The First Elizabeth

By: Carolly Erickson

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

Elizabeth was not just Queen, she was ruler. In an age of male supremacy she, by sheer force of character, became not only the unchallenged leader of the English but also the first leader of an empire upon which the sun never set. Erickson’s biography tells the truth about this extraordinary woman and profiles some amazing people - their personalities and culture.

©1983 Carolly Erickson (P)1986 Recorded Books, LLC

Listened more than once

Good historical evidence giving more about E1 personality and how past may have influenced her than other historical accounts I’ve listened to. Very enjoyable.

The real queen

I enjoyed this book so much. It not only told about Queen Elizabeth, but it gave a lot of background and history of England and what was going on in the world. I loved it and will probably listen to it again.

Subpar history and horrid production

The history is a malaise of superficially thrown together obtuse facts, told in such a way as to make one feel like they are sinking in a pool of glutenous quicksand.

And the awful production failed to even edit the constant throatal sounds of swallowing and the salivic noises between words uttered and the pasty lips smacking after every other utterance- AWFUL.

Nice Detail

I enjoyed how the author focused more than most on Elizabeth’s upbringing and her relationship with those around her. I think the narrator has a pleasant voice and excellent pacing, but the sound quality is very distracting. I could only listen in small bursts and never with my earphones because the mouth noises and strange bass-like thumping is very off-putting. At one point there is a group of people talking and a loud woman’s voice made me think there was someone in my house! I don’t blame the narrator, however, as this is probably bad sound engineering. This would make an excellent choice for people who enjoy mouth sound-ASMR.

Really enjoyable story seems fairly accurate with a wonderful narrator

If you like English history, you’ll find this book of interest in that it’s told with fun and flair and you can imagine yourself there. Get it!