Bk. II, Ch. 2: Mary Queen of Scots

The Age of Elizabeth

by Mandell CREIGHTON (1843 - 1901)

This short history by the eminent British historian, Mandell Creighton, places Elizabeth and her reign within the context of 16th century European political, religious, and military events. Elizabeth overcomes her two great rivals, King Philip of Spain and Mary, Queen of Scots. England gradually unites behind her Queen, who survives multiple assassination plots. After the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the English, lightly taxed by their frugal sovereign, launch flourishing commerce enterprises. The author writes of the Protestant Reformation that "a change of belief meant a revolt from authority." In this age of individualism, personal daring, and a consciousness of national greatness, the golden age of Elizabethan literature breaks new ground in historiography, literary theory, poetry, and above all, drama. (Pamela Nagami, M.D.)

Listen next episodes of The Age of Elizabeth:
Bk. III, Ch. 2: The Revolt of the Netherlands , Bk. III, Ch. 3: Results of Alva's Measures on France, England, and Scotland--1567-70 , Bk. III, Ch. 4: Struggle of Catholicism and Protestantism--1570-72 , Bk. III, Ch. 5: St. Bartholomew's Day, 1572 , Bk. III: Spain and the Netherlands, Ch. 1: The Spanish Monarchy , Bk. IV, Ch. 2: Elizabeth's Court and Ministers , Bk. IV: Home Government of Elizabeth, Ch. 1: Elizabeth and Home Affairs , Bk. V, Ch. 2: The Jesuits and the Catholic Reaction , Bk. V: Conflict of Catholicism and Protestantism--1576-86, Ch. 1: The Struggle in the Netherlands--1576-83 , Bk. VI, Ch. 2: The Spanish Armada , Bk. VI, Ch. 3: Reaction against Spain , Bk. VI: The League and the Armada, Ch. 1: Spain and the League , Bk. VII, Ch. 2: Elizabethan Literature, Pt. 1 , Bk. VII, Ch. 2: Elizabethan Literature, Pt. 2 , Bk. VII, Ch. 3: Last Years of Elizabeth , Bk. VII: England After the Armada, Ch. 1: English Life in Elizabeth's Reign