Mention Regarding Books Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne
| Title | : | Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne |
| Author | : | David Starkey |
| Book Format | : | Paperback |
| Book Edition | : | First Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 384 pages |
| Published | : | December 4th 2001 by Harper Perennial (first published January 1st 2000) |
| Categories | : | History. Nonfiction. Biography. English History. Tudor Period. Historical |
Explanation In Favor Of Books Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne
The legend of Elizabeth I, the untouchable, charismatic Virgin Queen, is a powerful and enduring one. Most biographies focus on the years of her reign, during which she proved herself as adept a ruler -- and as shrewd an operator -- as England had ever seen. But while the history of her rule is fascinating, the story of how her remarkable character was forged seems vital to a full understanding of the woman who led England into a new age of prosperity, power, and artistic achievement. David Starkey's Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne explores the terra incognita of Elizabeth's early years, and the result is nothing short of captivating.Starkey finds that Elizabeth's early years ran the gamut from days of snug security as the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, and Henry's heir apparent, to the years of uncertainty after her mother's execution when
Elizabeth was separated from court and virtually forgotten. She received a first-rate academic education, excelling in languages and rhetoric and exhibiting a strong interest in the Protestant religion her father had established in England. But the education she received from life itself would prove far more valuable for the monarch-to-be. After the death of Henry VIII and Edward VI (Elizabeth's half brother), Elizabeth's status as sister and would-be successor to the Catholic queen Mary put her in a dangerous position.
It also put her in prison at Mary's command -- and perilously close to execution -- after plots to place Elizabeth on the throne were revealed. Starkey makes it clear that while others may have actually done the dirty work, Elizabeth was usually in the thick of these efforts. Her imprisonment taught her to cover her tracks, but it did not stop her maneuverings. While fervently professing her Catholic faith, she surrounded herself with Protestant advisers and attendants, and bided her time.
She evaded another snare of her sister's when Mary attempted to neutralize Elizabeth by marrying her off to a Catholic Spaniard in exchange for naming Elizabeth her successor. Perhaps Elizabeth had learned early on from the plight of her mother that marriage had its drawbacks. Starkey, however, suggests that Elizabeth, in a moment of true regality, would not accept the crown if it came through bullying and capitulation. Again, Elizabeth bided her time.
Her seeming patience -- for Starkey reveals that Elizabeth continued to plot -- paid off when Mary, never robust, entered her final illness. Elizabeth managed to convince the now irrational queen that she was, indeed, a staunch Catholic and vowed to preserve England as a Catholic realm. Upon Mary's death, Elizabeth ascended to the throne with no meaningful opposition, thereby beginning what would be a golden age, one of the most legendary reigns in history. Starkey lets us understand, for the first time, the forces that made her into the formidable woman -- and brilliant ruler -- that she would soon prove to be.
Be Specific About Books To Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne
| Original Title: | Elizabeth: Apprenticeship |
| ISBN: | 0060959517 (ISBN13: 9780060959517) |
| Edition Language: | English |
| Characters: | Elizabeth I of England |
Rating Regarding Books Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne
Ratings: 4.08 From 13006 Users | 287 ReviewsPiece Regarding Books Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne
(view spoiler)[ Bettie's Books (hide spoiler)]Just arrived from Finland through BM.This book gives an excellent biography of Elizabeth and how the transition between Catholicism to Protestantism was made in England during the 16th century.
Queen Elizabeth I is one of my favorite historical characters so I had to read this book. David Starkey writes a very detailed biography on Elizabeth with short chapters that were easy to read. I was expecting the book to be more about Elizabeth but discovered the author went on tangents about the people in her life. I understood why Starke may have taken that route, to show she was influenced by them, especially her father, but felt he lingered too long on them with unnecessary details. I
Wow... for a nonfiction highly scholarly biography, this is a surprisingly excellent read. Extensively and intimately researched. I am completely enraptured by this time period and the behind-the-scenes politics and personalities that steered the English ship of state this way and that. This is a fascinating portrait of Elizabeth - focusing almost entirely on her years from birth to ascending the throne (thereafter ruling for 45 years). While I have read many books on the subject, this one is
Learned, opinionated and witty--this is an excellent biography of Elizabeth I's early years. While some knowledge of British and European history in the sixteenth century is presumed, this book should not be beyond the reach of a high school student. Indeed, unlike many other historians of the period, Starkey is usually careful to provide definitions--either directly or by context--of some of the more archaic terms which vividly color his portrayal of the behaviors of aristocrats and high
Divine.
the author thinks very highly of himself and it comes across in his writing. slips into first person far too often - "i think" this, and "i see" that. he criticizes other biographers far too often. beyond his arrogance, it is a difficult read and his telling of courtly intrigue is dizzying at best. it is interesting to learn about elizabeth's formative years and her road to the throne, but i would have preferred to read more about her life and less about starkey's opinions on tudor life.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.