Body Politic to Govern

A Body Politic to Govern: The Political Humanism of Elizabeth I is a fresh look at a much studied historical figure. This work examines the influence between the virtues and thoughts of the political humanists of the Italian Renaissance, and the political persona of England's Elizabeth I. Special attention is paid to how Elizabeth constructed literary works such as letters and speeches, as well the style in which she governed England. This learned queen exemplified the virtues of political humanism through her dedication to the vita activa, amor patriae, and service to the greater good of her realm. In order to silence her critics who had license to criticize her as a female monarch, Elizabeth chose to speak the political language of the day, defending and asserting her right to rule by relying on her classical humanist education.