An Unofficial 'The MeatEater Podcast' Reading List
616. Elizabeth I: The Fall of the Axe (Part 1)
November 10, 2025
Description
Books Referenced
Author: Edmund Spenser
Context:
Referenced as 'the great poem, The Fairy Queen, by Edmund Spencer' while discussing Elizabeth I's portrayal as Gloriana and the Amazonian figure Britomart. The poem was written in the 1590s and portrayed Elizabeth in various forms.
Author: David Starkey
Context:
Referenced as 'David Starkey, in his great book on the young Elizabeth Elizabeth apprenticeship' when describing Anne Boleyn's birthing chamber at Greenwich Palace as 'a cross between a chapel and a luxuriously padded cell.'
Author: Tracy Borman
Context:
Referenced as 'Tracy Borman, she wrote a brilliant book on Anne Boleyn and her relationship to Elizabeth.' Used when discussing Anne Boleyn's fashion sense and describing her 'irresistible je ne sais quoi.'
Author: Nicola Tallis
Context:
Referenced as 'Nicola Tallis, who wrote another great book, Young Elizabeth, Princess, Prisoner, Queen' when discussing Princess Mary's mistreatment by Anne Boleyn and her spending time 'weeping in her chamber.'