The Life of Elizabeth I

Amazon.com

The long life and powerful personality of England's beloved Virgin Queen have eternal appeal, and popular historian Alison Weir depicts both with panache. She's especially good at evoking the physical texture of Tudor England: the elaborate royal gowns (actually an intricate assembly of separate fabric panels buttoned together over linen shifts), the luxurious but unhygienic palaces (Elizabeth got the only "close stool"; most members of her retinue relieved themselves in the courtyards), the huge meals heavily seasoned to disguise the taste of spoiled meat. Against this earthy backdrop, Elizabeth's intelligence and formidable political skills stand in vivid relief. She may have been autocratic, devious, even deceptive, but these traits were required to perform a 45-year tightrope walk between the two great powers of Europe, France and Spain. Both countries were eager to bring small, weak England under their sway and to safely marry off its inconveniently independent queen. Weir emphasizes Elizabeth's precarious position as a ruling woman in a man's world, suggesting plausibly that the single life was personally appealing as well as politically expedient for someone who had seen many ambitious ladies--including her own mother--ruined and even executed for just the appearance of sexual indiscretions. The author's evaluations of such key figures in Elizabeth's reign as the Earl of Leicester (arguably the only man she ever loved) and William Cecil (her most trusted adviser) are equally cogent and respectful of psychological complexity. Weir does a fine job of retelling this always-popular story for a new generation. --Wendy Smith

Book Description

Perhaps the most influential sovereign England has ever known, Queen Elizabeth I remained an extremely private person throughout her reign, keeping her own counsel and sharing secrets with no one--not even her closest, most trusted advisers. Now, in this brilliantly researched, fascinating new book, acclaimed biographer Alison Weir shares provocative new interpretations and fresh insights on this enigmatic figure.

Against a lavish backdrop of pageantry and passion, intrigue and war, Weir dispels the myths surrounding Elizabeth I and examines the contradictions of her character. Elizabeth I loved the Earl of Leicester, but did she conspire to murder his wife? She called herself the Virgin Queen, but how chaste was she through dozens of liaisons? She never married--was her choice to remain single tied to the chilling fate of her mother, Anne Boleyn? An enthralling epic that is also an amazingly intimate portrait, The Life of Elizabeth I is a mesmerizing, stunning reading experience.

Customer Reviews:

quite an insight.......2007-08-31

I have read many books on the lives of the Tudors. This one is so realistic, it is like she was writing about the present instead of 500 years ago. It is a fascinating book

Mostly historical rubbish........2007-08-16

This is a sweet attempt to tell a somewhat romantic story of Elizabeth 1. For those interested in English history they might want to read 'Character's of the Reformation' by Hillaire Belloc. This English historian deals with the political side of the Tudor monarchy and the men who actually gave Elizabeth her marching orders and who ran the government during her reign.

Historical Read.......2007-04-04

I am an Elizabethan freak so it takes a lot for me to really get into a book about the period and not nit pick it. This book follows Elizabeth across her life. I didn't think it offered much of a new perspective or new data however. It was a pretty standard biography of her (I've read about 10), but Alison Weir is a good writer which makes it enjoyable. If you are looking for new facts or a more thought provoking read, I would suggest David Starkey's Elizabeth. It explores her youth more and discusses many of the possible theories of a pregnancy, dispells tower gossip stories based on scientifc records from the time period, and is also an enjoyable read. So if you want something a little mindless and entertaining, or if you are new to this field of study, this is a good book. If you're a little more seasoned, I would choose the Starkey book and if you can afford both, I would suggest that so you can compare and contrast.

Much better than anticipated.......2007-03-14

I had heard several negative reviews in regards to Alison Weir and her "take" on history regarding Elizabeth I from friends. As a historical actress at our local renaissance faire for many years, I actually enjoyed this book quite a bit. Ms Weir does state that some of the events are historical while others had to be imaginative at times so I dont feel this book misrepresents anything at all. The accuracies are fraught with historical proof therefore the uncertainties don't really matter. Sadly there arent any valid historical documents from Elizabeth's personal journals to compare with, so assumption on what she thought, how she felt or what influenced her at times is perfectly acceptable based upon common knowledge of Elizabeth's upbringing.
I personally own now 4 of Ms Weir's books and have yet to find one I haven't enjoyed. Highly recommend it though it is a bit long and you dont want to put it down.

