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Alison Weir's new biography covers the facts well enough, but she understands Elizabeth's situation imaginatively, and that is what makes her book special. Elizabeth not only overcame the misogyny of the world she lived in--she exploited it; Weir's own feminism gives her insights into the canny role-playing that was so crucial to Elizabeth's chameleon nature. Everything had to be policy from wigs and fans to rack and gallows; this is a biography which understands not only what happened, but how it seemed and felt at the time. This is an excellent conclusion to Weir's series of Tudor biographies--popular history which brings good sense to bear on scholarly fact. --Roz Kaveney

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The True Meaning of Majesty

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This book picks up Elizabeth's life at the time of her sucession to the English throne up unto her death in 1603.It covers every aspect of her reign. The continual threat from Mary, Queen of Scots, Spanish invasion and excomunication from Rome are just some of the troubles that Elizabeth had to deal with. The reader is also made very well acquainted with all the political stars of the day who were so essential to the affairs of the country and others who sought their own advancement only. Alison Weir paints a wonderful all round picture of the last Tudor court, which always gives me the impression that I'm watching a film rather than reading a book. With so much material available on Elizabeth I it can be difficult to make a choice. For a detailed journey of her pre- Queen life, one should look elsewhere. But this is as a superbly informative narrative of her reign. Thoroughly enjoyable reading.

Great non-fiction read.	Customer Rating:
I was totally hooked on this book right from the start, although I usually read historical novels rather than non-fiction. It is so well written and descriptive that I felt I was an eye-witness at the Tudor court. If only school history lessons had been so interesting!

Very sympathetic portrayal of Elizabeth

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Alison Weir writes a very engaging and sympathetic account of Queen Elizabeth, taking the reader right into the heart of Renaissance England and Elizabeth's splendid court. This is a vivid portrait of Elizabeth and her relationship with her rivals, suitors, courtiers, subjects, foreign diplomats and enemies. All aspects of court life are covered, from social relations and life at court, to war and the politics of 16th century England, thus providing not just an engaging biography but also a journey in time, taking the reader back 500 years to an England at once imperial, majestic, and in the midst of civil political turmoil. One star less because I feel as if not enough space was given to Elizabeth's relationship and dealings with Mary Tudor or the character and motifs of the Earl of Essex, the uprising of the latter being glossed over very quickly and in little detail, despite Essex's influential role at court.

Deeply compelling

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I have read many of Alison Weirs' books (the latest being the Princes in the Tower) and can not fault her. Aside from her exquisite ability to transport you to an age where the ruler of a country was all powerful. She guides and teaches you about the person and era in which the book is based. This book in particuar is a "just can't put it down" book. There is everything. Murder, intrigue, treachery, love and even a bit of comedy (I found the thought off essex walking though london yelling for people to take arms against the queen and noone responding as most humerous). Fact is without doubt better than fiction. Buy this book and you won't be disappointed and I guarentee this will not be the last Alison Weir book you shall buy.

A most enthralling read	Customer Rating:
I found Alison's book one of, if not the best I have ever read on Elizabeth, whom I find quite the most fascinating heroine of any age.I disappeared into the book and was transported to her court.Fabulous.