Posted by Steven on 3/7/2009, 13:37:41, in reply to "Re: Book corner - what are you reading now?"
96.233.146.230
http://www.amazon.com/After-Elizabeth-Scotland-Struggle-England/dp/0345450469/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246619616&sr=8-1
I just finished this book. I did not think it would interest me, but it was quite interesting. The famous and beloved ruler's best days are over when the book begins, so instead of a grand monarch, the book presents a tired paranoid old woman whose health is in decline. Elizabeth is not the focus of the book, but it was interesting to see how her once-loyal supporters were trying to deal with teh succession behind her back, since Elizabeth did not want to deal with the issue. The book's main focus is King James, and Arabella Stuart keeps surfacing in the story too. However, neither of these rival heirs are portrayed in a sympathetic light, particularly King James. The person who comes off in the best light is James' queen, Anne of Denmark. What amazed me is how quickly the long-reigning Elizabeth -- the only monarch most of the English folks living in 1603 ever knew-- was all but forgotten, and how "disrespected" she was in death-- her corpse, the scheduling of her funeral arrangements, the surprising fate of her remarkable trousseau. As a rule, I have tended to avoid reading about the brutal and bloody Plantagenet and Tudor eras, but was amazed at the savage and sadistic executions that continued under King James. Finally, it was interesting to read about the later years and fate of Sir Walter Ralegh, one of the many colorful characters that figure in the story.
Based on my experience, I have pre-ordered the author's upcoming book which will deal with story of Lady Jane Grey ("The Nine Day Queen") and her sisters.
