Synopsis
A collection of documents that includes the First Continental Congress's "Declaration of Colonial Rights and Grievances," George Washington's "The Capture of Boston," Charles ...
Janet Crane Barley - Children's Literature
The "Lucent Library of Historical Eras" includes several engrossing books on Elizabethan England. This compilation of accounts from primary sources gives an excellent overview that is also a good a starting place for a reader planning to read several books about Elizabethan England. The first chapter on the reign of Elizabeth I starts with an eyewitness account of her coronation. There are also transcripts of some of the Queen's remarks, including a statement where she dresses down an impudent ambassador. After quoting other insightful accounts, the chapter ends with a firsthand story of the scene at Elizabeth's deathbed. Other chapters offer intriguing descriptions from Elizabethan observers on political and social issues, entertainment and literature, and English life. One unexpected and delightful bit about the theater is an inventory of theatrical costumes. Each entry quoted in the book includes the source from which it was taken. Ms. Swisher provides introductory material to each chapter and to each Elizabethan account. She also defines in parentheses some of the Elizabethan words that wouldn't be readily understood by today's readers. Unfortunately, some of her definitions are off the mark. For example, in the phrase, "...gave the porter an angel to let me in any time...," she defines "angel" as "messenger." But "angel" was the name of a gold coin of the time. Nevertheless, her parenthetical definitions were generally helpful and appreciated. A lengthy index allows a reader who does not want to read the whole book to conveniently look up specific information. 2003, Lucent Books, Ages 12 up.
Editorials
Children's Literature
The "Lucent Library of Historical Eras" includes several engrossing books on Elizabethan England. This compilation of accounts from primary sources gives an excellent overview that is also a good a starting place for a reader planning to read several books about Elizabethan England. The first chapter on the reign of Elizabeth I starts with an eyewitness account of her coronation. There are also transcripts of some of the Queen's remarks, including a statement where she dresses down an impudent ambassador. After quoting other insightful accounts, the chapter ends with a firsthand story of the scene at Elizabeth's deathbed. Other chapters offer intriguing descriptions from Elizabethan observers on political and social issues, entertainment and literature, and English life. One unexpected and delightful bit about the theater is an inventory of theatrical costumes. Each entry quoted in the book includes the source from which it was taken. Ms. Swisher provides introductory material to each chapter and to each Elizabethan account. She also defines in parentheses some of the Elizabethan words that wouldn't be readily understood by today's readers. Unfortunately, some of her definitions are off the mark. For example, in the phrase, "...gave the porter an angel to let me in any time...," she defines "angel" as "messenger." But "angel" was the name of a gold coin of the time. Nevertheless, her parenthetical definitions were generally helpful and appreciated. A lengthy index allows a reader who does not want to read the whole book to conveniently look up specific information. 2003, Lucent Books, Ages 12 up.— Janet Crane Barley