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Collected Works
This long-awaited and masterfully edited volume contains nearly all of the writings of Queen Elizabeth I: the clumsy letters of childhood, the early speeches of a fledgling queen, and the prayers and poetry of the monarch's later years. The first collection of its kind, Elizabeth I reveals brilliance on two counts: that of the Queen, a dazzling writer and a leading intellect of the English Renaissance, and that of the editors, whose copious annotations make the book not only essential to scholars but accessible to general readers as well.
470 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2000
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About the author
Elizabeth I
90Ìýbooks52ÌýfollowersElizabeth I, succeeded Mary I Tudor, a Catholic, from 1558 as queen of England and Ireland and reestablished Protestantism; several plots to overthrow her, the execution of Mary Stuart of Scots in 1587, the defeat of the Spanish armada in 1588, and domestic prosperity and literary achievement marked her reign.
Roger Ascham as her Latin secretary advocated the use of the vernacular.
Mary Stuart as the Catholic monarch and queen of Scotland fled to England in 1568; Elizabeth I imprisoned her, but supporters plotted to place her on the throne and resulted in her trial and execution for sedition.
James VI, the son of Mary Stuart, reigned from 1567 over Scotland and from 1603 succeeded as James I, heir of Elizabeth over England.
From 17 November 1558, people knew her simply until her death and the accession of Elizabeth II. People sometimes called this fifth and last monarch of the dynasty as the virgin, Gloriana, or good Bess. Anne Boleyn, bore this princess to Henry VIII but died two and a half years afterward, and people declared her illegitimate. Edward VI, her half-brother, bequeathed the crown to lady Jane Grey and cut out his two half-sisters in spite of statute law to the contrary. People set aside his will and Jane Grey. Reign of her half-sister imprisoned Elizabeth for nearly a year on suspicion of supporting rebels.
Elizabeth set good counsel to rule and depended heavily on a group of trusted advisers, whom William Cecil, baron Burghley, led. One of her first moves ruled as the supreme governor of the church. This Elizabethan religious settlement later evolved into Church of today. People expected Elizabeth to marry and to produce an heir to continue the line. Despite numerous courtships, she, however, never married. The portraits, pageants, and of the day celebrated a cult around famous virginity of older Elizabeth.
Cautious Elizabeth in foreign affairs moved between the major powers of France. She imprisoned her rival in 1568 eventually until 1587. In the mid-1580s, people no longer ably avoided war, and she finally decided to defeat attempt to conquer in 1588 in the popularly viewed greatest victory in history.
In the famous Elizabethan era, playwrights, such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe led the flourishing of drama amid the seafaring prowess of adventurers, such as Sir Francis Drake. Towards the end, a series of economic and military problems weakened her popularity. People acknowledge this charismatic performer and a dogged survivor in an age of ramshackle and limited government as monarchs in neighboring countries faced internal problems that jeopardized their thrones.
After the short half-siblings, 44 years of Elizabeth on the throne provided welcome stability for the kingdom and helped to forge a sense of national identity.
Roger Ascham as her Latin secretary advocated the use of the vernacular.
Mary Stuart as the Catholic monarch and queen of Scotland fled to England in 1568; Elizabeth I imprisoned her, but supporters plotted to place her on the throne and resulted in her trial and execution for sedition.
James VI, the son of Mary Stuart, reigned from 1567 over Scotland and from 1603 succeeded as James I, heir of Elizabeth over England.
From 17 November 1558, people knew her simply until her death and the accession of Elizabeth II. People sometimes called this fifth and last monarch of the dynasty as the virgin, Gloriana, or good Bess. Anne Boleyn, bore this princess to Henry VIII but died two and a half years afterward, and people declared her illegitimate. Edward VI, her half-brother, bequeathed the crown to lady Jane Grey and cut out his two half-sisters in spite of statute law to the contrary. People set aside his will and Jane Grey. Reign of her half-sister imprisoned Elizabeth for nearly a year on suspicion of supporting rebels.