Don't let the 116 reviews be the reason you buy this book.......2007-02-01

I am reading this book after having read several others on the tudors. If you are interested in a very opinionated and dry take on the life of Elizabeth I--then this book is for you.

Lots of Weir's opinions but the content isn't any different than anything Ive read already.

Behind the Mask: The Life of Queen Elizabeth I

Average customer rating:

Nothing New
The least frumpy queen on record
WONDERFUL
Well written, but content inappropriate for pre-teens
The First Book

Behind the Mask: The Life of Queen Elizabeth I
Jane Resh Thomas
Manufacturer: Clarion Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0395691206

Book Description

Elizabeth I (1533-1603) impressed herself more vividly on the memory of the world than any other monarch in the history of England. She successfully established and maintained power while refusing to bow to the wishes of those who believed no woman was fit to occupy the English throne. This biography describes the opulent but cruel childhood that shaped the woman Elizabeth became and details her triumphant reign, as well as the unrelenting forces that opposed her. Exploring the answers to some of history's most persistent and intriguing questions, Jane Resh Thomas has created a compelling account of Elizabeth's life that shatters the myths surrounding her and allows readers an unprecedented view of the queen as a human being. Full-color insert, chronology, bibliography, index.

Customer Reviews:

Nothing New.......2007-06-13

This woman was the greatest monarch England ever had. Ever. The book, however was a bit disapointing. It is a bare-bones just-the-facts telling of a great women's life and didn't near do her justice. I wanted more.

If general facts and a fast read are all you want, this book is perfect. Just not for me.

The least frumpy queen on record.......2004-07-08

Take a look at the cover of this book for just a moment. Just a single solitary moment. Maybe the last thing you want to do is read a young adult biography on England's greatest queen, and I can understand where you're coming from. But take a good long look at the image presented on the cover here. This portrait of Queen Elizabeth was fashioned in her time and is commonly referred to as The Rainbow Portrait. It is, to my mind, the most flattering painting ever made of the ruler and it hasn't been touched since she posed for it. When you first look at it, it seems pretty standard. There she is with the high forehead (considered attractive at the time), the bright curly red hair, and the ostentatious finery. In fact, let's take a closer look at that finery. If you look carefully you cannot help but notice that her gown is covered in ears and eyes. You heard me right. Honest to goodness ears and eyes are all over this thing! You don't notice it at first, but once you've seen it you can never forget it. Such is the case with Thomas's book itself. It may not look like much at first, but once you take even a glance at the text you immediately become transfixed by the lives of Elizabeth, her crazy family, suitors, and enemies.

Elizabeth was born the second child of the (in the words of the great comic Eddie Izzard) "big fat hairy king", Henry VIII. Fond of killing off his wives when they either displeased him or couldn't produce male heirs, Elizabeth was the daughter of the soon-to-be beheaded Anne Boleyn. Her life was touch and go from the start. One minute she was treated as a prized pet and the next she was sent to royal grounds far from court. What followed soon after was a series of deaths and accessions to the throne. When Henry VIII died he was followed by Elizabeth's little half-bro Edward VI. When Eddie died he was followed by the Lady Jane Grey (for nine days). After she was tossed out came Elizabeth's older half-sis Mary (Bloody Mary to you commoners). Finally, Mary kicked it and Elizabeth rose to the throne. She was only 25 or 26 at the time and extraordinarily canny in the choices she made. Refusing to marry (and thereby give up her ruling power) Elizabeth remained sexy and single. Over the course of her life she dealt with assassination attempts, the continual threat of Mary Queen of Scots, an invasion of England by the Spanish Armada, excommunication, and all sorts of fun stuff. The result? Elizabeth remains perhaps the best remembered Queen of them all, making her an excellent subject of bios and bio-pics.

