Kindle
$12.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$20.96
Paperback
$11.18
Buy new:
-25% $20.96
FREE delivery Friday, May 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$20.96 with 25 percent savings
List Price: $27.95

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Friday, May 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$20.96 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$20.96
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$10.95
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Former library book. Like new condition. Light use or cover wear. Former library book. Like new condition. Light use or cover wear. See less
FREE delivery Wednesday, May 15 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 3 hrs 37 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$20.96 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$20.96
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Anna Beer
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Patriot or Traitor: The Life and Death of Sir Walter Ralegh Hardcover – November 13, 2018

by Anna Beer (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 102 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$20.96","priceAmount":20.96,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"20","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"96","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"mxUVXNYy7D%2FlpGoOZMtKTHu9B5rcNgJU4vR9vzRr1S95kxL8qTa6MzM2DjxpYld2YsfhdLBEJ8xHkDKzSFxjxMXYwePAPY%2F3qaY845iK4ycRjQ%2Fo7f1zAmvCoBMHW5nang9iG54ivjnY0zEywoOqJw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$10.95","priceAmount":10.95,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"10","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"95","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"mxUVXNYy7D%2FlpGoOZMtKTHu9B5rcNgJUcFL4C4gmTz2kTzWmixgZrcqqk%2FLcGynNp2QY3bqgaSTLHpiuf0f7pdCXC4ckAN7cLGqAV%2BLnNIZKLc8Mm%2Bt%2B4V82asSx8SX6QDB%2FVfiiQbI2VwuIvo%2BLFg94hN38dUSkV4rmh6%2FYQkwENrL0j4E0e7D1SlyQBLm2","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

A BBC History Magazine Book of the Year

A writer, soldier, politician, courtier, spy and explorer, Sir Walter Ralegh lived more lives than most in his own time, in any time. The fifth son of a Devonshire gentleman, he rose to become Queen Elizabeth’s favourite, only to be charged with treason by her successor.

Less than a year after the death of his Queen, Ralegh was in the Tower, watching as the scene was set for his own execution.

Patriot or Traitor is the dramatic story of his rise and fall.
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    336 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Oneworld Publications
  4. Publication date
    November 13, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1.3 x 9.2 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9781786074348
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1786074348
  8. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

Patriot or Traitor: The Life and Death of Sir Walter Ralegh
$20.96
Get it as soon as Friday, May 17
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
My Just Desire: The Life of Bess Raleigh, Wife to Sir Walter
$13.55
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 21
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by bookmasters444 and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
These items are shipped from and sold by different sellers.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

‘What brings the book to brilliant life is Ralegh’s voice. In conversation with his writing, Beer’s prose soars… It’s hard not to think Sir Walter would have approved.’ ― Guardian

‘Beer’s book is a rigorous and readable take on her subject – it captures the full scope of the character of Ralegh, one that remains frustrating, but endlessly fascinating.’ ― The Times

‘This beautifully written and impeccably researched biography offers a fresh perspective on one of the most colourful and controversial characters of the Tudor and Stuart age. The hero of Elizabeth I and the scourge of her successor, Ralegh is brought to life as never before.’ -- Tracy Borman, author of The Private Lives of the Tudors

‘With colourful detail and astute interpretation, esteemed historian Beer follows Ralegh’s dramatic rise and disastrous fall… the full story is well-told here.’ ― Booklist

‘Heroic, grasping, gifted, a poet and politician, an explorer, dreamer and schemer – an iconic renaissance man brought vividly to life in this work of maturity, judgement and humanity.’ -- Sarah Fraser, author of The Prince Who Would Be King

‘A fascinating investigation of Ralegh – bringing to life this complex, mysterious character, and the beginnings of the Elizabethan Empire in all its brutal reality – showing us the world he travelled and the Queen herself, commanding, frustrating, and unpicks the truth of his shocking and rapid fall from power.’ -- Kate Williams, author of Rival Queens

‘A fascinating reappraisal. Beer brings Ralegh to life as a man, as well as providing exceptional detail on the times in which he lived. I highly recommend it.’ -- Elizabeth Norton, author of The Lives of Tudor Women

