Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth (1533-1603) ruled England for 45 turbulent years and her reign has come to be seen as a golden age. She exercised supreme authority in a man's world, while remaining intensely feminine. This volume has been published to commemorate the 400th anniversary of her death in 1603. It illustrates in colour and (where possible) actual size, a selection of 60 manuscripts - either by Elizabeth or to her - from the British Library, Public Record Office, Hatfield House and other great libraries. Each is accompanied by a commentary, explaining the document and placing it in its historical context.