"This collection shines a light onto the character and experience of one of the most interesting of monarchs.... [W]e are likely never to get a closer or clearer look at her. An intriguing and intense portrait of a woman who figures so importantly in the birth of our modern world." - Publishers Weekly; "An admirable scholarly edition of the queen's literary output.... This anthology will excite scholars of Elizabethan history, but there is something here for all of us who revel in the English language." - John Cooper, Washington Times; "Substantial, scholarly, but accessible.... An invaluable work of reference." - Patrick Collinson, London Review of Books; "In a single extraordinary volume... Marcus and her coeditors have collected the Virgin Queen's letters, speeches, poems and prayers.... [A]n impressive, heavily footnoted volume." - Library Journal; "This excellent anthology of [Elizabeth's] speeches, poems, prayers and letters demonstrates her virtuosity and affords the reader a penetrating insight into her 'wiles and understandings." - Anne Somerset, New Statesman; "Here then is the only trustworthy collection of the various genres of Elizabeth's writings.... [A] fine edition which will be indispensable to all those interested in Elizabeth I and her reign." - Susan Doran, History "In the torrent of words about her, the queen's own words have been hard to find....[This] volume is a major scholarly achievement that makes Elizabeth's mind much more accessible than before....[A] verltable feast of material in different genres." - David Norbrook, The New Republic