I'm easily bored. If I pick up a children's book that won a Newbery Award pre-1950 to read, you'll probably find me curled up in a corner fast asleep in five minutes time. Non-fiction is therefore one of the banes of my existence and I heap large helpings of praise onto any author that can make a realistic subject even halfway interesting. Not being familiar with Jane Resh Thomas, I was understandably nervous when I confronted this tome of a book and its 16th century subject. To my vast relief, my fears were more than unfounded. Here is a history book that has plumbed every interesting tidbit, rumor, factoid, and story for the eager ears of the reader. Want to hear how Queen Elizabeth would expose her chest to foreign diplomats (to put them on edge, you see)? Read it here. Curious about her six foot tall rival who was a queen that disguised herself as a boy to gain English sanctuary? It's a great tale. None of this is to say that Thomas neglects actual informative facts about the Elizabethan era and its people. In fact, this kind of information is so plentiful that it fills each and every page without ever drawing undue attention to itself. I think I learned more about ancient court life within these pages than I could have hoped to anywhere else.

In addition to fabulous factual storytelling and a wonderful ear for narrative, tension, and intrigue, Thomas has filled the book with numerous paintings of the characters involved, even going so far as to include Elizabeth's life in portraits as a color filled section of seven portraits that follow her through the years. To help the easily confused (like my pretty self) there's a fabulous opening section that names and describes many of the book's major players. There's also a portrait gallery of Henry VIII's wives and description of their mostly shortened lives. The back of the book contains a useful chronology of events, a well-cited bibliography of every source Thomas used or even thought of using, and an index. You're in safe hands with this thorough researcher.

Thomas attempts in this book to show the life of Elizabeth without commenting on her too much. Yes, Elizabeth could be as cruel and calculating as her predecessors and she wasn't afraid to "Off with their head" a couple of her closest compatriots. In the end, however, she comes off as a remarkable woman. Thomas leaves plenty of room for speculation on lurid topics that cover everything from Elizabeth's sex life to her love of sweets for dinner. Nothing here is written in stone, but this is probably as good a teen biography of this great woman you're going to get for at least another one hundred years. As someone who looked upon reading this book initially as a chore, I can tell you honestly that it was a joy to go through. A biography that deserves remembrance.

WONDERFUL.......2003-11-28

This is a wonderful and very detailed book on Queen Elizabeth I of England- it explains everything from the divorce from Catherine of Aragorn to her reported affairs with Robin Dudley. If you want to know more about English history, this is definitely a great place to start.

This is the best biography on Elizabeth I that I've read so far, and it has pictures of the portraits that she appeared in in her life. And you'll learn pretty much everything you ever wanted to know about Elizabeth the First- from what her three nicknames were (Gloriana, Good Queen Bess, and the Virgin Queen) to the last lie that she every told her sister, Mary.

This is a great book, and I recommend it to everyone!

Well written, but content inappropriate for pre-teens.......2003-11-13

While the publisher touts this book as appropriate for children 10 and up, I think the School Journal recommendation of Grades 8 and up is much more appropriate. My eight year old wanted to read this book for a class project. I mistakenly thought it would be an excellent choice, but by page 17, I'd forbidden her to continue. By that time, I'd been asked to define ýprostitute,ý ýcastration,ý ýdisemboweling,ý ýliaison,ý "skin ulcer," and ýdeformedý as she read passages that included subjects like the corruption in the priesthood (priests living openly with prostitutes), the adultery charges against Anne Boleyn (including explanations of how the fact that her third child was born stillborn and deformed might have led to rumors about Anneýs morality, as deformity was believed to stem from the woman participating in witchcraft or sexual intercourse with the devil) , and Henryýs persecution of those who refused to accept his new authority as head of the Church of England (including the execution, castration, and disemboweling of priests who defied him). While all the information is accurate and well-researched, this gritty detail (much of which I didn't have to deal with until I was a sophomore in college) seems inappropriate for a child's introduction to the fascinating life of Queen Elizabeth I or Tudor England. It is much more likely -- especially for a sensitive child -- to put them off both subjects forever!

The First Book.......2003-07-28

When I was at my city library I was digging through all the children's biographies and came across this book on Elizabeth I. I thought it would be nice to study this "great" woman, so I decieded to give this book a try.
I did do a good choice. Though it confused me a little bit and was boring in places, I enjoyed it-and it increased my interest in not just Elizabeth, but all royals. I will have to say that another biography on Elizabeth II that I got at the same time was much better for me at the time.

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A way I got my child to discover her emotions!
A constructive approach to managing emotions.

