Walter Ralegh, of course, was an exceedingly complex and talented man; among other duties, he was a soldier, a sailor, and one of the finest poets of his time. From his military exploits in Ireland in the 1580s, after which marked his rise to favor at court, to his period of disgrace (due to his marraige to Elizabeth Throckmorton) in the 1590s, the life of Ralegh is defined by ambition and privelidge, and the struggle to maintain a strong position at court amidst an often hostile constituency.

"The Letters of Walter Ralegh" provides penetrating insights into his personal life. In these letters, one is also reminded of Ralegh's masterful skills as a writer. Ralegh's letters refect both his private and public struggles, and should be considered essential reading for anyone who wishes to learn more about this dynamic man who experienced the heights of success and misfortune. The book's editor, Anges Latham, is a world renowned schoilar on Ralegh, and her work in this edition is again stellar. I highly recommend this book.