Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful Biography
Review: This is a wonderful, interesting, and detailed read on the children of Henry VIII; Edward VI, Mary I, Elizabeth I, and Jane Grey (Henry's great-neice). The book describes each one of their reigns (although shame on Weir, two pages on Elizabeth's reign), their impact on the country, and their relationships with each other. A book no history enthusiast should be without!
Rating: 
Summary: Four British Monarchs and Their Relationship with Each Other
Review: Although not advertised as such, this book should really be considered "Part II" of Weir's Tudor trilogy. If you haven't read "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" first, you really should; and "The Life of Elizabeth I" picks up right where this one ends. Usually part 2 in a trilogy is the weakest link between the beginning and the end, but this is an exciting and engrosing book chronicling the reign of Edward and Mary.Edward VI usually gets more or less ignored: probably a combination of his father and sisters seeming much more exciting, and the fact that he became king at age 9 and died only a few years later. Weir shows that this is unfair: despite his age he managed to smoothly manipulate those who held power over him, and shows a surprising maturity in the letters and papers that he left behind. Mary, poor Bloody Mary, is so easy to despise and/or mock, but Weir turns her into a sympathetic, if pathetic, character. With no interest whatsoever in ruling, the pressures of the throne, her marriage, and her inability to conceive basically caused her to go mad. Throughout the book we see Elizabeth, but really only as she interacts with her half-siblings. Still, this book offers the foundation of her personality and drive. This, as well as the 2 other books I mentioned in the first paragraph, is an essential book for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Tudor period, or Queen Elizabeth. Best of all, it is exhaustively researched and written in a simple, accessible style that you don't have to be a historian to understand.
Rating:
Summary: Wow, wow, and more wow
Review: I know it's an asinine way to start a review, but it's honestly the most apt title I can think of: this book is absolutely outstanding. I was completely absorbed the entire time. "Bloody" Mary is given fair treatment, as is Lady Jane Grey; Weir doesn't play favorites and tells the story in compelling and thrilling detail. Hate history? This book is a good place to start, as the rich personalities of the Tudor monarchs and their contemporaries are fleshed out into truly lifelike figures. Is there anything this woman can't write?
Rating:
Summary: Great history in a readable format
Review: This is an incredibly fascinating story, full of intrigue and insight into some of the most famous of English monarchs. What impressed me the most about this book is that not only it was very readable, but the author has great integrity. She clearly presents the situations and explains the different rationales for various theories when the facts are a bit cloudy. Often, history books directed at the lay person are dumbed down, dramatized well beyond what is not only true but also necessary for an interesting story, and/or lack integrity. For a book to be so thorough and engaging is a true feat. This book will make a great gift for those with a mild interest in history, England, Elizabeth I, or the English monarchy.
Rating:
Summary: Worth the money
Review: This biography of four young English aristocratic children--Edward VI, Elizabeth I, Mary I, and Lady Jane Grey--tells their life stories and shows the backstabbing nature of the Tudor court. Alliances were changed often for political and social gain, with these children often being used as pawns. Weir's book shows this and more, and is well worth your money.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: An excellent book. Allison Weir includes historical facts mixed with the perfect amount of personal history. I couldn't put this book down! I really recommend this book, I've just ordered several other books that she has written. The way she has presented the various subjects in this book is really very creative. This is not one of those 1,000 page text books that are filled with footnotes every other word. Very easy to read. Again, just the perfect mix! I'm just sorry it was not longer.
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