First Elizabeth

A vivid and eminently readable portrait of history''s favorite Tudor. —The New York Times Book ReviewIn this remarkable biography Carolly Erickson brings Elizabeth I to life and allows us to see her as a living breathing elegant flirtatious diplomatic violent arrogant and outrageous woman who commands our attention fascination and awe.With her acclaimed writing skill Carolly Erickson electrifies the senses as she evokes with total fidelity the brilliant colors of Elizabethan clothing and jewelry the texture of tapestries and even the close perfumed air of castle rooms. Erickson demonstrates her extraordinary ability to discern and bring to life psychological and physical reality of England''s Golden Age.A masterpiece of narrative a story so absorbing it is as hard to put down as a fine novel. —Edward M. White Los Angeles Times Book ReviewEven more readable and absorbing than the justly praised works of Tuchman and Fraser. —Philadelphia InquirerCarolly Erickson is a great interpreter of history. . . . She''s likely to be the Barbara Tuchman of her generation. —David Herlihy Charles Lea Professor of History Harvard University