John Guy, a world-renowned Tudor historian and author of a number of popular science bestsellers, reevaluates the late period of the biography of one of the most well-known rulers of England, Elizabeth I. Showcasing the queen at the height of her power, John Guy addresses the years that have been insufficiently covered by other historians and debunks many myths surrounding her name.
Elizabeth I was crowned at 25 years old, but only at 50 did she gain real power. She no longer needed advisors who had long convinced her to marry and restore the line of succession. Elizabeth was determined not only to lead the state but also to rule effectively. John Guy introduces us to the ambitious queen, revealing her multifaceted character: power and vulnerability, capriciousness and uncertainty. The war between England and France and Spain, the rebellion in Ireland, the economic crisis, and the political conspiracy to place Mary Stuart on the throne are just some of the issues Elizabeth faced during these years (1583–1603). At the same time, the queen, as the author emphasizes, had her own weapon—language. Since the calling of her first parliament, she deflected all accusations by resorting to the rhetorical trick: "My people speak for me."
John Guy has done remarkable work with archives, including letters, drafts, and the queen's diaries that reflect her inner world, resulting in us hearing the true "voice" of Elizabeth. This innovative study of the Elizabethan era, written in an inspired and vivid language, will be of interest to a wide audience of readers.
Bestseller
