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The Life of Elizabeth I
The Life of Elizabeth I | Alison Weir
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 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 marriedwas 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. From the Trade Paperback edition.
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KristiAhlers
Life of Elizabeth I | Alison Weir
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Pickpick

This #chunkster was a fantastic and in-depth read regarding Queen Elizabeth the First. If you're a fan of historic nonfiction reads I highly recommend this author. You will be given a lot of information but in a way thatbit almost reads as a work of fiction. In otherwords not like a textbook.

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Sophronisba
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May we all face the challenges of our day with the composure of John Stubbs, who was condemned by Elizabeth I to lose his right hand for a seditious pamphlet. On the scaffold he made a dad joke (“Now my calamity is at hand“), then removed his hat and shouted “God Save Queen Elizabeth!“ before fainting at the sight of the stump where his hand used to be.

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Sophronisba
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The past is a foreign country, they do things differently there: “In 1593, upset over the French King Henry IV‘s conversion to Catholicism, Elizabeth spent twenty-six hours translating Boethius‘s Consolations of Philosophy into English, to calm her anger.“

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iread2much
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Pickpick

Mostly a good read, interesting to read about people‘s theories, but sometimes this book got way too deep into the theory. I appreciates the details of the court and politics but wanted more citations (as always). I also like that this covered from her ascension as queen to her death, as her younger life was nicely summed up but not the focus.
3/5 stars, read for an in depth history of Queen Elizabeth I, more narrative style.
I miss my Kiyo

23 likes2 comments
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Eggs
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Klou Perfect! 👌 4y
Eggs @Klou 🧡🧡 4y
50 likes2 comments
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Mtroiano
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Really enjoying this one so far!

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tricours
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Pickpick

As interesting as this was I have to admit I had a hard time following all the intrigues and keeping track of various courtiers (where they referred to by names and titles interchangeably? Because that confused me), and at times the marriage intrigues especially got a bit too much. An impressive book nonetheless.

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HOTPock3tt
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📚The Life of Elizabeth 1 (although I still need to finish it 😅)
📚 Lisa See
📚 Logan‘s run (OLD I know 😶lol)
📚 Lobster!!!!!!!!!!!!!😍❤️😋🎉🙌🏽
#ManicMonday #LetterL @JoScho

JoScho 💜💜💜 6y
MaleficentBookDragon Logan's Run! ❤❤❤❤❤ 6y
HOTPock3tt @MaleficentBookDragon Yay! someone actually knows it 🤗lol! 6y
30 likes3 comments
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Gezemice
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#kingsandqueensthisorthat
I love history, thanks @Captivatedbybooks @BethM !
1. All
2. Yes!
3. Tudors in particular, but love ancient, medieval and renaissance times most
4. Elizabeth I. I am a serious fangirl. The tagged book is my favorite, and I highly recommend it!

BethM I'm a fan girl too! 7y
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Librarybelle
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I really need to read this one by Weir...I really enjoy her books! A biography of Queen Elizabeth I, who surely felt like #NoOnesLittleGirl . It didn‘t help that her father had her mother beheaded and then quickly disowned/disinherited her. And that‘s just the beginning. #FierceFeb

Cinfhen Damn, those royals are a tough bunch❣️❣️😉 7y
batsy Nice! I was just thinking about her book on Eleanor of Aquitaine inspired by @Cathythoughts post 😊 Good to know that you enjoy her books! 7y
Cathythoughts I must check out Alison Weir 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻& great pick ❤️❤️❤️ 7y
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Librarybelle Thank you, @Cinfhen @batsy and @Cathythoughts ! ❤️ I have read only a couple of her books and found them to be quite enjoyable. I need to try her Fiction too! 7y
Cathythoughts @batsy I‘m wondering which fiction ones you tried as I might try one on my hollidays ❤️👍🏻 @Librarybelle (edited) 6y
batsy I'm sorry @Cathythoughts , I haven't actually read Weir. Just heard a lot about her and have been meaning to check her out ☺️ 6y
Cathythoughts Thanks @batsy I‘ll try one on holls 🤞🏻 6y
Librarybelle @batsy @Cathythoughts I‘ve not read any of her fiction yet, but enjoy the nonfiction titles I have read by her. I‘m slating my historical fiction group to read her fiction book on Katherine of Aragon next year. 6y
Cathythoughts @Librarybelle thanks!! I‘ll look up tat one as I only like the fiction ones ... thanks for getting back to me 6y
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RedbagReadbooks
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1. None. I don‘t watch to much regular TV 📺
2. Jeff Eugenies (middlesex), Neil Gaimen (American Gods), and Katherine Dunn ( Geek love).
3. October
4. Coco with my daughter (I did an ugly cry 😭)
5. 🎂🍰🎻🦉.

