This comprehensive and beautifully illustrated collection of essays conveys a vivid picture of a fascinating and hugely significant period in history. Featuring contributions from thirty-eight international scholars, the book takes a thematic approach to a period which saw the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the explorations of Francis Drake and Walter Ralegh, the establishment of the Protestant Church, the flourishing of commercial theatre and the works of Edmund Spencer, Philip Sidney and William Shakespeare. Encompassing social, political, cultural, religious and economic history, and crossing several disciplines, "The Elizabethan World" depicts a time of transformation, and a world order in transition. Topics covered include: central and local government; political ideas; censorship and propaganda; parliament, the Protestant Church, the Catholic community; social hierarchies; women; the family and household; popular culture, commerce and consumption; urban and rural economies; theatre; art; architecture; intellectual developments; exploration and imperialism; and, Ireland, and the Elizabethan wars. The volume conveys a vivid picture of how politics, religion, popular culture, the world of work and social practices fit together in an exciting world of change, and will be invaluable reading for all students and scholars of the Elizabethan period.1. Introduction Susan Doran and Norman Jones Part 1: Governance and Politics 2 Governing Norman Jones 3. Elizabeth Susan Doran 4. Council Natalie Mears 5 Court William Tighe 6. Political Ideas Anne McLaren 7. Parliament David Dean 8. Centre and Localities J.P.D. Cooper 9. Parish Government H.R. French 10. Censorship and Propaganda Cyndia Susan Clegg 11. Ireland: Security and Conquest David Edwards Part 2: Religion 12. New Wine into Old Bottles: The Doctrine and Structure of the Elizabethan Church Brett Usher 13. Parish Religion John Craig 14. The Godly, Godlier, and Godliest Peter Kaufman 15 The Catholic Community William J. Sheils Part 3: Society 16. Social Hierarchies Susan D. Amussen 17. Nobility and Gentry Janet Dickinson 18. Poverty and the Poor Laws Steve Hindle 19. Tudor Troubles: Problems of Youth in Elizabethan England Paul Griffiths 20. Women Tim Stretton 21. Family and Household Alexandra Shepard 22. Rebellion and Disorder K.J. Kesselring Part 4: Economy 2. Commonwealth Discourse and Economic Thought: The Morality of Exchange David Harris Sacks 24. Commerce and Consumption Ian Archer 25. Urban Economies Muriel C. McClendon and Joseph Ward 26. Rural economies under stress: 'a world so altered' Richard Hoyle Part 5: Culture 27. Who killed Robin Hood? Martin Ingram 28. Witchcraft and the Devil Darren Oldridge 29. News Joad Raymond 30. Educational and Intellectual Developments Freyja Cox Jensen 31. Theatre Lawrence Manley 32. Poetry Steven W. May 33. The Visual Arts Richard L. Williams 34. Architecture Tara Hamling Part 6: The Outside World 35. England and Europe 1558-85 David Potter 36. The Catholic Threat and the Military Response Paul E. J. Hammer 37. Exploration, Trade, and Empire Ken MacMillan 38. Awareness and Experiences of the Outside World Matthew Dimmock