Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Philippa Gregory's stuff is supposed to be relatively historically accurate, but is a bit chick lit for me.  I'm really looking forward to the film though.


Vicky

Yeah, I've read the Other Boleyn Girl but I can't get into her other books.

Another Weir fan here!  I picked up her The Six Wives of Henry VIII on a whim about ten years ago, and have been hooked ever since.  I like her because she's very readable.  However, I have to admit that I was less than impressed with Innocent Traitor.  I think I was expecting something a bit less fluffy.

I'll second the movie Lady Jane.  Back when Cary Elwes was just so, so scrummy.

I'm a big fan of Alison Weir.  I've got her books on Elizabeth, Henry, The Princes in the Tower and Elinor of Aquitane.  All brilliant, and I'd recommend her Elizabeth above Starkey's.  Not read Innocent Traitor yet, so I'll def keep a look out.

Philippa Gregory's stuff is supposed to be relatively historically accurate, but is a bit chick lit for me.  I'm really looking forward to the film though.


Vicky

Vicky, you should definitely check out I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles.  It is really quite well written and I think she grasps Elizabeth's outlook quite well.  It is historical fiction, but, smart historical fiction, if you know what I mean.  And I agree, Alison Weir's Elizabeth is much better than Starkey's.  I actually met Alison at a book signing when I was at Uni.  She is lovely.  And I love, love, love her Eleanor of Aquitaine book.

I also highly recommend Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles by Margaret George and The Autobiography of Henry VIII, With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers also by Margaret George.  More smart historical fiction.

I also have a book of Elizabeth I's letter, speeches, etc from the time she was around 8 until she died.  I can't remember the title off the top of my head (can't find it on Amazon either) but I will search for it if anyone is interested.  It is truly brilliant, as was Elizabeth!

Ah, yes, the Tudor scandals!  Some of them are so sad!

I, too, am picky about historical fiction.  Phillipa Gregory was, eh.  I can't even remember which one I read, but, never picked up another one.  I generally tend to stick to non-fiction when it comes to history.  But, my degree is in history so, it makes me a bit dry at times, I suppose! 

Just curious, FunGirl, why did you think Innocent Traitor was fluffy?  I thought it was a good read, although, a bit short.

Just curious, FunGirl, why did you think Innocent Traitor was fluffy?  I thought it was a good read, although, a bit short.

I can't put a finger on what it was specifically.  Perhaps I was so used to reading her nonfiction that her fiction seemed to fall a bit short?  I did think that the sex was a bit gratuitous.  I know that she was trying to show us how horrible it was for Jane, but it came across a bit bodice ripper-esque.  I know I'm being overly picky, but it really bothered me.

On a side note, I just looked up Margaret George on Wikipedia, and it said she's currently working on a novel about the later years of Elizabeth I to be released in 2010 (followed by one on Boadicea).  Yay!

Thanks for that list, Dar.  Though my boyfriend has now banned me from buying more books, as we are running out of room in the flat for anymore!

I'd recommend Antonia Fraser's book on Mary, Queen of Scots.  I got it for 50p in a charity shop a few years ago.  When you get here, you are going to LOVE English charity shops!  So many books!!!


Vicky

Thanks for that list, Dar.  Though my boyfriend has now banned me from buying more books, as we are running out of room in the flat for anymore!

I'd recommend Antonia Fraser's book on Mary, Queen of Scots.  I got it for 50p in a charity shop a few years ago.  When you get here, you are going to LOVE English charity shops!  So many books!!!


Vicky

He banned you from BUYING them, but, not from BORROWING them, right?    I can lend them to you!  I'll be your Tudor Book Dealer! 

I can't put a finger on what it was specifically.  Perhaps I was so used to reading her nonfiction that her fiction seemed to fall a bit short?  I did think that the sex was a bit gratuitous.  I know that she was trying to show us how horrible it was for Jane, but it came across a bit bodice ripper-esque.  I know I'm being overly picky, but it really bothered me.

On a side note, I just looked up Margaret George on Wikipedia, and it said she's currently working on a novel about the later years of Elizabeth I to be released in 2010 (followed by one on Boadicea).  Yay!

Yes, the sex bit was a bit...ick.  But, the historical side of it, I was rather impressed with.
YAY! For Margaret George!  I adore her work!  Mostly because she takes 5-8 years to research before she ever puts pen to paper!  I am reading her novel, Helen of Troy, at the moment.  It is quite good!  And I have been waiting for years for her to write something based on Elizabeth.  So, far, my favorite of hers is the Henry VIII book. 

Yes, the sex bit was a bit...ick.  But, the historical side of it, I was rather impressed with.

True - I do like that she didn't embellish for the sake of making the story more interesting as some historical fiction authors do.  I think I'll have to re-read it and skip the sex.  Then it'll be perfect!

YAY! For Margaret George!  I adore her work!  Mostly because she takes 5-8 years to research before she ever puts pen to paper!  I am reading her novel, Helen of Troy, at the moment.  It is quite good!  And I have been waiting for years for her to write something based on Elizabeth.  So, far, my favorite of hers is the Henry VIII book. 

I haven't yet picked up the Helen of Troy book - it's on my library list.  I think I need to get the horror that was Troy (the movie) out of my head before I dive into that one.   Can't wait for her Elizabeth book!

I can't wait.  The first film was so damned brilliant... I'm quite excited.

Great film. But where the hell is Joseph Fiennes in this one??  Sadly, I don't know my history well enough to know if his character featured in this particular section of Elizabeth's life........

He banned you from BUYING them, but, not from BORROWING them, right?    I can lend them to you!  I'll be your Tudor Book Dealer! 

Great plan.  If we do an exchange then I'll be fine - as long as I don't increase the number in the flat then he'll be cool.  I'd better start cataloguing them!

Great film. But where the hell is Joseph Fiennes in this one??  Sadly, I don't know my history well enough to know if his character featured in this particular section of Elizabeth's life........

He died shortly after the war with Spain began, I think.

Vicky

Great plan.  If we do an exchange then I'll be fine - as long as I don't increase the number in the flat then he'll be cool.  I'd better start cataloguing them!

Vicky

If it makes you feel any better, I am also banned from book buying.   Let me know which one you want to borrow first and I'll get it to you as soon as my books arrive UK side.  Or you can come browse "Dar's Nerdy Library" as DH calls it.  I am all about sharing Tudor joy! 

"Dar's Nerdy Library"

I may have to get a library card there. 

I may have to get a library card there. 

Sure thing!  They will have nifty pictures of Illuminated Manuscripts on them! 

http://www.philippagregory.com/books/index.php

The Boleyn Inheritance
The Constant Princess
The Virgin's Lover
The Queen's Fool
The Other Boleyn Girl

her tudor books are great historical fiction (in my humble opinion) (although i recently read another of her books- wildacre- which i despised)

she is great! I've read all of her books except for the Wideacre trilogy.

I've read books from:
Antonia Fraser
Margaret George
Allison Weir
Philippa Gregory
Jean Plaidy

Anyone else I should try? I mostly only read historial fiction related to UK these days. I Love it!

Oh yes!  You should read Sharon Kay Penman!  She is brilliant!  She has also started writing some medieval murder mysteries, which are short but great reads!