20 likes2 comments
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Ubookquitous
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#riotgrams #royalty I'm hoping to reread / finish the Plantagenet / Tudor series by Gregory. Alison Weir is my favorite historian - who has written novels as well. I've another bunch of Weir's histories on ebooks, with another 125 or so books on "royalty" plus a collection of Arthurian lit & history that is near 100 books. ? bit of a favorite topic. Callie is Queen of the Realm... #catsoflitsy #littenkitten
@bookriot

Suet624 Wow!! 7y
34 likes1 comment
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DrSabrinaMoldenReads
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Bailedbailed

This was just too boring. I was trying to listen on Audible, too. It was not working for me.

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GinEyre22
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#junebookbugs Day 5: Smug marrieds
Coincidentally, Mr. Fish-chester and my 3 year wedding anniversary is coming up at the end of the month

@RealLifeReading

diovival This is so nice! 7y
GinEyre22 @diovival , Thanks! 7y
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GinEyre22
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#junebookbugs Day 4: All the single ladies
@RealLifeReading

RealLifeReading 👍👍 7y
18 likes1 comment
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GinEyre22
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#riotgrams Day 4: Notebooks
I use lot of Notebooks to keep myself organized
@bookriot

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TrishB
Elizabeth the Queen | Alison Weir
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#junebookbugs #allthesingleladies
@RealLifeReading
Queen of the single ladies 😀

diovival Great minds think alike 😉 7y
RealLifeReading 🙌🙌 7y
TrishB @diovival 😀👍 7y
100 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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GinEyre22
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RealLifeReading 🐞 ❤️ 7y
23 likes1 comment
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GinEyre22
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#riotgrams Day 3 : How I read
With coffee and a snack - today's snack is a whoppie pie

@bookriot

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GinEyre22
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#splashintosummerreads Day 3: Last line

Pretty epic epitaph for a bad ass Queen 👑
@Tiffy_Reads

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GinEyre22
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Currently reading and drinking
#booksandbooze

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julesG
Elizabeth the Queen | Alison Weir
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@LibrarianRyan #characters2017

Today #KingOfTheWorld - Can I make that #QueenOfTheWorld ?
Elizabeth I was Queen of a large part of the world during her reign and Elizabeth II still has quite a chunk of the world under her crown, given that she is the head of the Commonwealth.

Picture: Elizabeth I. The "Rainbow Portrait", c. 1600, an allegorical representation of the Queen, become ageless in her old age

LibrarianRyan 👍🏻🤓 7y
50 likes1 comment
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GinEyre22
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BibliophileMomma 😍😍 7y
RealLifeReading Look at that lovely stack! 7y
19 likes2 comments
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GinEyre22
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queerbookreader
Life of Elizabeth I (American) | Alison Weir, B Alison Weir
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Book I picked up about a month ago (I know I know, another book about the Tudor ladies. What can I say? I'm into powerful women. 🔥😜)

dylanisreading I really like Alison Weir's writing. This is also really good: 8y
queerbookreader @Bianca Ooooo thanks so much for the rec! Sounds ominous and spooky 7y
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Simona
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She was #girlonfire Strong, educated, interested in culture and she refused to get married. She managed to stay a queen for 45 years without husband!

