The First Elizabeth Audiobook By Carolly Erickson cover art

The First Elizabeth

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The First Elizabeth

By: Carolly Erickson
Narrated by: Antony Ferguson
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In this remarkable biography, Carolly Erickson brings Elizabeth I to life and allows us to see her as a living, breathing, elegant, flirtatious, diplomatic, violent, arrogant, and outrageous woman who commands our attention, fascination, and awe.

With the special skill for which she is acclaimed, Carolly Erickson electrifies the senses as she evokes with total fidelity the brilliant colors of Elizabethan clothing and jewelry, the texture of tapestries, and even the close, perfumed air of castle rooms. Erickson demonstrates her extraordinary ability to discern and bring to life psychological and physical reality.

©1983 Carolly Erickson (P)2012 Audible, Inc. Europe Great Britain Historical Politicians Politics & Activism Royalty Women England Tudor Middle Ages
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I’ve become a fan of Ms Erickson’s clear writing style and pointed and unapologetic voice. She’s the only writer of Tudor history I’ve read in depth, but if there are any lapses in her historicity, they are compensated for by the recreation of portraits of women of power as womanly. Not masculinzed or compromised by apology, but “red in tooth and claw” as power usually exists. And, in the way her women stand in power, she reveals what seems like their real character, as well as might be expected at so many removes.
Erickson’s writing is so good, the narrator’s numerous errors and flubs can be ignored as if it is fine dinner served on chipped plates.

Clarity of narrative

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If you could sum up The First Elizabeth in three words, what would they be?

I thought I knew Elizabeth 1 of England but this book convinced me of how much more I did not know. An enjoyable, well researched book. NOTE: She is Elizabeth 1st of England

The United Kingdom did not exist during this period. Elizabeth 2nd is an error.

Yes, I am opinionated

What other book might you compare The First Elizabeth to and why?

Your favorite Tudor period biography.

Which character – as performed by Antony Ferguson – was your favorite?

Gives all of the human beings in this book interest and color.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I have listened several times

Any additional comments?

A pleasure, a bit like hot chocolate, its addictive.

You may think you know Elizabeth

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This is by far, the best book on Elizabeth 1, and when you finish it, you will be glad you chose this one book out of many available. You can love or hate Henry V111, but Anne produced the pick of the litter, that changed the face of the earth with beautiful Elizabeth.

Well Researched Book

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I listened to the invite book but it was difficult. Very boring. Storyline, I learned a few new things.

Boring.

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It was a little more boring than I expected. Lots of court intrigue and half-baked uprisings. Not a ton on what changed in England over that period of time.

Court life and intrigue. Not a very eventful queenship.

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