Alison Weir is the author of Britain's Royal Families: The Complete Genealogy, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, The Princes in the Tower, The Wars of the Roses, and The Children of Henry VIII. She lives outside London with her husband and two children.
“A riveting portrait of the queen and how the private woman won her
public role.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“An excellent account of the greatest of England’s remarkably great
queens.”—Daily Telegraph (London)
“Weir succeeds in making Elizabeth and her subjects come to life in
this clearly written and well-researched biography.”—Library
Journal (starred review)
“An extraordinary piece of historical scholarship.”—The Cleveland
Plain Dealer
Royal historian Weir (The Children of Henry VIII, LJ 7/96) continues with the story of Elizabeth Tudor, concentrating on the Virgin Queen's personal (one could hardly say private) life. Weir succeeds in making Elizabeth and her subjects come to life in this clearly written and well-researched biography. All the important people and events in the queen's life are covered, and even those readers familiar with Elizabeth's story will find this an enjoyable read. Of particular interest are the author's speculations about one of the most infamous episodes in Elizabeth's life‘the mysterious death of Amy Robsart, the unfortunate wife of the man who was probably the queen's great love. Weir's take on this much-discussed subject is both fascinating and convincing. A good introduction for those unfamiliar with Elizabeth I that librarians owning Elizabeth Jenkins's classic Elizabeth the Great (1958) as well as the numerous more recent biographies will still want to purchase. (Bibliography and index not seen.)‘Elizabeth Mary Mellett, Brookline P.L., MA
YA-YAs introduced to Elizabeth I through recent motion pictures and seeking more information about her could hardly do better than to choose Weir's third book on the Tudor dynasty, following The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1993) and The Children of Henry VIII (1996, both Ballantine). Those interested in details of Elizabeth's early years could begin with Children, but this new volume stands alone. A short introductory chapter provides historical context while a one-page prologue sets the stage: the death of Mary I and Elizabeth's ascension to the throne at age 25. While Weir covers important events and issues, her purpose is biography, so she focuses steadfastly on the woman and her relationships with those who knew, served, and loved her. The question of why she never married is much discussed, and YAs may be surprised to learn how close she came to marriage-and with whom. The author shows an Elizabeth who is flirtatious and temperamental; capable, yet insecure; imperious, yet compassionate-in a word, complex. With talent, determination, able assistance, and the loyalty and love of her subjects, Elizabeth surmounted intrigues, jealousies, plots, disease, even the betrayal of a loved one to lead her kingdom in its transformation from a debt-ridden country of little influence into a major European power. It's a fascinating tale that is well told in this engrossing, articulate book.-Dori DeSpain, Herndon Fortnightly Library, Fairfax County, VA
"A riveting portrait of the queen and how the private woman won her
public role."-Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"An excellent account of the greatest of England's
remarkably great queens."-Daily Telegraph
(London)
"Weir succeeds in making Elizabeth and her subjects come to life in
this clearly written and well-researched biography."-Library
Journal (starred review)
"An extraordinary piece of historical scholarship."-The Cleveland
Plain Dealer
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