The First Elizabeth: The Biography

<Tab/>Carolly Erickson's The First Elizabeth, a biography of Queen Elizabeth, covers a time from a few months before her birth to her death on March 23rd, 1603. It begins by describing the marriage of her parents and later the execution of her mother, Anne Boleyn. It describes Elizabeth's childhood: specifically her upbringing and relationship with those close around her, such as Kat Ashley, Tomas Seymour, and Mary, her sister. After she …

…depicts a very different Elizabeth than what has been impressed upon me. I was used to the kind, devout to her people Elizabeth. I was taught she really was the virgin queen, but with this book that notion has been completely abandoned. I enjoyed seeing a different side to Elizabeth. Her focus on other characters was a bit long and the ending was very abrupt, but over all I believe it is an enjoyable book.