Queen Elizabeth I (1533 - 1603)

In this installment of the 100 Bibliophiles series, I delve into the story of Queen Elizabeth I. Remembered as one of England’s greatest monarchs, she led England during a time of great change. But what many people don’t know is that Elizabeth was also a passionate book lover. Throughout her life, books were her constant companions.

From a young age, Elizabeth demonstrated a scholarly inclination that set her apart from many of her noble contemporaries. As the daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, her early education was rigorous.

With tutors like Roger Ascham, she mastered languages like Latin, Greek, French, and Italian. This linguistic mastery allowed her to read a wide range of literature in the original. It was a rare ability for anyone of her time, let alone a woman.

Her Personal Library

Her library was full of valuable works on history, religion, and literature. As for specific books in her collection:

Literature and Poetry: Multiple works in Greek and Latin
Religious Texts: She owned numerous religious texts, including various editions of the Bible
Classical Texts: Works by Cicero, Plutarch, and Seneca were among her favorites
Historical Accounts: Contemporary works like John Fox’s “Book of Martyrs“
Roger Ascham’s “The Schoolmaster” (particularly relevant as he was her tutor)

Her personal library represented her wisdom and authority. Records say it contained over a thousand volumes, an astounding number for the 16th century.

Her main collection comprised works of theology, classics, poetry, history, and philosophy.

A Writer and Translator

Elizabeth didn’t just read books—she also wrote and translated them. Her fluency in several languages allowed her to translate famous works into English. Some of these included texts by Cicero and Boethius, as well as parts of the Bible.

She also wrote letters, speeches, and poems. One of her famous poems, “On Monsieur’s Departure,” shows her talent for expressing deep feelings. Writing helped her connect with others and share her ideas as a ruler. Here are some notable examples:

Speeches: Her famous speeches like the “Tilbury Speech” and “Golden Speech” were largely her own work
Translations: She translated Boethius’ “Consolation of Philosophy” from Latin when she was just 11 years old
Poetry: She wrote several poems, including “The Doubt of Future Foes” and “On Monsieur’s Departure”
Prayers and Meditations: She composed a collection known as “Precationes privatae“

Patron of the Artists and Writers

Elizabeth’s love of books also extended to her patronage of writers and poets. She created a court that valued the arts and welcomed talents like William Shakespeare, Edmund Spenser, and Philip Sidney. These writers often dedicated their works to her, sharing poems and plays that fueled her love for book.

For example, Spenser dedicated The Faerie Queene to Elizabeth, portraying her as Gloriana, a powerful and virtuous queen. By supporting writers, Elizabeth helped make England a center of creativity and culture.

Books as Solace

Life as a queen was not easy. Elizabeth faced many challenges, including betrayals and threats to her throne. During these difficult times, books were her refuge. She found comfort and strength in reading, especially the Bible.

Her Bible was filled with notes she wrote herself. It’s said that she often read the Psalms for inspiration and peace. For Elizabeth, books were more than entertainment—they were a source of strength.

A Lasting Legacy

Elizabeth had an exceptional intellect. Even in her final years, when her health was failing, she kept her precious books close by. Her vast library remained a cherished sanctuary.

Her love of reading and learning helped make England a place where art and ideas could grow. Today, she is remembered as a powerful queen who who read her way into history.