I'm Mad (Dealing With Feelings)
Elizabeth Crary
Manufacturer: Parenting Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0943990629

Book Description

Too often kids' feelings get ignored. "I'm Mad" is part of the "Dealing with Feelings" series that help children and adults accept and acknowledge their emotions. It also helps them distinguish between feelings and actions. Even more important, the stories give kids several ways to cope with feelings by utilizing the "choose-your-own-ending" format. They also allow parents and teachers to discuss other situations in a nonjudgmental way.

This story describes a girl whose long-awaited picnic is cancelled by a rainstorm. She's furious! Young readers and their parents can help her decide how to cope with her anger.

Customer Reviews:

A way I got my child to discover her emotions!.......2006-06-18

This is a fantastic book for your 3+ year old children. My daughter, who is 3.5, had trouble labeling and expressing her emotions. Basically, this book is about a girl who is is mad after her picnic plans change. In an interactive format you and your child get to pick from the 6 choices Katie has to "get her mads out;" ranging from squishing playdough to doing a mad dance to calling a friend for advice. After reading this book a few times, my daughter started to have logical reactions to her frustrations, voicing them and then (thankfully) moving on.

A constructive approach to managing emotions........2000-05-20

A girl is mad when a promised picnic is canceled due to rain. Her father helps her think of ways to manage her anger and feel better. The reader gets to pick a page to turn to depending on which idea she will try: pounding clay, taking a bath, singing an un-mad song, etc. We see her try many ideas and eventually begin to feel better. This is a great book to teach kids that we are in control of how we manage our emotions. We can even be creative about it!

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Am I the Only Crazy Mom on This Planet
Elizabeth Cody Newenhuyse
Manufacturer: Zondervan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Motherhood | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

ASIN: 0310386314

The Tragedy of Mariam, the Fair Queen of Jewry: with
<i>The Lady Falkland: Her Life</i>, by One of Her Daughters

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Interesting...
A Woman's Othello

The Tragedy of Mariam, the Fair Queen of Jewry: with The Lady Falkland: Her Life, by One of Her Daughters
Elizabeth Cary
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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ASIN: 0520079698

Book Description

The Tragedy of Mariam (1613) is the first original play by a woman to be published in England, and its author is the first English woman writer to be memorialized in a biography, which is included with this edition of the play.
Mariam is a distinctive example of Renaissance drama that serves the desire of today's readers and scholars to know not merely how women were represented in the early modern period but also how they themselves perceived their own condition.
With this textually emended and fully annotated edition, the play will now be accessible to all readers. The accompanying biography of Cary further enriches our knowledge of both domestic and religious conflicts in the seventeenth century.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting..........2007-08-26

An interesting read, taking place in roughly the same time as Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. Not quite as engaging as the latter author, but worthy of investigation nevertheless.

A Woman's Othello.......2001-05-03

The particular importance of this book lies in the fact that it is the first edition to include the Tragedy of Mariam into its biographical context, by publishing the text with Elizabeth's Cary's biography written by one of her daughter. The editors include a very thorough introduction in which they strongly claim the richness and greatness of the text, not only because it is the first play ever written by an English woman, but also because of its investigation of paramount issues such as gender, politics, and race. In addition to this, the editors include an appendix where they give the readers a chance to know about the original source that Cary might have used in her play.

Elizabeth I: The Life Of Englands Renaissance Queen (Graphic Nonfiction)

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Elizabeth I: The Life Of Englands Renaissance Queen (Graphic Nonfiction)
Rob Shone , and Anita Ganeri
Manufacturer: Rosen Central
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

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ASIN: 1404202463

Book Description

By the time Elizabeth assumed the English throne in 1558, war, religious turmoil, and disastrous finances had weakened the nation. By the end of her reign forty-five years later, England was rich and secure, enjoying its growing role as a world leader. Readers will learn how during her tenure, England destroyed the feared Spanish Armada, experienced the flourishing of great literature, and witnessed great social and economic reform that shaped the future of the nation for more than 200 years

The Life and Times of Elizabeth I (Kings and Queens of England Series)

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The Life and Times of Elizabeth the 1st review
Elizabeth Lite

The Life and Times of Elizabeth I (Kings and Queens of England Series)
Neville Williams
Manufacturer: Abbeville Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Customer Reviews:

The Life and Times of Elizabeth the 1st review.......2007-01-12

There is so much to learn about Elizabeth the 1st. In The Life and Times of Elizabeth the 1st, by Neville Williams an abundant amount of information is given about Elizabeth's life before and during her reign as Queen of England. Before Elizabeth became Queen she suffered through a rough childhood without a mother, being called horrible names by people and being imprisoned by her own sister. During her reign as Queen, Elizabeth had to deal with life in court, religious matters and being courted often by suitors, yet choosing to rule on her own. This book also has many illustrations, which helps you in your understanding of the book.

