I tried to take advantage of the break between semesters and catch up on some non-academic reading. Here’s what I’ve read in the past month or so.
Elizabeth’s Rival: The Tumultuous Life of the Countess of Leicester – Nicola Tallis
This book follows the life of times of Lettice Knollys, cousin and confidant of Elizabeth I until Lettice’s secret marriage to Robert Dudley. It’s an interesting perspective of a woman who was front and center for most of Elizabeth’s reign, even if she wasn’t always on the queen’s good side. This is a good read for fans of the Elizabethan era.
Spies, Patriots, and Traitors: American Intelligence in the Revolutionary War – Kenneth Daigler
Kenneth Daigler is one of the authors with the perfect opportunity to write a book: he has a background in history stacked with a career in the CIA. This book examines spycraft during the American Revolution. It was fascinating to see an insider’s exploration of the beginnings of the American spy industry. While it was a bit technical in a few places, it was pretty easy to read and enjoyable.
Elfrida: The First Crowned Queen of England – Elizabeth Norton
As the title indicates, this book researches the life of Queen Elfrida, wife to King Edgar in the late 900s. I always find books about people who lived this long ago interesting, and Elfrida led quite a life. She saw her fair share of scandal and drama at the end of the Anglo-Saxon era of England’s history.
Daughters of the Winter Queen: Four Remarkable Sisters, the Crown of Bohemia, and the Enduring Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots – Nancy Goldstone
Whew, that’s a long title. I generally like Nancy Goldstone’s writing style, and this was another good book of hers. It explores the life of Elizabeth Stuart, daughter to James I of England, and the erstwhile Winter Queen of Bohemia. I never connected the 30 Years’ War in Central Europe with her, but that’s a big part of the book. It also looks at Elizabeth’s four daughters, their lives, and how a great-granddaughter of Mary, Queen of Scots became the direct heir to the English throne.
The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut’s Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt – Kara Cooney
I truly appreciate that Kara Cooney has written several books about queens of Ancient Egypt. This book examines the life of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s female king. It explores her early life then rise to become the highest priestess in the land, queen, and eventually primary ruler. It’s an interesting analysis of Ancient Egyptian culture in the 18th dynasty.
Jamestown, The Buried Truth – William Kelso
William Kelso led the archaeological digs at the original Jamestown fort leading up to the 400th anniversary of the settlement in 2007. I found this book perfectly fascinating, and I learned a lot about the construction and design of Jamestown. It also has some technical moments (mainly about equipment and techniques), but it wasn’t difficult to read. A very worthwhile read for fans of Jamestown and early colonial America.
What have you been reading lately?
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