The Word of a Prince: A Life of Elizabeth I from Contemporary Documents

In contrast to the first reviewer, I found Maria Perry's alternation of contemporary documents and historical narrative very effective. To say that Ms Perry's account is "often biased and pure speculation (yet presented as fact)" is a little unfair. The notes offer sources throughout the book, most being primary sources (especially the relevant State Papers but many others too). The scholarship is meticulous and far in excess of more populist treatments of Elizabeth's life. Ms Perry studied under GR Elton whose heroic labours in the archive are well-documented; her own work ethic is commensurate. Where she differs from other historians' views she is careful to say so. Thus, when Perry downplays the notorious clothes-cutting incident involving a thirteen year old Elizabeth, Thomas Seymour and Katherine Parr in the garden at Chelsea, she is careful to give textual support for her view, showing how later writers 'improved' the tale. "The Word of a Prince: A Life of Elizabeth I" is a work of considerable scholarship somewhat disguised by its unconventional and hybrid format.

I read this book in a History class of the Tudor-Stuart period in college. While I found the book interesting, many others did not. The book combines documents by Elizabeth herself, many rare or hard to find and of a personal nature, and secondary source comentaty. The book gives an often unheard naritive of Elizabeth I's childhood, accendancy, and reign.One problem that many other students found in my class was the constant personal narritives given by the author. While at times they are quite dramatic and through provoking, they are often biased and pure speculation (yet presented as fact). Some issues and events are taken someone out of context or presented in a slanted view.While I would definatly recomend this book to anyone wanting to know more and about Elizabeth I, I must caution the reader to question some of the evidence and speculation given in the book. The reader must constantly be on the look out for things that may be biased. This book does make an excellent read for the amature historian, but like all historical books, do not base all your knowledge on this one work.

I've never read this book before, But someone that has, Could u tell me why in the world it says The World of a *Prince*? Because shes a princess.

An absolutely beautiful edition of this book in hardback from Pendlebury Books (bought used, very good through Amazon). It was in near perfect condition, with only a small scuff on the case but not the book itself. The printed photos are a nice addition to the book and this is all in all an excellent scholarly account of the life of Queen Elizabeth I.

...ma con spese aggiuntive di quasi il 50% al ritiro. Consegna farraginosa.