Books:
The Art of Play – Gary Izzo
This is the book that answers all the questions about improvisational and street theatre. Any questions relating to character creation, building, interaction and streetwork are answered in this book. [An engaging and antidotal read which should give a lot of food for thought on the work we do on the fairegrounds. DMR]

The First Elizabeth -- Carrolly Erickson
The Virgin Queen – Christopher Hibbert
Elizabeth I – The Shrewdness of Virtue – Jasper Ridley
Elizabeth I – Anne Somerset
Elizabeth – The Struggle for the Throne – David Starkey
These five works are all thorough treatments of Elizabeth and the Elizabethan Age. Although Elizabeth is the central figure in all of the above works, they also address many other notable figures of the period and the condition of England, the English and the world in general through the years of her reign. A personal pick of the PRF directorial staff for a thorough Elizabethan study (with an in-depth look at Elizabethan England in relation to the rest of the world) is Somerset’s book. [I thought the Starkey book was excellent as well, but with more focus on her childhood and the years just before her coronation. editor]

The Elizabethan Underworld – Gamini Salgado
An older book, but very informative on the conditions, creativity and survival of the lower classes, criminal elements and gypsies during the Elizabethan age and slightly beyond [A good read, recommended to me by Louisa Smith. editor]

The England of Elizabeth – A. L. Rowse
This is an oldie, but a goodie. It offers a detailed look at the structure and workings of Elizabethan society.

Shakespeare Alive! – Joseph Papp and Elizabeth Kirkland
Although some holes have been shot into this text since its publication , it still holds a lot of valuable information on life in Elizabethan England and Elizabethan Theatre.

Uppity Women of Shakespearean Times – Vicki Leon
Also published as Uppity Women of the Renaissance, this one is just for the ladies. Presenting over "…200 Disorderly Dames, Daring Daughters and Downright Dangerous Damsels of Shakespearean Times", this book covers minor and major female "…heroines and harpes – biographical anecdotes of fascinating detail and enlightening variety and humor" covering from 1000 – 1660.

The King James I edition of the Bible
This is an excellent example of English correctly conjugated using the "thou" form of you when appropriate.

Films and Videos
Elizabeth R ***** - (the BBC series) An excellent, detailed, historically accurate look at Elizabeth’s entire reign and all the pivotal players in it.

Shakespeare in Love ***** - (w/ Gwyneth Paltrow) Does not get much better than this.

Ever After ***** - An excellent look at class structure and how it plays out.

Romeo and Juliet ***** - The older Zeferilli film (not the DeCaprio/Danes film.)

Hamlet ***** - the Branagh film.

Black Adder (no rating) - The Elizabethan series, just a heck of a lot of fun.

Much Ado about Nothing *** - the Branagh film. Inconsistent casting, but Branagh and Thompson are brilliant.

The Virgin Queen *** - With Bette Davis. Early Hollywood’s interpretation of the relationship between Elizabeth and Raleigh.

Elizabeth ** - w/ Kate Blanchett. Excellent in terms of manners and customs, but historically very inaccurate.

Any Shakespeare with Lawrence Olivier. He sometimes runs a bit heavy but no one can deny his genius with the texts.

Any other films or videos that give a sense of 16th century life.