Elizabeth set good counsel to rule and depended heavily on a group of trusted advisers, whom William Cecil, baron Burghley, led. One of her first moves ruled as the supreme governor of the church. This Elizabethan religious settlement later evolved into Church of today. People expected Elizabeth to marry and to produce an heir to continue the line. Despite numerous courtships, she, however, never married. The portraits, pageants, and of the day celebrated a cult around famous virginity of older Elizabeth.
Cautious Elizabeth in foreign affairs moved between the major powers of France. She imprisoned her rival in 1568 eventually until 1587. In the mid-1580s, people no longer ably avoided war, and she finally decided to defeat attempt to conquer in 1588 in the popularly viewed greatest victory in history.
In the famous Elizabethan era, playwrights, such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe led the flourishing of drama amid the seafaring prowess of adventurers, such as Sir Francis Drake. Towards the end, a series of economic and military problems weakened her popularity. People acknowledge this charismatic performer and a dogged survivor in an age of ramshackle and limited government as monarchs in neighboring countries faced internal problems that jeopardized their thrones.
After the short half-siblings, 44 years of Elizabeth on the throne provided welcome stability for the kingdom and helped to forge a sense of national identity.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 25, 2016
This is the result of a marvellous scholarly project (2000) to publish Elizabeth I's `works': her letters, speeches, poems as literary artefacts in their own right. Locating this within the field of modern Renaissance studies, this comprehensive scholarly edition makes many of Elizabeth's textual productions available for wider reading, research and analysis.
All of the speeches, prayers and poems are here, with a selection of letters (which are, anyway, available in full elsewhere). Everything is translated into English (though there is a companion volume which gives us the foreign language originals: Elizabeth wrote often in French or Latin), and has been lightly and sensitively modernised in terms of spelling and punctuation. The collection has been organised into four periods of Elizabeth's life, and then by genre within each period.
As a self-consciously post-modernist project this allows the boundaries between genre, between public and private, between `literature' and the non-literary, even between the idea of an `author' and co-authorship to blur sometimes to the point of extinction.
This is a must-read for anyone working on early modern women's writing, monarchs' writing, letters or speeches as literary artefacts. With extensive contextual notes, and a really helpful index of names, it is also extremely accessible to general readers wanting to experience a direct and unmediated sense of Elizabeth and Elizabethan literary culture for themselves.
All of the speeches, prayers and poems are here, with a selection of letters (which are, anyway, available in full elsewhere). Everything is translated into English (though there is a companion volume which gives us the foreign language originals: Elizabeth wrote often in French or Latin), and has been lightly and sensitively modernised in terms of spelling and punctuation. The collection has been organised into four periods of Elizabeth's life, and then by genre within each period.
As a self-consciously post-modernist project this allows the boundaries between genre, between public and private, between `literature' and the non-literary, even between the idea of an `author' and co-authorship to blur sometimes to the point of extinction.
This is a must-read for anyone working on early modern women's writing, monarchs' writing, letters or speeches as literary artefacts. With extensive contextual notes, and a really helpful index of names, it is also extremely accessible to general readers wanting to experience a direct and unmediated sense of Elizabeth and Elizabethan literary culture for themselves.
March 8, 2008
What a great collection of all of Elizabeth's writings from age 13 on. It is hard to appreciate what a genius she really was until reading her own writings.
October 1, 2021
Luckily for those obsessed with the Great Gloriana, Queen Elizabeth I (which is everyone, right?); speeches, prayers and letters remain extant over centuries connecting modern day to her very pen. Some of these orations have been boundlessly reprinted and distributed; but these are only a sliver of her available pieces. Editors Leah S. Marcus, Janel Mueller and Mary Beth Rose tirelessly labored to present a well-examined exhibition of Elizabeth’s writings/words in, “Elizabeth I: Collected Works�.
As expected, “Elizabeth I� is not an exhaustive, comprehensive anthology of Elizabeth’s writing as A) this would be several volumes in length and B) some works attributed to Elizabeth have yet to be authenticated. Marcus, Mueller and Rose strove to offer a well-rounded expose of Elizabeth’s words (and therefore, her mind) with pieces unequivocally � or close to - penned by Elizabeth.
“Elizabeth I� is stylistically categorized into time periods (1533 � 1558, 1558 � 1572, 1572 � 1587, 1589 � 1603); with each being sub-divided into letters, poems and prayers (also chronologically). This makes “Elizabeth I� accessible and readable whether cover-to-cover or for research purposes at your fingertips. Each piece is presented with endnotes with further explanation of source, content and key terms adding both credibility and clarity to “Elizabeth I�.
“Elizabeth I� begins before the crown ever touched her head, during her teen years , which allows readers to truly form a vision of Elizabeth’s psyche, observe the progression of her growth throughout and receive a first-hand account into events extensively explored within other Tudor history books. This gives “Elizabeth I� a narrative-feel and a smooth pace rather than ‘just� a collection.
Marcus, Mueller and Rose intersperse “Elizabeth I� with speeches given by Elizabeth (and therefore written by her) and some letters written to Elizabeth in order to set context. Although this beneficial in terms of overall comprehensions; it is slightly a stretch to include these pieces in “Elizabeth I� and feels slightly ‘off� and on a tangent. On the other hand, the pieces chosen do indeed provide a meshed-out look at Elizabeth by including personal, private and political writings allowing all aspects of Elizabeth’s voices and personalities to shine through. Readers feel like they truly “get to know� Elizabeth in an almost diary-like sense.
The most remarkable trait of “Elizabeth I� is the writing itself: Elizabeth was a gifted and intelligent wordsmith from childhood on and her language possesses an elegant prose and style; both when casual and when dealing with business interactions. It is truly sad that we no longer speak/write in such a manner and that the style has been dummied down throughout time. Also of interest is Elizabeth’s flowery writing but clear run-around when in discourses with foreign leaders. Elizabeth was truly frustrating but beguiling!
The prayers included on the pages of “Elizabeth I� run the habit of being tedious and tiresome but this is also a personal opinion and preferment (or lack thereof).
Marcus, Mueller and Rose sprinkle “Elizabeth I� with occasional (black and white) images of the original documents/scripts; although this would have been better served in value as a full-color photo plate. “Elizabeth I� is concluded with a list of included pieces and an index of figures solidifying the academic-merit.
Despite some imperfections in execution; “Elizabeth I� is a valuable and readable resource and primary test that is informative, enlightening and entertaining. “Elizabeth I� is recommended for all researches of the period (Tudor England) and/or those interested specifically in Queen Elizabeth I.
As expected, “Elizabeth I� is not an exhaustive, comprehensive anthology of Elizabeth’s writing as A) this would be several volumes in length and B) some works attributed to Elizabeth have yet to be authenticated. Marcus, Mueller and Rose strove to offer a well-rounded expose of Elizabeth’s words (and therefore, her mind) with pieces unequivocally � or close to - penned by Elizabeth.
“Elizabeth I� is stylistically categorized into time periods (1533 � 1558, 1558 � 1572, 1572 � 1587, 1589 � 1603); with each being sub-divided into letters, poems and prayers (also chronologically). This makes “Elizabeth I� accessible and readable whether cover-to-cover or for research purposes at your fingertips. Each piece is presented with endnotes with further explanation of source, content and key terms adding both credibility and clarity to “Elizabeth I�.
“Elizabeth I� begins before the crown ever touched her head, during her teen years , which allows readers to truly form a vision of Elizabeth’s psyche, observe the progression of her growth throughout and receive a first-hand account into events extensively explored within other Tudor history books. This gives “Elizabeth I� a narrative-feel and a smooth pace rather than ‘just� a collection.
Marcus, Mueller and Rose intersperse “Elizabeth I� with speeches given by Elizabeth (and therefore written by her) and some letters written to Elizabeth in order to set context. Although this beneficial in terms of overall comprehensions; it is slightly a stretch to include these pieces in “Elizabeth I� and feels slightly ‘off� and on a tangent. On the other hand, the pieces chosen do indeed provide a meshed-out look at Elizabeth by including personal, private and political writings allowing all aspects of Elizabeth’s voices and personalities to shine through. Readers feel like they truly “get to know� Elizabeth in an almost diary-like sense.
The most remarkable trait of “Elizabeth I� is the writing itself: Elizabeth was a gifted and intelligent wordsmith from childhood on and her language possesses an elegant prose and style; both when casual and when dealing with business interactions. It is truly sad that we no longer speak/write in such a manner and that the style has been dummied down throughout time. Also of interest is Elizabeth’s flowery writing but clear run-around when in discourses with foreign leaders. Elizabeth was truly frustrating but beguiling!
The prayers included on the pages of “Elizabeth I� run the habit of being tedious and tiresome but this is also a personal opinion and preferment (or lack thereof).
Marcus, Mueller and Rose sprinkle “Elizabeth I� with occasional (black and white) images of the original documents/scripts; although this would have been better served in value as a full-color photo plate. “Elizabeth I� is concluded with a list of included pieces and an index of figures solidifying the academic-merit.
Despite some imperfections in execution; “Elizabeth I� is a valuable and readable resource and primary test that is informative, enlightening and entertaining. “Elizabeth I� is recommended for all researches of the period (Tudor England) and/or those interested specifically in Queen Elizabeth I.
January 21, 2014
A source of primary documents for Elizabeth I. She really had a way with words.
December 3, 2020
It's gets five start because it's so extremely amazing to able to read works by Queen Elizabeth I. But to read it frame to frame like an odernary book was rather tedious. It's just a bunch of short letter, poems and prayers with nearly no more information than that. I would have enjoyed it more if it would have been more information and story behind each work as it would have been more giving. But a very cool read nevertheless
August 25, 2011
Five stars because while some of the material included was a little dry and hard to read; the poetry Elizabeth I wrote was beautiful and illuminating. Those lines told me more about her than any biography.
November 13, 2023
I do not care for death, for all men are mortal.
In love, care, sincerity and justice, I will compare with any prince that ever you had or ever shall have.
My mind was never to invade my neighbours, nor to usurp any, only contended to reign over my own and to rule as a just prince.
In love, care, sincerity and justice, I will compare with any prince that ever you had or ever shall have.
My mind was never to invade my neighbours, nor to usurp any, only contended to reign over my own and to rule as a just prince.
August 22, 2022
I really enjoyed seeing the thoughts and feelings of Queen Elizabeth.
April 16, 2012
There is nothing better than reading Elizabeth I's writings. This book is all he own words. As the editor states " ... the present edition offers a sustained, varied presetation of Elizabeth's writings ...". Elizabeth's writings start when she was 11 years old, and continue through her life. It is well and good to read snippets of her writings in other books, but this collection is a must-have for any Tudor or Elizabeth I fan. -M-
May 3, 2012
astonishing what a window this collection opens, onto the life of an extraordinary women. The letter to Robert Dudley on page 273 must be one of the most chilling rebukes from a boss ever ! ....." And therefore our express pleasure and commandment is that, all delays and excuses laid apart, you do presently upon the duty of your allegiance obey and fulfill whatsoever the bearer herof shall direct you to do in our name. Whereof fail you not, as you will answer the contrary at your upmost peril" no beating about the bush there then!!
February 16, 2011
One of THE best single collections of first-person documents you are ever likely to find. THE must-have reference book for the Elizabethan age...and THE must-use resource for anyone in my world history class!
December 18, 2015
One of the books I read for my capstone project. This one contains all of Elizabeth I's collected written works. My focus was on her poems, but the entire book is full of her speeches, letters, and more. An absolute must-read for any Queen Elizabeth I fans.
September 10, 2010
Fascinating. She uses the word 'divers' a lot.
February 27, 2015
A facinating collection of all of Elizabeth's letters. A must for any tudor fan.
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