Subject
Raleigh, Walter, Sir, 1552?-1618 Books
Best books
W. (William) Stebbing
Sir Walter Ralegh: A Biography
"Sir Walter Ralegh: A Biography" by W. Stebbing is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book provides an in-depth exploration of the life and career of Sir Walter Ralegh, a prominent figure in the Elizabethan era known for his versatility as a poet, soldier, sailor, and statesman. The biography delves into significant aspects of Ralegh's life, including his noble lineage, military exploits, and tumultuous political career, highlighting the complexities of his character and legacy. At the start of the biography, the author discusses Ralegh's genealogy, detailing the history of the Ralegh family and its status in Devonshire. The text outlines the family's decline from their former prominence, providing context for Ralegh's upbringing. It also touches on his parents’ backgrounds and their significance, setting the foundation for understanding Ralegh's character and ambitions as he grows up in a fluctuating social landscape. The narrative introduces Ralegh’s early life, touching upon his education and initial adventures, which foreshadow his later achievements and challenges.
Edmund Gosse
Raleigh
"Raleigh" by Edmund Gosse is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This biographical work chronicles the life of Sir Walter Raleigh, exploring his multifaceted career as a soldier, explorer, and courtier in Elizabethan England. The book aims to portray Raleigh's personal journey distinct from the broader political and historical context of his times. The opening of the book focuses on Raleigh's early life, detailing his birth in 1552 in Hayes Barton, Devonshire, and his ancestry, which includes notable figures such as his half-brother Sir Humphrey Gilbert. Gosse elaborates on Raleigh’s formative years, including his uncertain education at Oxford, his early military experiences in France, and the influence of his family on his adventurous spirit. The narrative sets the stage for Raleigh's later exploits as a prominent explorer and courtier, hinting at the ambition and complexity that would characterize his career and interactions with key historical figures of his time.
Hugh De Sélincourt
Great Ralegh
"Great Ralegh" by Hugh De Sélincourt is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and character of Sir Walter Ralegh, focusing on his significance during the Elizabethan era, a time of both greatness and decline for England. De Sélincourt aims to bring Ralegh's character to life while highlighting the vibrant and adventurous spirit of 16th-century England. The opening of the book begins with a reflection on the circumstances surrounding Ralegh's birth in 1552, setting the stage for his later adventures. De Sélincourt emphasizes the extraordinary vitality of Elizabethan life, which was marked by a sense of discovery and the immediacy of news. The author paints a vivid picture of Ralegh's formative years in Devon, fascinated by tales of adventure and exploration that would ignite his ambitions. As he delves into Ralegh's early life, education, and connections to notable figures, the narrative captures the essence of a man destined for greatness against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.
Charles Kingsley
Sir Walter Raleigh and His Time
"Sir Walter Raleigh and His Time" by Charles Kingsley is a historical account likely written during the late 19th century. The work centers on the life and legacy of Sir Walter Raleigh, a prominent figure in the Elizabethan era, exploring his complexities as both a man and an adventurer against the backdrop of his tumultuous times. The opening of the text presents a reflection on the nature of truth in history and heralds the story of Raleigh as a testament to the human condition, grappling with sin, nobility, and the heavy burdens of his ambitions. The narrative begins with Raleigh's birth in South Devon in 1552, delving into his upbringing and early influences, including his noble lineage and the tumult of the era marked by treachery against the Protestant faith. It hints at his formative thoughts regarding England's enemies—Spain and the Pope—while establishing his aspirations as a chivalrous figure devoted to exploration and colonization. Kingsley draws the reader into the vibrant world of Raleigh's youth, setting the stage for his future endeavors that straddle the line between valorous exploration and moral complexity.
Samuel A. (Samuel Aaron) Tannenbaum
The Assassination of Christopher Marlowe (A New View)
"The Assassination of Christopher Marlowe (A New View)" by Samuel A. Tannenbaum is a historical account published in the late 1920s. This book explores the mysterious events surrounding the assassination of the renowned Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe, delving into the political and social contexts of his time. Tannenbaum presents a new interpretation of Marlowe's death, proposing that it was not merely a tragic accident but rather a calculated murder tied to the intrigues of the Elizabethan court. In this compelling work, Tannenbaum investigates the circumstances leading to Marlowe’s death on May 30, 1593, alongside the arrest of fellow playwright Thomas Kyd, who accused Marlowe of heresy and blasphemy while being tortured. Through a detailed examination of contemporary documents and accounts, the author argues that political machinations involving powerful figures, including Sir Walter Raleigh, motivated the assassination. Tannenbaum presents evidence suggesting that Marlowe's death was orchestrated to silence him, particularly in light of threats he posed to influential nobility due to his knowledge of state secrets. The book unfolds a narrative filled with tension, revealing the interplay between art, politics, and betrayal in the tumultuous world of Elizabethan England.
Elbert Hubbard
The Silver Arrow
"The Silver Arrow" by Elbert Hubbard is a historical narrative written in the early 20th century. This book explores themes of love, ambition, and conflict during the age of exploration in the late 16th century. It primarily focuses on the relationship between Sir Walter Raleigh and Eleanor White against the backdrop of Queen Elizabeth I's court and the early English colonization of America. The story follows Sir Walter Raleigh, a man of considerable ambition who finds himself entangled in both political maneuvering and a romantic connection with Eleanor White, the daughter of a court fool. After being banished by Queen Elizabeth, Raleigh's plans for colonization are carried out through the forced relocation of John White, Eleanor, and Ananias Dare to Roanoke Island. The tale progresses to illustrate Eleanor as she is raised by the Croatoan tribe and eventually becomes known as White Doe. She develops strong ties with the native people and emerges as a leader and protector, culminating in her dramatic confrontation with a white man who attempts to claim her, resulting in a tragic ending tied to the titular silver arrow, symbolizing her defiance and ultimate fate.
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