2011
A challenging read, but worth the effort. It's a comprehensive biography.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews