THE LIFE OF ELIZABETH I

In the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, Elizabeth I was a formidable queen at a time when the rule of a world power by a woman was unusual and not overwhelmingly popular. Although Elizabeth stated many times that she refused to marry, issues of possible marital alliances and succession dominated affairs of state and foreign relations for much of her long reign. Davina Porter’s strong respect for and interest in her subject are unflagging. She sets a strong pace that helps the listener stay attentive, breaking up the long third-person narrative by employing various voices for the excepts from written documents and quotes that are sprinkled throughout the book. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 04]