Death of the Fox: A Novel of Elizabeth and Ralegh

I can't say enough good things about this book; interesting well written and educational. What more could you ask for?

This is a totally engrossing, deeply learned historical novel based on the life of Sir Walter Ralegh (Garrett's preferred spelling), with emphasis on his last few days before being executed by order of James I. Garrett "paints" a brilliant picture of Ralegh's life and times, and rather than relating his story in chronological order, he describes and develops, through various voices, the major events that have brought him to the prison cell he now occupies. In one chapter a fellow soldier relates Ralegh's military career, emphasizing the bravery, pride, and honor that guided him in all things: even at the end after failure in Guiana means certain death for him in England, Ralegh out of pride and honor brings his ship home rather than desert his pledge. Most of the chapters are told in the voice of an omnipotent narrator as they focus on events and people associated with Ralegh: Francis Bacon, a schemer always in debt, eventually impeached by Parliament for bribe-taking; Edward Coke, who as Attorney-General tried him in 1603 in a cruel and most unfair way; Queen Elizabeth, who granted Ralegh all sorts of favors and privileges; James I, prejudiced against Ralegh ever since the death of the Earl of Essex, his partisan, the blame for which fell on Ralegh's shoulders; even the Bishop of Salisbury who administers to Ralegh's religious needs the night before his beheading (they have a brilliant conversation about innocence, the King's justice, and fear of death). Garrett's prose is muscular and authoritative: it shows a great deal of research, but his notecards are nowhere to be seen. Anyone interested in Ralegh or in superbly written historical fiction will find much to praise in his book. Highly recommended.

The intensity with which this novel focuses on every moment of two days of Sir Walter Ralegh's life (and the era-spanning memories that run through his mind) can make you wake up to the passing of your own life. The book paints a big canvas, dealing with the political intrigues and daily life of the world most moderns know through Shakespeare. It has a sharp eye for historical ironies, at times can be spooky in its showing of puny humans caught in the vast forces of history. But it is also a celebration of man and womankind, and one particularly complex and interesting man. The research that must have gone into this is amazing, the book is a fund of knowledge. If you know something about English history of this time, you will take pleasure in witty ways the facts are revealed. But if you don't know anything about the period or place, you will find yourself in an alien but strangely familiar world that unfolds with the feeling of current events. A great novel of politics, society and the mind.Lots of copies are available used -- get it.

Garrett's novel is one of the best works of historical fiction I have ever read--and one of the best works of literary fiction. His knowledge of the historical setting, the detailed narrative and his stately pacing make an already fascinating story completely engrossing. His moving depiction of Raleigh the "Fallen Star" living with memories and facing the inevitable is coupled with an unsentimental look at the intricate machinations of Raleigh the "Fox." With the exception of Thomas Flanagan, I can't think of another author who writes historical fiction with so much intelligence and subtlety.

If you are ready to read some beautiful prose, then check this book out. Garrett's writing is wonderful, but rather thick. Take some time to read this book, as it is not one that can be read in one (or even three) sittings, but is well worth the read. Raleigh is very well portrayed here, with all his character quirks thrown in for good measure.