William Camden
Frontispiece from Annales: The True and Royall History of the famous Empresse Elizabeth Queene of England France and Ireland (London, 1625)
Newberry Library (Case F 4549 .137)
View close-up

Surrounding the title of Camden's Annales is a massive triumphal arch, on which hang the coats of arms of the leading figures of Elizabeth’s reign. At the four corners are illustrations of some great accomplishments of her reign, including raids on the Spanish (at the top) and Drake’s voyages (at the bottom). The title page also shows a crowned Tudor Rose and the phoenix, a bird adopted by Elizabeth as a symbol for her chaste and unchanging nature.

Return to Legacy and Legend