Elizabeth I by Alison Plowden is a history of the reign of perhaps England's most popular monarch. The book actually begins with a general history of the beginning of the Tudor reign, from its inception through Henry VIII's gaggle of wives through the reign of Elizabeth.

Elizabeth reigned for 45 years. She was much respected by her subjects and idolized by future generations. Elizabeth ruled for her people and made her decisions accordingly.

The story is fascinating: the intrigue of the court and each side trying to win the Queen over the other, for example. Her personal life was also stormy, and her desire not to marry was her own as she felt she was married to her people.

This book will be fascinating to history buffs or to Anglophiles in search of knowledge of the era. Elizabeth I is located on the basement level of the Library at call number DA 355 .P53x 2004. The Library also has many other books on Elizabeth I shelved in the same area.

Diane Maroon wrote this Monthly Book Spotlight.