Heretic Queen: Queen Elizabeth I and the Wars of Religion

Elizabeth I’s life and reign have been the subject of many biographies over the years. Ronald (The Pirate Queen: Queen Elizabeth I, Her Pirate Adventures, and the Dawn of Empire) chooses to focus on Elizabeth’s religious policies and their effects on both England and the religious conflicts in continental Europe. Ronald deftly maneuvers among the religious war in the Netherlands, the ambitions of Philip II of Spain, and the failed aspirations of Mary, Queen of Scots, all of which affected Elizabeth’s foreign policy. She also explores England’s internal religious tension and its effect on Elizabeth’s domestic policy. Owing to the large amount of material covered, much of the information is presented in a summary format, albeit highly readable. Ronald relies heavily on secondary sources and loses the opportunity for in-depth analysis. However, Heretic Queen is well written, engaging and briskly paced.