Elizabeth I is one of England’s most famous monarchs, whose story as the ‘Virgin Queen’ is well known. But queenship was by no means a certain path for Henry VIII’s younger daughter, who spent the majority of her early years as a girl with an uncertain future.

Before she was three years old Elizabeth had been both a princess and then a bastard following the brutal execution of her mother, Anne Boleyn. After losing several stepmothers and then her father, the teenage Elizabeth was confronted with the predatory attentions of Sir Thomas Seymour. The result was devastating, causing a heartbreaking rift with her beloved stepmother Katherine Parr.

Elizabeth was placed in further jeopardy when she was implicated in the Wyatt Rebellion of 1554 – a plot to topple her half-sister, Mary, from her throne. Imprisoned in the Tower of London where her mother had lost her life, under intense pressure and interrogation Elizabeth adamantly protested her innocence. Though she was eventually liberated, she spent the remainder of Mary’s reign under a dark cloud. On 17 November 1558, however, the uncertainty of Elizabeth’s future came to an end when she succeeded to the throne at the age of twenty-five.

When Elizabeth became queen, she had already endured more tumult than many monarchs experienced in a lifetime. This colourful and immensely detailed biography charts Elizabeth’s turbulent and unstable upbringing, exploring the dangers and tragedies that plagued her early life. Nicola Tallis draws on primary sources written by Elizabeth herself and her contemporaries, providing an extensive and thorough study of an exceptionally resilient youngster whose early life would shape the queen she later became. The heart racing story of Elizabeth’s youth as she steered her way through perilous waters towards England’s throne is one of the most sensational of its time.

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Young Elizabeth is another excellent book by Nicola Tallis, which provides a compelling and detailed account of the formative period in the life of one of England’s most remarkable monarchs. The author offers a captivating exploration of Elizabeth’s upbringing, education, and startling early experiences, shedding light on the scandalous events and influences that shaped her into the iconic queen she would become.

The book begins by immersing readers in the world of Tudor England, setting the stage for understanding the complexities of Elizabeth’s early life. With meticulous attention to historical detail, the author paints a picture of the political, religious, and social dynamics of the time, providing essential context for understanding Elizabeth’s place within the Tudor dynasty.

Central to the book is the examination of Elizabeth’s childhood and adolescence. Tallis delves into her family background, her relationships with her parents, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, and the challenges she faced as a young princess navigating the uncertainties of the Tudor court without the guidance of a parent. Through careful analysis of contemporary sources and historical records, the author offers valuable insights into Elizabeth’s character, temperament, and early ambitions. I have always wondered about Catherine Parr’s decision-making in 1548; did she turn against Elizabeth, or did she look to save the girl? I won’t spoil anything, but the book helps a reader reach their own conclusions.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is its exploration of Elizabeth’s education and intellectual development. Young Elizabeth discusses the tutors and mentors who shaped Elizabeth’s mind, including scholars like Roger Ascham, who recognised her exceptional intelligence and thirst for knowledge. By examining Elizabeth’s studies in languages, history, and philosophy, the author reveals how her early education prepared her for the demands of leadership. But surely nothing could prepare Elizabeth for the betrays she suffered during her brother’s reign, and the mark of traitor placed upon her under her sister’s reign. By the time Elizabeth was crowned, she had already lived several lifetimes of difficulty.

Young Elizabeth provides a fascinating glimpse into the political and religious turmoil of Elizabeth’s youth. As always Nicola Tallis gives us a masterful and illuminating tale of the formative period in the life of one of England’s most legendary monarchs. The author’s engaging prose, combined with meticulous research and scholarly rigor, make this book an essential read for anyone interested in Tudor history, remarkable women, and the dynamics of power and politics in early modern Europe. It would be unwise to miss out on a book by Nicola Tallis.

Young Elizabeth is available everywhere, including Amazon