Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I, who reigned over Shakespeare's England and defeated the Spanish Armada, is familiar both from her portraits and as Gloriana, the Virgin Queen. Yet the reality of her character and her personal attitudes are harder to detect behind the public mask. Elizabeth I, a major biography by a leading Tudor expert to mark the 400th anniversary of her death in 1603, looks in detail behind the public life at the private woman. It treats at length her early years and examines her actions and policies as queen. David Loades's biography brings out her remarkable talents and unique achievements.

DAVID LOADES is Professor of History at the University of North Wales, Bangor, UK.

Chapter 1: The King's Marriage Chapter 2: The Infant Princess Chapter 3: The King's Daughter Chapter 4: The King's Sister Chapter 5: In Danger Chapter 6: The New Queen Chapter 7: Threats Chapter 8: France and the Netherlands Chapter 9: The Gathrine Storm Chapter 10: War with Spain Chapter 11: The Earl of Essex Chapter 12: The Final Years Chapter 13: The Great Queen