THE PIRATE QUEEN Queen Elizabeth I, Her Pirate Adventures, and the Dawn of Empire

Susan Ronald has written a rich, detailed account of Queen Elizabeth I's reign as it related to commerce, economy, and politics. The author chronicles the important actions Elizabeth took for the purpose of ensuring the safety and security of her people, preventing religious civil war within her borders, and increasing the kingdom's coffers. Narrator Josephine Bailey's British voice is clear and concise, and she enunciates well. However, her reading of this meticulous text is somewhat flat. The pacing seems rushed--with not enough pauses to create the needed emphasis. Nonetheless, Bailey's characterizations of quotes from primary sources are paced well and help provide a vivid portrayal of the many personages of Elizabeth's time. N.A.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]