
Queen Elizabeth
by Jacob Abbott
'Queen Elizabeth' Summary
Beginning with the tragic circumstances of Elizabeth's mother, the lovely and doomed Anne Boleyn's execution and Henry VIII's dissolution of the English Catholic Church, the story of Elizabeth's rise to power is reflective of the England's domination of world politics as well. As a three year old, the young Elizabeth was destined to be raised as an orphan while her authoritarian, lustful and forceful father took on several more wives and created a new Church in England. He was survived by three children, Mary, Elizabeth and Edward, all by different wives and greatly separated from each other in age, upbringing, politics and faith.
Elizabeth was imprisoned as a traitor for several years by her sister Mary, who feared that she may claim the throne. Elizabeth had to wait till her older sister Mary died, to be crowned Queen. Her early reign was marked by intense political turmoil, palace intrigues, wars, religious strife and opposition. She also had to contend with numerous claimants to the throne, including the lovely and tragic Mary Queen of Scots, Lady Jane Grey and many others.
However, the masterful handling of the complex situations that confronted a young and solitary woman, the way she dealt with the powerful heads of state in Europe, her long list of admirers and suitors, the admiration and awe she evoked in her courtiers are all told in compelling detail in Queen Elizabeth.
Elizabeth's insistence on remaining the Virgin Queen was as much a political move as a personal choice. She suffered no lack of suitors or lovers, but kept them all guessing! Her long reign was marked by immense peace, prosperity and wise administration. The horrible religious and sectarian wars that had consumed earlier monarchies were stilled as England began to monopolize the world stage. Her own devious plots and schemes to retain power, her ruthless elimination of her enemies, her unsurpassed vanity and jealousy and her violent temper and her fondness for ceremonies, pomp and fanfare are all documented in Queen Elizabeth. She remains one of the most famous yet most enigmatic figures in history.
Published first in 1849, the original text had many charming engravings that illustrated the main events and characters. Jacob Abbott was well-known for his biographies and children's literature.
A fascinating and interesting read!
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1849Authors

Jacob Abbott
United States
Jacob Abbott (November 14, 1803 – October 31, 1879) was an American writer of children's books. He was a prolific author, writing juvenile fiction, brief histories, biographies, religious books...
Books by Jacob AbbottDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Making of the British Empire (A.D. 1714-1832) by Arthur Hassall
This book examines the rise of the British Empire during the 18th century, focusing on the period from 1714 to 1832. It details the key events and fig...

The History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 4, Chapter 17) by Thomas Babington Macaulay
The History of England from the Accession of James the Second (1848) is the full title of the five-volume work by Lord Macaulay (1800–1859) more gener...

Pause by Susanna Moodie
“The Pause” is a poem by Susanna Moodie, originally published in her 1821 collection *Enthusiasm and Other Poems*. Moodie, an English-born author, la...

Autobiography of Madame Guyon by Jeanne Marie Bouvier de la Motte Guyon
Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de la Motte-Guyon (commonly known as Madame Guyon) (April 13, 1648 - June 9, 1717) was a French mystic and one of the key advocat...

Drugging a Nation by Samuel Merwin, Sr.
This book delves into the history of the opium trade and its devastating impact on China during the 19th century. Author Samuel Merwin Sr. meticulousl...

Saxon and Norman by Amice MacDonell
This historical novel follows the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England, focusing on the competing claims to the English throne between...

Five Nations Vol II by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling's "Five Nations Vol II" is a collection of poems reflecting the vastness and complexities of the British Empire during the late Victor...

Cuentos de las montañas by Rudyard Kipling
Cuentos de las Montañas, una colección de cuentos de Rudyard Kipling, ofrece una mirada a la vida en la India británica durante el dominio británico....

Rough Notes Taken During Some Rapid Journeys Across the Pampas and Among the Andes by Francis Bond Head
Francis Bond Head's 'Rough Notes' provides a firsthand account of his travels across the Pampas and Andes in the 1820s. The book details his experienc...

The History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 3, Chapter 16) by Thomas Babington Macaulay
The History of England from the Accession of James the Second (1848) is the full title of the five-volume work by Lord Macaulay (1800–1859) more gener...
Reviews for Queen Elizabeth
No reviews posted or approved, yet...