‘Writing with pace and personality, Anna Beer captures Sir Walter Ralegh in all his paradoxical complexity: his bravery and intellectual energy, the man of violence who also wrote passionate poetry, his lust for life competing with a desire for a good death. Sometimes drawn to Ralegh and at other times repelled by him, Anna Beer assays his career with honesty and sharp observation.’ -- John Cooper, author of The Queen’s Agent

‘Much of what we think we know about Sir Walter Ralegh – potatoes, tobacco, spreading his cloak over a “plashy place” – is fable. The real story is far more exciting. Here was a man who both achieved and failed extravagantly, who was both hated and loved excessively, and who both lived life and faced death courageously. In this fascinating, eloquent and scholarly new book, Anna Beer reveals the full measure of the man.’ -- Suzannah Lipscomb, author of The King is Dead: The Last Will and Testament of Henry VIII

About the Author

Anna Beer is a cultural historian and one of the leading experts on the life and works of Sir Walter Ralegh. She has written biographies of Milton and Lady Bess Ralegh, and Sounds and Sweet Airs: The Forgotten Women of Classical Music, which is also published by Oneworld. She is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1786074346
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oneworld Publications (November 13, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781786074348
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1786074348
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.3 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.3 x 9.2 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 102 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Anna Beer

Anna Beer

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Anna's first book, 'Wuthering Claudia' (type-written when she was 12) was written for and featured her classmates at Chiswick Community School. Now, many decades later, she continues to write about what interests her - and hopes will interest others. Back in 2016, Anna's 'Sounds and Sweet Airs: the Forgotten Women of Classical Music' told the fascinating and inspiring stories of eight female composers - now she's turned to female authors and the result is 'Eve Bites Back: An Alternative History of English Literature'.

Both books bring together a number of Anna's long-standing activities and passions - music and words, obviously; thinking about women's lives in the past (which was the impetus for her book on Bess Throckmorton, wife to Sir Walter Ralegh); and exploring the material conditions necessary for the creation of 'great art' (an exploration which has driven her biographies of John Milton and William Shakespeare.)

You can follow Anna on Twitter (@annarosebeer) where she tries not to post too often about her other passions - but it's hard to miss her love of train travel, Leeds United, and fine wine.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
102 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

LSC
5.0 out of 5 stars The Last Great Elizabethan.
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2020
Verified Purchase
An exceptionally written bio of the great Sir Walter Ralegh. The author has a special talent for weaving the facts of Ralegh's life into the world of Elizabethan England. She explains, with knowledge and compassion, the reasons why Ralegh rose so high in QE1's court and fell to such depths after her death in 1603. Proving that the path of justice doesnt always run smooth. Raleigh is sometimes called "The Last Great Elizabethan", and rightly so. The English Renaissance impacted the world and QE1 called Ralegh "The Shepherd Of The Ocean". He also established England's first colony in the great state of Virginia, in what in now known as America.
Raleigh was an intellectual, an adventurer, a poet, a hero - and a prisoner in the Tower of London until he was beheaded October 29, 1618 for treason.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Gderf
4.0 out of 5 stars Bio of Sir Walter Ralegh
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2018
This is a fine detailed history of the Elizabethan era, focusing on the career of Sir Walter Ralegh (Beer’s spelling) as soldier and explorer, but most of all a courtier in Elizabethan politics. He was also a privateer and a significant writer and poet.
The history of the times covers ministers William and Robert Cecil, favorites Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex and many minor courtiers and family members. WR arranged and financed two expeditions to Virginia resulting in the ill fated Roanoke colony. His explorations were to Panama and Guiana countering Spanish hegemony in South America. His role in the fight against the Spanish Armada was secondary to Drake, Gilbert, Grenville, Hawkins and Admiral Henry Howard.
After a highly successful career, he incurred Elizabeth’s displeasure with his marriage to her lady in waiting Elizabeth Throckmorton with interesting family connections. He was a loser in the political infighting for the succession, accused of plots involving religious toleration and foreign invasion to put Arabella Stuart on the throne after Elizabeth’s death. Guilt was highly dubious. WR incurred the animosity of James I and was attainted for treason in 1603, but not executed until 1618 after a second failure to find the gold of El Dorado in Guiana.
There are no maps and the text is difficult to relate to the chronology in the appendix.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
John R. Moore
5.0 out of 5 stars Balanced History
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2020
Verified Purchase
This book presents Sir Walter in a balanced presentation. The myths surrounding him are cleared away in this book, and that makes it a good source of history. He was a remarkable man, which is one of the reasons we know his name today, but campaigns both to his advantage and his ruin dominated the last decades of his life, showing his weaknesses makes him a real person.
Helpful
 Report
Doug Cornelius
3.0 out of 5 stars The Weird History of the Raleigh
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2018
Sir Walter Raleigh, a poet, an adventurer, a soldier, is one of the most notable figures of the Elizabethan golden age. I assume that's mostly because he was such a gifted writer, while other notable figures left behind much less prolific written records.