I felt this book had a lot of useful information about Queen Elizabeth's life. I also found it a very intriguing read. This book relates to the book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. In To Kill A Mockingbird Atticus shows courage. He shows courage when he took Tom Robinsons case and tried to save him even though he knew in doing so he knew it could possibly hurt him and his family. Like Atticus Elizabeth also showed courage. She showed courage when she chose to rule England on her own even though she was being pressured to marry. There is so much to learn about this incredible monarch and what she went through throughout her life. I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up.

Elizabeth Lite.......2005-03-03

Elizabeth is the subject of scores of biographies and this isn't one of the better ones. Williams' writing style is OK, but not deeply engaging, and he glosses over some of the most interesting periods in Elizabeth's life. The book is well-illustrated and is a decent introductory biography of Elizabeth, but it lacks the depth and insight any biography of this amazing woman should offer.

Elizabeth's London: Everyday Life in Elizabethan London

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Elizabeth's London
Great bottom-up history
History as Daily Life

Elizabeth's London: Everyday Life in Elizabethan London
Liza Picard
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312325657

Book Description

Liza Picard immerses her readers in the spectacular details of daily life in the London of Queen Elizabeth (1558-1603). Beginning with the River Thames, she examines the city on the north bank, still largely confined within the old Roman walls. The wealthy lived in mansions upriver, and the royal palaces were even farther up at Westminster. On the south bank, theaters and spectacles drew the crowds, and Southwark and Bermondsey were bustling with trade. Picard examines the streets and the traffic in them; she surveys building methods and shows us the decor of the rich and the not-so-rich. Her account overflows with particulars of domestic life, right down to what was likely to be growing in London gardens.

Picard then turns her eye to the Londoners themselves, many of whom were afflicted by the plague, smallpox, and other diseases. The diagnosis was frequently bizarre and the treatment could do more harm than good. But there was comfort to be had in simple, homely pleasures, and cares could be forgotten in a playhouse or the bull-baiting and bear-baiting rings, or watching a good cockfight. The more sober-minded might go to hear a lecture at Gresham College or the latest preacher at Paul's Cross.

Immigrants posed problems for Londoners who, though proud of their nation's religious tolerance, were concerned about the damage these skilled migrants might do to their own livelihoods, despite the dominance of livery companies and their apprentice system. Henry VIII's destruction of the monasteries had caused a crisis in poverty management that was still acute, resulting in begging (with begging licenses!) and a "parochial poor rate" paid by the better-off.

Liza Picard's wonderfully vivid prose enables us to share the satisfaction and delights, as well as the vexations and horrors, of the everyday lives of the denizens of sixteenth-century London.

Customer Reviews:

Elizabeth's London.......2006-09-06

I stumbled on Liza Picard's books quite by chance. After looking at the publishing date in some of the books it is apparent some of them have been around for several years. I am now recommending them to anyone and everyone and I am so glad I stumbled across this one on a bookshop shelf. I have now read them all, but this one was the first.

As soon as you start to read the book it becomes apparent that the author is passionate about the subject and wants the reader to enjoy the experience as much as she has in the writing of it. How apt that the author starts the book with the life blood of the great City of London. Meandering like a great artery through the heart of the City. It moves on to the streets, houses and gardens; cooking, housework and shopping; clothes, jewellery and make-up; health and medicine; sex and food; education, etiquette and hobbies; religion, law and crime.

Liza Picard was born in 1927. She read law and qualified as a barrister but did not practice. Quite where she gleaned all this information from I am not sure. That it was a labour of love is obvious to anyone who reads her books and I for one am grateful.

