Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I ruled England in defiance of convention, exercising supreme authority in a man's world. With courage, brilliance and style, she reigned for nearly forty-five years. Anne Somerset's penetrating biography of this complex and uniquely gifted woman is unrivalled in its analysis of both Elizabeth's personal life and her career as leader.

“'The fullest and best biography of the queen since Sir John Neale's in 1934'-- TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT”

"The most comprehensive, the most reliable and the most readable biography of Elizabeth." -"The New York Times Book Review" "This is my favourite among the biographies of Queen Elizabeth I. Anne Somerset presents a convincing as well as complex character at the center of her lucid narrative. She breathes new life into old sources so that we live the story again and see it afresh." -Antonia Fraser "An ample, stylish, and eloquent life of the queen." -"The Washington Post Book World ""Finely crafted, abundantly detailed. . . . Few biographies have explored the depth found here." -"San Francisco Chronicle ""An excellent book. . . . Somerset is in some respects the most balanced and impartial of all Elizabeth's biographers." -"Sunday Times "(London) "I am completely captivated by [Somerset's] Elizabeth I,"," . . The writing . . . is a delight." -Peter Gwyn, "Weekend Telegraph ""A gorgeous tapestry. . . . Even readers unfamiliar with the dynamic personalities of the Tudor era would do well to start their quest for knowledge here." -"Booklist""[Somerset] is an experienced biographer, a thorough researcher, an admirable writer and a reliable judge of character." -"Financial Times""[Somerset] gives us a portrait . . . with so much fidelity that the effect is just and exhilarating." -"The Spectator ""Totally captivating. . . . A wry, convincing portrait of a complex character." -"Publishers Weekly"

Anne Somerset was born in 1955 and read History at King's College London.Her first book, published in 1980, was The Life and Times of William IV.This was followed by Ladies-in-Waiting: From the Tudors to the Present Day and an acclaimed biography, Elizabeth I. Her most recent work was the bestselling Unnatural Murder, an account of the sensational Overbury murder which was shortlisted fro the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger award for non-fiction. Anne Somerset is married and lives in London with her husband and daughter.

Elizabeth I ruled England in defiance of convention, exercising supreme authority in a man's world. With courage, brilliance and style, she reigned for nearly forty-five years. Anne Somerset's penetrating biography of this complex and uniquely gifted woman is unrivalled in its analysis of both Elizabeth's personal life and her career as leader.

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