An excellent treatise on leadership. Written in short snippets this details the philosophy and strategies used by Elizabeth I in surviving her family and maintaining a successful rule. Her knack for leading and protecting is still applicable today. ( )

I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected to. Some of the 'lessons' were a bit of a stretch, or too repetitive, and at times the storytelling sort of took over to the point where the leadership lessons seemed of secondary importance, but the storytelling is quite good. I was more inclined to learn the 'don't piss off the Queen' lesson rather than the 'use your subordinates according to their strengths and don't over-supervise them' message from the bit near the end about King Phillip of Spain versus Queen Elizabeth's pet pirate. My biggest criticism of this book is that it assumes frequently that there is only one right leadership style, when in business and other situations where leadership skills are called for, different circumstances demand different sorts of leaders.Still, this was an enjoyable read with some useful reminders on effective people skills that work for non-leaders as well. ( )

Surprisingly insightful and readable. I found much food for thought in the links drawn between Elizabeth's handling of various situations with our modern world. This book made her appear to be a woman way ahead of her time.

interesting theory and the author makes his point!