queen of england

In 1558, Elizabeth I inherited a business in trouble: burdened by runaway inflation and a debased currency, lacking strategic alliances, torn by internal dissent, and eyed greedily by competitors bent on takeover, England was on the brink of ruin. Forty-five years later, the island nation was the richest and most powerful country in Europe.

Looks at the reign of Elizabeth I during the years 1585-1603, called the "last decade" by scholars, arguing that this period was so distinctive that it amounted to the second of two "reigns".

The memoirs of a literary mouse living at the court of Elizabeth I reveal the public and private life of the Queen and her courtiers.

During her 44 years on the throne of England she made herself into the living symbol of her nation. Her reign is remembered as an era of victory, culture and discovery.

Mary Tudor, who would reign briefly as Queen of England during the mid-sixteenth century, tells the story of her troubled childhood as daughter of King Henry VIII.