Young Bess (A&B Fiction) [Paperback]

Margaret Irwin (Author)

Book Description

Series: A&B Fiction | Publication Date: September 1, 1999

This first of Irwin's trilogy about Elizabeth traces her early life from the execution of her mother, Anne Boleyn, to Bess's banishment from her Henry VIII's court, to the intrigues of Tom Seymour and the death of her brother, Edward VI.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'More Tudor gusto and verve than David Starkey' VICKI WOODS, The Telegraph 'One of Britain's most accomplished historical novelists. Her love and respect for the past shines through every page' SARAH DUNANT, author of In the Company of the Courtesan 'Vivid and psychologically brilliant. This spirited novel enriches the imagination' Times Literary Supplement 'Margaret Irwin's books have an unsurpassed colour and gusto' The Times --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Margaret Irwin was a noted authority on the Elizabethan era. Allison & Busby has published "Young Bess," "Elizabeth and the Prince and Spain," and "Elizabeth, Captive Princess" to complete her classic trilogy about Elizabeth I as well as her superb biography of Sir Walter Raleigh, "That Great Lucifer."

Product Details

• Paperback: 262 pages
• Publisher: Allison & Busby LTD (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 074900357X
• ISBN-13: 978-0749003579
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,338,597 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Elizabeth, Captivating Princess...., January 14, 2000

By 

[e-mail] (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Young Bess (A&B Fiction) (Paperback)

One of the best-written and most evocative historical novels ever. I first read this when I was twelve, and it is still one of my favorite books. Due to this book, I conceived a passionate admiration for Elizabeth I which I've never lost, as well as an interest in English history that's provided years of fascinating research. (I also fell madly in love with the Lord High Admiral, but that's another story....)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Young Bess, May 21, 2001

By 

Jessie Youngsmith (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Young Bess (A&B Fiction) (Paperback)

I found this to be a wonderful, colorful, imaginative book. The plot was terrific and the characters very well evolved. It gave a thrilling account of the famous Queen Elizabeth's life as a young girl. I would advise it for ages 10 and over.

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An old novel on a young Tudor princess is still worth reading, April 17, 2006

By 

C. M Mills "Michael Mills" (Knoxville Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Young Bess (A&B Fiction) (Paperback)

Margaret Irwin's novel "Young Bess" is the first in a series of three books on the life of England's Queen Elizabeth I
(reigned 1558-1603). The Virgin Queen was a Gloriana but she
had a difficult childhood and adolescence. Her mother Anne Boleyn was executed by Bess's cruel father Henry VIII. She was
accused of bastardy and had a strained relationship with her
two siblings: Mary (daughter of Katharine of Aragon-Henry's
first wife) and Edward (son of Henry's wife Jane Seymour). Followng the death of Henry the land was ruled by the sickly Edward who had Protestant leanings. The 15 year old monarch died in 1553 followed by the prickly "Bloody Mary" whose short reign
led to the persecution and burning of Protestants.
This book takes us from Elizabeth's girlhood to the moment when Edward has died and the succession is in dispute. It deals
in depth with Bess's relationship with the Seymour family. Thomas Seymour loved Bess and wed Henry VIII's last queen Katharine Parr. He was executed for treason during the reign of
Edward.
The book can be boring and seem old fashioned to those expecting garish desciptions of execution and vivid sexual scenes.
Irwin's style is rich and her prose sparkles. The book would most appeal to someone who has a basic knowledge of the Tudor
dynasty. All of the names and titles can be confusing to an American reader.
Overall this is a good, clean book dealing with the fascinating
Elizabeth.