Ms. Beer clearly finds Sir Walter an irresistible figure. She finds intrigue, wonder and excitement where I did not.

I fault myself.

I picked up a review copy of the book from the publisher to learn more. I think the writer assumes the reader knows a bit about Sir Walter and the history of the times. I knew very little, but after reading, feel like I know a lot more about the era.

But I don't find Raleigh any more compelling than I did before reading the book.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Ryan
5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling cover to cover
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2019
I thought I knew Sir Walter Ralegh before this book, but now I feel as if I've received a completely new education into this fascinating man. Beer shows sides of Sir WR that most history books leave out, effectively and intriguingly delving into the man as a lover, a writer, an explorer, a court player, a schemer, and a prisoner. Juicy, informative, and highly enjoyable. 5/5
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2019
Verified Purchase
A major disappointment for any serious reader of Elizabethan history. Written sophomorically, and for whatever reason in past and present tense, superficially researched, and implausibly told. Essentially a waste of money. It’s like the author lost a bet and had to write a book to make good the bet.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
John May
2.0 out of 5 stars Lack of Originality
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2021
I enjoyed the book and learned from it. I was disappointed, however, to discover that whole paragraphs were lifted word-for-word from the author's 2003 biography of Elizabeth Throckmorton Ralegh, My Just Desire. The author nicked her own work but failed to cite it. Isn't that a no-no, especially for someone with creds that include teaching at Oxford???
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Trevor Richards
1.0 out of 5 stars No footnotes
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2019
A good read - but no footnotes! I would not hand in an essay in high school without footnotes. Totally unacceptable in a biography.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

A Case for the Psychiatrist
5.0 out of 5 stars Better than A.L. Rowse
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 29, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is an imaginative well researched book with some dreadful, absolutely appalling, lying reviews on this website.
Its better than Rowse's old work because it deals subject by subject with Ralegh's life putting each in neat subject departments eg Explorer, Courtier, Writer, etc. This is brilliant because it brings together all the material in each category. Rowse on the other hand was stunted by dealing chronologically with Ralegh's life. A cursory look shows that in one sentence Rowse hopped from one subject to another which is very
frustrating. He hardly explores the Roanoke mystery whereas Beer presents all the known information succinctly in one place. This makes it very user friendly for students.
A valuable addition to my bookshelves.
3 people found this helpful
 Report
V. Ballinger
5.0 out of 5 stars Ralegh - the man.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 13, 2020
Verified Purchase
This book recounting in detail but in an attractive style, covers Ralegh's life as not only the sea faring favourite if Queen Elizabeth but exposes his oratory, poetry and ability to write some well read published works. The book is revealing showing Ralegh's relationships within the Court plus covering his varied voyages which although not always commercially successful show Ralegh's personal qualities.
Highly recommend .
2 people found this helpful
 Report
James Patrick Gardner
4.0 out of 5 stars it is real history
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 7, 2023
Verified Purchase
I found it a bit repetitive.
Report
Big Boy
3.0 out of 5 stars Patriot or Traitor
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
A well written and easy to read history
Report
Joe S
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2020
Verified Purchase
I'd always wanted to read about Raleigh and am glad I chose this book. Finished it in 2 days, couldn't put it down.

His genius mixed with his kind of... pathericness, makes him an interesting and quite funny subject. The author has got the biography spot on.
Report