Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #352515 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 480 pages

Customer Reviews

GLORIANA...
This is the second volume in Jean Plaidy's well-written "Queens of England" series of books. As in all the books in this series, it is written as a first person narrative, creating an intimacy of style that makes the book all the more compelling and immensely readable. Replete with fascinating period detail, political machinations, public personages, and historical events that were a part of the life of Queen Elizabeth I, the author builds a fascinating, three dimensional portrait of a woman and queen.

The author recounts the early years of Elizabeth, a troubled child, unsure of her place in the affections of her father, King Henry VIII. Knowing that he had had her mother, Anne Boleyn, beheaded, an impressionable Elizabeth observed the succession of women who took her mother's place and assessed how they fared at her father's hands.

Elizabeth lived through the reign of her younger half-brother, Edward VI, as well as that of her half-sister, Mary, during whose reign Elizabeth would come perilously close to losing her life under allegations of treason. Having survived the reign of her sister, whose legacy would forever enshrine her in history as "Bloody Mary" for her fanatical persecution of Catholics, Elizabeth would come to the throne as a Protestant with a penchant for religious tolerance towards her Catholic subjects.

The author takes the reader through the ascension of Elizabeth to the throne and her glorious reign, making the reader understand why Elizabeth I is revered as one of the greatest monarchs the world has ever known. From the early halcyon days of her reign to the more troubled ones that were to follow, the author fully engages the reader. The author also recounts the story of Elizabeth's close relationship with Robert Dudley, her Master of Horse, whom she would make the Earl of Leicester.

Through her, Dudley became one of the most powerful men in her kingdom, as Elizabeth I granted him all but his most fervent wish, which was to have her hand in marriage. This wily and scholarly Queen would not share her power with any man, not even Dudley, a man she professed to love. Nonetheless, she would have a life long relationship with Robert Dudley, and his death, while in his fifties, would mark Elizabeth I for the remainder of her long life.

The fractious relationships Elizabeth I would have with some of her courtiers is recounted, as are the ones that were more harmonious. Familial relationships, scandals, and intrigues would also have their impact, not just on Elizabeth I, but on the monarchy and the world, as well. Such is the lot of monarchs, and the reign of Elizabeth I was no different. World events and their effect on England also pepper this book, and at the center of it all was the indomitable Elizabeth I, a queen regnant who made England into a world power with which to be reckoned. Her reign would go down in history as the glorious Elizabethan era.

This is a wonderful book that those with a penchant for historical fiction will, no doubt, enjoy. Ms. Plaidy is a master storyteller, seamlessly weaving a tapestry of events and personalities that make this book one to be savored.

Elizabeth the Great!!
This is the story of Gloriana, Elizabeth I, and her struggle to ascend to the throne of England, and to stay there. She never had it easy from birth, being first of all, her fathers' pride and joy, and then suddenly, as far as he was concerned, a nobody, just a painful reminder of her mother, Anne Boleyn. It is strange really, that Henry VIII should have had such a dislike for Elizabeth, as she was the most like him of all his children. His yearning for a boy was unnecessary, as Elizabeth proved herself to be equal to the task of looking after England come what may. Elizabeth presents herself as a somewhat tortured soul, never mentioning her mother, but always aware of her. She knew she had to prove herself, and set out to do it diligently. I could almost feel sorry for poor Mary Tudor, for she had no chance against Elizabeth, who knew how to manipulate people, especially men. There is also, of course, her well-documented
love affair with Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Did they, or didn't they? It is never made clear,and we must draw our own conclusions. What is left in no doubt however, is that Elizabeths' love and passion was for England, and England and Elizabeth were one and the same. She was a truly magnificent monarch, proud, haughty and autocratic, and having a total and
necessary belief in herself. She was by turns, maddening, annoying, cruel, manipulating, and yet also kind and loving and generous, and loyal to her friends, while not fully trusting anyone. She was an enigma, and she changed the face of history for England. She was really the very first emancipated woman, and fully the equal of any man. I found this story to be fascinating, and have read it many times. I would wholeheartedly recommend it.

A dry and clinical read
I was so disappointed in this book. Jean Plaidy was enthusiastically recommended to me as I have a big interest in the tudor period. I was thrilled to hear an author had so many books about it, waiting to be read, but this one quickly destroyed my hopes. Although it should have painted Elizabeth in the light of a glorious queen and a golden age it showed her as a grumpy, bitchy, selfish woman and it's desire to be historically correct completely detracted from any excitement, passion or true characterisation. I found it dull and I came away rather disliking Elizabeth instead of revering and respecting her. I am now not sure whether I want to bother reading further books by this author as this one was just such a grim, clinical tale. I found it took forever to read as it was like ploughing through glue. In it's defense (the only thing I can think of to redeem it) it did stick to facts and I therefore am now able to read more romanticised accounts of Elizabeth with a knowledge of what is false and what is true... but as a fiction book I believe the author could have taken a chance and used a little artistic license just in order to engage her readers. But I believe she was more interested in being correct than entertaning. All in all I found this a book I would never bother to look at again unless I wanted to use it for reference and I am seriously unsure whether to persevere with any other books by jean plaidy.