#lyricalapril

Cinfhen All those qualities do make Queen Elizabeth hot 😜😂 8y
Simona @Cinfhen True! 😂 8y
julesG I often wonder why feminism didn't become big earlier. I mean, Elizabeth I. was a great role model, why didn't women of her time see that? 8y
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julesG @Cinfhen Not to forget the fiery red hair. She even looked the part. 😝 8y
Cinfhen @julesG 😂😂😂 8y
drokka @julesG I reckon they didn't see her that way for a few reasons, the first being that with the feudal system, most women would have had no reason to relate. Second, at the time, a woman who didn't do her 'duty' was viewed with suspicion and often vilified. This book explains it better than I 8y
julesG @drokka Thanks! You're right. And it's not that I haven't read anything about gender inequality at that time, still it baffles me every time. 8y
drokka @julesG Even today, many women leaders are treated the same way, perhaps not to the same degree, but they still meet strong resistance from women's groups who are firm believers in traditional roles (whatever that means to them). They are viewed now as either too masculine or incapable because of being too emotional. Baffles me too. 8y
DrSabrinaMoldenReads I agree with your view of her but there was too much focus on the marriage issue in the book for me. I got it that she would remain single. I was like: Lets move on to another topic. 😏 @Simona 7y
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KtheBookwyrm
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Found these at goodwill. 79¢ each and they're brand new, the spines aren't even cracked :) I've always been a sucker for the tudors

sprainedbrain What a great find! 8y
Joriebooks Love Alison Weir's histories. Awesome find. 👏 8y
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readordierachel
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Thanks so, so much @LitHousewife for the awesome books and the lovely homemade bookmarks, among the many of other fun things!! 😍😍😍

#CupidGoesPostal @BookishMarginalia

LitHousewife I'm so glad you liked it!!!! I had fun getting them ready for you. ❤ 8y
LeahBergen Lovely!! 8y
Reviewsbylola I love it. 😍 8y
81 likes3 comments
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lilycobalt
Pickpick

I'm used to the portrayal of Elizabeth managing everything perfectly, but here, she's very flawed. I didn't like her as much as I usually do. Then, I realized that the primary sources are men who were often irritated by her, and who held her to a higher standard than other monarchs. Besides, the circumstances of Elizabeth's reign were so difficult, yet England came out so far ahead.

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lilycobalt

I used to name Queen Elizabeth I as the historical figure I'd most like to meet. Now she's not on that list anymore. I'm terrified of her temper! 😬

TrishB Lol 😄 she certainly had one! 8y
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lilycobalt

I spent my plane ride today alternating between this book and The Girls. Too much of my knowledge of Elizabethan times comes from movies, so I'm glad to have insight into the actual daily workings of court, not to mention all the real intrigues afoot!

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Simona
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Pickpick

This is the audiobook that I have finished a few days ago and now of course I want it in paper form. It is well researched and covers Elizabeth's life from birth to death. In some parts book leaves you with the feel that you read fiction and that always bothers me - are dialogues based on actual, well-known facts and when are the result of the author's imagination? The overall listening experience was quite nice and enjoyable.

Simona @Soubhiville Resa in the en face photo. 8y
LauraBeth Awww - look at cute Resa 🐶💕 8y
Soubhiville Oh she's so cute! Hard to say what her ancestry is! Maybe Australian Terrier? 8y
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BookThia I am a huge Alison Weir fan! Glad you enjoyed it. 8y
Faibka Cutie! 🐶💕💜 8y
Simona @Soubhiville Could be, but she is quite tall and if I consider her stubbornness she is definitely some kind of terrier. 8y
Simona @BookThia It was my first book by her, but not the last! 8y
78 likes8 comments
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Simona
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Elizabeth was one of the best educated women of her generation, fluent in several languages and she was a woman without husband on the throne for 44 years.

#seasonsreading2016 #kickassheroines

aizekj I love Alison Weir! A few years back, I read a biography of Eleanor of Aquitaine written by her and really enjoyed it. :) 8y
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LizzyM
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Pickpick

Snuggled up on the couch this morning to finish my book. Elizabeth was completely fascinating and incomparable, and I loved reading about her. This biography is very thorough but still completely readable! Alison Weir did a fabulous job - I actually slowed down toward the end as the Queen neared her death because I was so sad about it. And one more thing - these people really really suffered. Sort of makes you appreciate modern medicine...

