Book Review: AMIAS

Reviewed by Chelsey Tucker

AMIAS expertly utilizes a historical framework of the Elizabethan era to bring to life fictionalized encounters of Francis Bacon.

As the 16th century is nearing its close, Queen Elizabeth I has not yet chosen her successor. During her long reign, there are many moments of religious contention and ensuing violence. Many are worried, and some are relieved by the fact that “The Queen must die—despite her every subject drinking to her health.” 

The inevitability of death and the subsequent aftermath for England breed conspiracies and rumors that flit about, making the Crown feel threatened and the kingdom uneasy. Phillip Howard, Earl of Arundel, sits awaiting death in a tower due to his being a perceived threat to the kingdom. This is the larger world at play, but the story of AMIAS begins inside a small tavern, the Falcon Inn, in South Warke.

Francis Bacon, a member of Parliament for Middlesex, finds himself in hot water with the Queen and her counsel after making a speech against a triple tax. Although Bacon infuriates some people, he has loyal friends around him, especially musician and close confidant Matthew Godwin, as well as his footboy, Sotheran. There are also those at the Falcon Inn whose allegiance he won at the same time as jeopardizing his safety. “Someone must speak for Alice, Madge, and Wags, who cannot pay a triple tax.”

Throughout AMIAS, fear, hate, and greed motivate people to hurt others. But there is also compassion, reverence, and loyalty that cause people to love and protect each other. The political plights, heinous actions, and acts of sacrifice make this play a captivating read worthy of live interpretation.

The vernacular used in AMIAS helps immerse the audience in the Elizabethan era. It’s a bit of a slower read as you interpret some Middle English into Modern English, but it is worth it because the story would lose its essence if it were written using today’s verbiage. Lovers of Shakespeare will undoubtedly enjoy this play too.

There are a few sections where those who are sensitive to vulgar language may not enjoy themselves. Certain lines within the play depict negative connotations around race and sexuality. However, it is not excessive and very much matches the setting of the story. History buffs will enjoy the efforts behind making the story as historically accurate as possible.

AMIAS brings the Elizabethan era to life through lively characters and historically accurate language. Johnson highlights that the Elizabethan era was more than just an era of a great queen through exploring the friendships and battles that would have taken place in everyday life.

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