Behind the mask : The life of Queen Elizabeth I

A biography of Elizabeth I that describes her triumphant reign as well as the childhood that shaped the woman she became. A behind-the-scenes look at Gloriana that discusses her childhood, how she overcame opposition to become queen, & her subsequent manipulation of people, the court, & foreigners to attain greatness. A behind-the-scenes look at the long-lived queen, discussing her childhood, how she overcame opposition to become queen, & her subsequent manipulation of people, the court, & foreigners to attain greatness. Elizabeth I (1533-1603) impressed herself more vividly on the memory of the world than any other monarch in the history of England. She successfully established and maintained power while refusing to bow to the wishes of those who believed no woman was fit to occupy the English throne. This biography describes the opulent but cruel childhood that shaped the woman Elizabeth became and details her triumphant reign, as well as the unrelenting forces that opposed her. Exploring the answers to some of history's most persistent and intriguing questions, Jane Resh Thomas has created a compelling account of Elizabeth's life that shatters the myths surrounding her and allows readers an unprecedented view of the queen as a human being. Full-color insert, chronology, bibliography, index