Great bottom-up history.......2005-08-18

This book does a very good job at portraying how ordinary people lived their lives in the time of the Good Queen Bessie, from what they ate and wore to their furniture and sewage conditions. The only complaint that I have about it is that it is very difficult to visualize the descriptions of the clothing, and when referenced to one of the pictures I still didn't know what part of the outfit she was talking about. I would have rated this a 5 out of 5 if it would have included labled diagrams of the clothing.

History as Daily Life.......2005-05-02

This book is unique in that it doesn't deal with the great sweep of history and its players so much as dwell on day to day life. In particular, the daily life of ordinary people who, in their own way, were not players on the larger stage. Rather, these people were those folk just going about their life.

Any moderately well read student of the 16th century would be familiar with the world of Henry VIII, Elizabeth, Shakespeare, Francis Drake and the Spanish Armada. Yet how many of these students would be familiar with the gardens, religious beliefs, medicine, fashions and diets of the era? Yes, many would have a smattering of knowledge but Liza Picard has done a fine job in providing many of these details of life plus a host of others. Who, for example, would be familiar with such amusements as bull, bear or even lion baiting? Imagine the spectacle of setting a lion in a pit with a team of dogs for a fight to the finish; unthinkable today but of the greatest sport during Elizabeth's time.

Liza Picard's book is an unusual work of history. She has chosen to deconstruct a different world to that of most historians. Her focus has been upon the ordinary rather than the glamorous. Ms Picard has chosen a different road to travel but one that is very fulfilling for the reader. Elizabeth I was, in my opinion, the most important woman to ever live. This book goes some of the way to providing background to an extraordinary woman living in an extraordinary age.

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Elizabeth I: Her Life in Letters
Felix Pryor
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0520241061

Book Description

Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) ruled England for 45 turbulent years, and her reign has come to be seen as a golden age. She exercised supreme authority in a man's world, while remaining intensely feminine. She was Gloriana, the Virgin Queen, but is also held up as a role model for company executives in the twenty-first century. She is a near-legendary figure from a remote past who remains fascinatingly modern.
This handsome volume has been published to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Elizabeth I's death in 1603. It illustrates in color and, where possible, in actual size, sixty manuscripts--either by Elizabeth or to her. Each one is accompanied by a running commentary, explaining the document and placing it in its historical context, and selected transcriptions or, where necessary, translations from the originals.
Elizabeth was a girl of extraordinary precocity and a brilliant linguist. Her early letters, written in a beautiful italic, are to her forbidding father, Henry VIII, and to her brother and sister, Edward VI and "Bloody" Mary. The very first letter dates from when she was a child of eleven. The last, written nearly 60 years later, is a barely-legible scrawl addressed to her successor, the future James I. The letters from her in-tray are no less extraordinary. Tsar Ivan the Terrible rounds on her in a blind fury after she refuses to marry him. The Earl of Essex, young enough to be her son, pours out declarations of love: a few pages further on is to be found her signed warrant for his execution. There are letters from ministers and galley slaves, spies and traitors, coded letters, warrants for torture, speeches to parliament, and the original--only recently identified--of the most famous of all her utterances: "I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king."

Elizabeth of the Trinity THE COMPLETE WORKS, I have found GOD, Vol 1

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Elizabeth harvested!

Elizabeth of the Trinity THE COMPLETE WORKS, I have found GOD, Vol 1
Soeur Elisabeth de la Trinite
Manufacturer: ICS Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Monasticism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0935216014

Customer Reviews:

Elizabeth harvested!.......2002-01-22

This centenary series of the Complete Works is a major accomplishment. Volume I ('I Have Found God') goes right to the heart of Elizabeth's mystical vocation with a positively riveting General Introduction by Conrad De Meester, O.C. D., followed by a brilliant translation of Elizabeth's writings by Alethia Kane. Elizabeth's four major spiritual treatises being written in the last three months of her life, it's difficult to go anywhere but to the distinct heart of her message. I doubt that I've ever read a more enlightened essay on Elizabeth than De Meester's. If you look to understand who this woman was, read his perfect Introduction; taken together with a brief biography, he produces an ancient Elizabeth in an essential light. His appreciation burns with real insight into an obscured message and an authentic modern mystic. Kane leaves Elizabeth's voice alone, as other translators have not, making Kane's courageous, and ultimately peerless contribution the more valuable by leagues. Highest recommendation for Vols. I & II-- it's a champion series.

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