Queen Elizabeth


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.4 stars; 256 reviews)

There are certain names which are familiar, as names, to all mankind; and every person who seeks for any degree of mental cultivation, feels desirous of informing himself of the leading outlines of their history, that he may know, in brief, what it was in their characters or their doings which has given them so widely-extended a fame. Consequently, great historical names alone are selected; and it has been the writer's aim to present the prominent and leading traits in their characters, and all the important events in their lives, in a bold and free manner, and yet in the plain and simple language which is so obviously required in works which aim at permanent and practical usefulness. This volume is dedicated to Queen Elizabeth. (Summary from the preface of the book) (4 hr 54 min)

Chapters

Preface, Elizabeth's Mother 24:14 Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023)
The Childhood of a Princess 20:24 Read by Sibella Denton
Lady Jane Grey 22:57 Read by Sibella Denton
The Spanish Match 19:44 Read by Sibella Denton
Elizabeth in the Tower 21:18 Read by Shirley Ellen
Accession to the Throne 23:36 Read by Shirley Ellen
The War in Scotland 21:33 Read by Sibella Denton
Elizabeth's Lovers 27:23 Read by Shirley Ellen
Personal Character 28:04 Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950 - 2014)
The Invincible Armada 28:35 Read by Philippa
The Earl of Essex 36:39 Read by Alana Jordan
The Conclusion 19:57 Read by Sibella Denton

Reviews

Decent introduction


(4 stars)

Most of the readers were good, only one was difficult to understand. I think the book provided a reasonably balanced and accurate (if condensed) history. It prompted me to want to learn more.


(1 stars)

The narrator of this book & others listed as bio or autobiography has a voice I just can’t tolerate. Like fingernails across a chalk board.

more good than bad


(3.5 stars)

over all a good book although some of the readers are hard to understand


(4.5 stars)

I had previously listened to and loved Jacob Abbott’s ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ and was delighted to find that he had written a book on Elizabeth as well - I was intrigued to hear the other side of the story on their rivalry, but ultimately ‘Queen Elizabeth’ only touched slightly on the topic. I found the main focus of this book to be more on the people and politics surrounding Elizabeth, rather than Elizabeth herself. There were a few chapters that were difficult to get through due to the narration, but Abbott’s story had me intrigued to continue. Overall, ‘Queen Elizabeth’ did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it was interesting and informative.

I really enjoyed this book.


(5 stars)

I liked Lucy Burgoyne's reading of one chapter; possibly because I'm Australian. It always feels weird to have an American accent and pronounciation read a very English topic, but understand the books are all read by volunteers, so thanks to all readers. The content was very engaging.

Terrible reading


(1 stars)

An American voice reading English history? Terrible. I am unable to listen as it adds no authenticity. She can't even pronounce 'Elizabeth'. Read in a halting voice by someone who doesn't understand what she's reading. Expression entirely incorrect and robotic. My Primary school children could do better. Sorry.


(5 stars)

I loved the book. In the chapter The War With Scotland, they were very biased on Queen Mary's part.

Loved the book


(4 stars)

The reader of chapter 9: Personal character. Impossible to understand