Elizabeth I Book

The author terms this a 'postmodernist' consideration of Elizabeth's regime, which looks primarily at power structures and the relationships between the monarch and her subjects. There is, perhaps, little obvious postmodernism in its conclusions, although it does provide an interesting overview of her reign, including some mention of press and popular culture, factionalism and favouritism, and posthumous reputation. More attention, however, is given to the standard topics of politics (both inside and outside parliament and privy council), religion, and war. Haigh's conclusions are perhaps a little harsh - he seems to have considerably more sympathy for Essex than is usual or deserved, and a few points (such as Elizabeth's interest in a 'British empire') are overlooked or briefly dismissed - but generally appear as forerunners of more recent historiographical conclusions: Elizabeth made indecision a political art, generally performed well as a woman in a man's world (excluding the final decade), and was an exceptional actress. Despite the second edition now being over 20 years old, it is still a good introduction to power and politics under Elizabeth I.