How to Behave Badly in Elizabethan England

A Guide for Knaves, Fools, Harlots, Cuckolds, Drunkards, Liars, Thieves, and Braggarts

By: Ruth Goodman

Narrated by: Jennifer M. Dixon

Every age and social strata has its bad eggs, rule-breakers, and nose-thumbers. As acclaimed popular historian and author of How to Be a Victorian Ruth Goodman reveals in her madcap chronicle, Elizabethan England was particularly rank with troublemakers, from snooty needlers who took aim with a cutting "thee" to lowbrow drunkards with revolting table manners. Goodman draws on advice manuals, court cases, and sermons to offer this colorfully crude portrait of offenses most foul.

Mischievous listeners will delight in learning how to time your impressions for the biggest laugh, why quoting Shakespeare was poor form, and why curses hurled at women were almost always about sex (and why we shouldn't be surprised). Bringing her signature "exhilarating and contagious" enthusiasm (Boston Globe), this is a celebration of one of history's naughtiest periods, when derision was an art form.

©2018 Ruth Goodman (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Good to know

As a genealogist, I really enjoyed learning more about this time period. Some parts had me laughing out loud. The author is an incredible researcher. I can't even fathom how many hours she devoted to this wide array of human behavior. I really appreciate it. Thank you!

Perfectly explains weird Behaviors we cling to

This book goes into a lot of detail on how behaviors published hundreds of years ago still have an impact on how we act today. It's a great read for well-read history-loving feminists too.

Lots of fun

Once again, another enjoyable book by Ruth Goodman. The perfect resource if you're going to jump in the T.A.R.D.I.S. for a visit to the 16th Century. (Although, I'd suggest doing the OPPOSITE of this list.) I find it fascinating how much, and yet how little society has changed in 600 in years. From appearance, to manners, to what you can and cannot say to your neighbors, this book is a comprehensive look at the culture of Elizabethan England.

What an interesting cultural experience!

I really enjoyed listening to this as I was driving. I was able to learn a lot, as well as revisit some things that I already knew. In a new context. Definitely worth reading!

So interesting

This is so entertaining. I loved it. A fascinating presentation of English social history in Tudor times.