Antony Lambton
The only new book I really enjoyed last Year was Anne Somerset's Elizabeth I (.Weidenfeld, £20). I started it with trepida- tion, as I know the authoress and, despite
the success of her previous books, feared she might be overwhelmed by a queen who had never been satisfactorily portrayed and an era only comprehended by A.L. Rowse. I was wrong, and was fascinated by her book from beginning to end. She unfolds her story with delicate skill which owes much to her detailed research of a multitude of authorities quoted without prejudice. Another virtue is that this is her book; she has been dominated by no other sources. I have one criticism. I think she should tighten up her prose, as her opin- ions are occasionally obscured by an excess of words. Anyway, this book is a triumph. I cannot think of a better Christmas present for any intelligent man or woman.
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