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LizzyM
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Love this book. Who knew the minutiae of Elizabethan court and political intrigue would be so fascinating. All of the incredible detail has highlighted one of my reading quirks - every time a person or the place is mentioned that I can't remember exactly from earlier in the book (and there are a TON), I have to go back through the book to remember. Thank goodness for the index! But it makes for slooooooooow reading. Thank you OCD😬

LizzyM PS sorry folks but I just don't have the ability to take creative photos. 8y
LauraBeth I was listening to the Pantsuit Politics podcast yesterday and they mentioned I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles - have you read that one? It sounded good 😀 8y
Lreads The book is the most important object in the photo. Looks fine to me! 8y
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Dogearedcopy LOL, when I saw your photo, I knew exactly why your hand was there! I've been having trouble with the covers floating up too! After having spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to figure out how to get them to stay down, have resigned myself to the odd angle/curve/shadow in my book shots! (BTW, love your book shot! #thebookisthething) 😉 8y
LizzyM @LauraBeth No, I haven't read it. But I think I will have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!! 8y
LizzyM @thirstyreader Thanks! That's good because pretty much every one of my photos is just the book on my counter😜 8y
LizzyM @Dogearedcopy yep you nailed it! I must bend all my books too much when I read them because they all do that when I try to take photos!! Arrrggh 8y
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Simona
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Reading challenge is completed! There's no reason for reading by January. 😂😉

LeahBergen 👏🏻👏🏻 8y
rubyslippersreads As if you could stop reading. 😂😂😂 Congratulations! 📚🎉📚🎉 8y
Faibka Yay! Congrats! 👍📚📚 8y
See All 14 Comments
KarenUK 🙌🙌💗 8y
megt Congrats!! 8y
PurpleyPumpkin Wow, amazing! Congrats!🙌🏼 8y
LauraBeth Wow! Awesome 🎉🎉🎉 8y
Suzze Nice! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 8y
James Very nice, congrats 🎉🎊🍾 8y
rachellayown Yay! Congrats! 👏 👏 👏 8y
MemoirsForMe Way to go! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 8y
KVanRead Well done! And you don't need a reason. 😂 8y
acg Congrats! 🎉🎉🎉 8y
70 likes1 stack add14 comments
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LizzyM
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I have had about zero reading time this week. I actually woke up early this morning so I tried to sneak some reading in before the morning exploded...and kid#2 woke up before I could even open the book😢 However, my morning was redeemed when I looked out our back deck with my cup of coffee to see this beautiful sunrise! I gotta take what I can get if I can't get my book😜

LauraBeth That's beautiful 😀 8y
Lindy Redeemed, indeed. Lovely. 8y
megt What a beautiful view! 8y
See All 6 Comments
Bookzombie That is beautiful! 8y
Gezemice Gorgeous! And I sympathize - this is one of my favorite books! I hope you will find some time to read it. 8y
tpixie Gorgeous !! Yes reading with kids- Chick Chick Boom Boom! 8y
36 likes6 comments
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LizzyM
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Two things to say about this book:
1) I started it as something I thought I would read off on this month as I was trying to find my next fiction read (book hangover from Hag-Seed) but it is so good! I can't put it down!
2) With this book, I have now read all of the books from my last book store purchases. That never happens! And despite my huge tbr, I think I am justified in another book store visit😀

annahenke Congratulations and well done! 8y
Beckys_Books I'm reading my last book from our trip to B&N, but already bought more. 8y
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Dogearedcopy
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I actually read very few biographies as they tend to be either hagiographic or muck-racking; but I am fascinated with scholarship inre Elizabeth I. I think her life is compelling enough without having to sensationalize, romanticize, or otherwise imagine. Alison Weir has an easily accessible writing style that keeps the material fresh and interesting. #NFNovember #Bio #FunFridayPhoto

BethFishReads Same book in my photo too! 8y
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Linsy
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Pickpick

