Author:Ian Mortimer
'A fresh and funny book that wears its learning lightly' Independent
Discover the era of William Shakespeare and Elizabeth I through the sharp, informative and hilarious eyes of Ian Mortimer.
We think of Queen Elizabeth I's reign (1558-1603) as a golden age. But what was it actually like to live in Elizabethan England? If you could travel to the past and walk the streets of London in the 1590s, where would you stay? What would you eat? What would you wear? Would you really have a sense of it being a glorious age? And if so, how would that glory sit alongside the vagrants, diseases, violence, sexism and famine of the time?
In this book Ian Mortimer reveals a country in which life expectancy is in the early thirties, people still starve to death and Catholics are persecuted for their faith. Yet it produces some of the finest writing in the English language, some of the most magnificent architecture, and sees Elizabeth's subjects settle in America and circumnavigate the globe. Welcome to a country that is, in all its contradictions, the very crucible of the modern world.
'Vivid trip back to the 16th century...highly entertaining book' Guardian
Ian Mortimer manages to inform and delight in equal measure.
—— Sue Baker , The BooksellerAs Mortimer puts it, "sometimes the past will inspire you, sometimes it will make you weep". What it won't do, thanks to this enthralling book, is leave you unmoved
—— Kathryn Hughes , Mail on SundayWith Shakespeare on hand to give us extra insight into how Elizabethans saw themselves (and what they - often to our eyes inexplicably - found funny), and a society playing out its growing sense of self-awareness as it tiptoes to a modern age, the stage is set for a fresh and funny book that wears its learning lightly
—— Rebecca Armstrong , IndependentMortimer brings the same depth and flair to the age of Shakespeare and the Virgin Queen. From dental hygiene to table manners, the findings fascinate - even if we don't wish that we were there
—— Independent iMortimer's book has something for everyone... His curiosity is boundless and his profound scholarship is leavened by a sense of fun
—— Christopher Silver , Daily ExpressEntertaining history of the country's landscape, people, religion, health and culture in the 16th century
—— The TimesIan Mortimer realistically describes the down-to-earth details of everyday living and stirring times in the England before and after the 1590s
—— Ian Finlayson , Saga MagazineFascinating account of everyday life in Elizabethan England.
—— PA syndicated reviewIt is a magnificent social history, rich and scholarly, but with the verve and intrigue of a great novel.
—— Rory ClementsFascinatingly readable
—— John Ure , Country LifeMortimer’s intriguing step-by-step guide to everyday Elizabethan life is studded with gems… A delightful book, full of busy research lightly worn, that is as accessible and entertaining a guide as you will find to living in past times.
—— Andrew Holgate , Sunday Times, Culture MagazineIt’s like Horrible Histories for grown-ups, and I mean that as a compliment
—— Brandon Robshaw , Independent on SundayAbsolutely fascinating and great fun
—— Sally Morris , Daily MailMortimer unpicks a period of time conflicted in the history books, his vivid portrayal helping in understanding these contradictions
—— Antonia Charlesworth , Big Issue in the NorthAnyone looking to write a novel about Tudor times would do well to investigate Mortimer’s excellent work...
—— Lesley McDowell , Glasgow Sunday HeraldMortimer’s Tardis does the job with a welter of detail…
—— Christopher Hirst , IndependentAn engaging book that can be read with pleasure
—— Susan Doran , BBC History Magazine
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