Thought of as either remote and steely or as an ethereal unworldly spirit of virtue, Elizabeth I was a far more vibrant, passionate, intelligent, and above all, human figure. This riveting book introduces the reader to the real Queen Elizabeth, the one who demonstrated savvy and persuasiveness in consolidating her tenuous power and convincing reluctant nobles that a young, inexperienced woman could rule the nation without the help of any man. Elizabeth ushered in England's Golden Age, fostering the arts, encouraging voyages of discovery, and making England the dominant economic and military force in all of Europe.