My Lady Jane had me thinking back on Tudor history recently and how much I loooved this biography! It gives you all the little things you always wanted to know about the queen, and also fills you in on things like wars and politics in case you don't have a history degree. But it's not just the information that's great. I also remember really loving her writing style. And the narrator for the audio was awesome! #funfridayphoto

MrBook Niiiiiice!!! Are you liking it so far?! 8y
Linsy @MrBook Yes!! I just finished. It was so delightful! I have book crazy eyes now. I just want to push it at everyone and insist: Read It!! 😆 8y
MrBook Oh, this has been in my Audible cache for some time, if I only I could spare the moments at the moment ☺️. 8y
See All 12 Comments
Linsy @MrBook Wait, do you mean My Lady Jane or The Life of Elizabeth I? Both are great, so I suppose it doesn't matter. 😊 8y
MrBook 😂👏🏻 Sorry for the ambiguity, Liz I. 8y
Simona Just listen to it now and I like it very much. The only problem I have with this audiobook is - now I also want to have hardcover 😊 8y
Gezemice This is one of my favorite books, ever. I agree, Alison Weir's writing is great! 8y
Linsy @Simona Lol, that's happened to me so many times! The only problem with a good audiobook. 😂 8y
Linsy @Gezemice It makes me want to read more of her work. Have you? I'd love a recommendation if you have. 😊 8y
Gezemice @Linsy I love her nonfiction; do not read her fiction, it is bad, unfortunately. The Six Wives of Henry VIII was my first and loved it; The Children of Henry VIII is also very good. I liked The Princes in the Tower, too. War of the Roses is good but complicated - lots of characters to keep track of. I liked it but might not be for everyone. I did not like Eleanor of Aquitane. Those are the ones I read. 8y
Linsy @Gezemice Awesome, thanks!! This will keep my non-fiction tbr filled for a while. I love learning about this stuff, but I haven't read nearly enough. I love when others have read ahead and can recommend! 😊 8y
Gezemice @Linsy Enjoy! I really got into the Tudors entirely because of Alison Weir. 8y
57 likes2 stack adds12 comments
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Gezemice
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#WCW - I have a woman crush both on Elizabeth and Alison Weir, largely due to this book. How can you not love this woman who spell-bound Europe and her subjects, spoke many languages, was brilliant, great dancer, hunter, stateswoman, workaholic, sharp, diplomatic, flirty, and plain fascinating. ❤️

BookishFeminist Whoa how cool! Have not read them yet but this book has been on my list. Pushing it up! 8y
Gezemice @BookishFeminist I hope you'll like it! 8y
Toritj This is a great book. After I read it I was obsessed with reading more about her! She is fascinating! 8y
51 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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Matilda
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#tbt to that time I took, and loved, a Queen Elizabeth I and Shakespeare university courses. (Mixed with long ago school books)

IndyHannaJones I still think fondly if my beloved Shakespeare professor. He taught me that Shakespeare is actually, for the most part, one big naughty joke 8y
thebookmagpie That sounds so interesting! I love the Tudor/Stuart period. 8y
Karen3 I LOVED my Shakespeare course in college. It was my all time favorite. 8y
See All 7 Comments
rachelm @Hyaeger I think I would love that prof. I wrote my MA thesis on Shakespeare and I sometimes miss the days when all that was expected of me was to read and write about the plays! 8y
Joriebooks Love Alison Weir. She is one of my favorites 8y
Keegz63 Love Alison Weir too! 8y
Gezemice I absolutely love this book and Alison Weir. My all-time favorite! 8y
75 likes7 stack adds7 comments
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Gezemice
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Fun Photo Friday, Belated, Part 2: I also love Discworld, and history, especially the Tudors and anything by Alison Weir. I also read quite a few classics and YA, and the occasional non-fiction science or psychology.

Soubhiville Yay Terry Pratchett! 8y
Gezemice @Soubhiville Love me some Sir Terry! 8y
ValerieAndBooks Ooh, love Royal history. I'm partial to the Plantagenets myself. Also Victoria's massive family. 8y
Gezemice @ValerieAndBooks That's awesome! Glad to find you share my interests! 8y
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