Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Futura (1977), Edition: New edition, Paperback, 308 pages
Description
This magnificent story of one thousand years of English history is told through the lives and deeds of Kings and Queens, from the Normans to the Windsors. Understand how the power of the crown has changed as a result of both the character and ability of each monarch and evolving historical circumstances. Eight specialist contributors depict the whole spectrum of royal life in a succinct and fascinating way. Newly revised in 1998, this edition offers expanded coverage of the House of Windsor, including recent events that have greatly affected the Royal Family.
User reviews
LibraryThing member PensiveCat
This is the perfect reference guide to all those interested in English history. Beginning with the Norman Invasion and ending with contemporary monarchy, one can trace the ancestry of the present queen and learn the life and times of each king and queen. It may move you to want to learn more about
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these, as it did for me. (I bought it after seeing the movie Elizabeth and wanted to know what really happened.) Show Less
LibraryThing member brewergirl
This was the first book I got when I started reading about British history. It's a wonderful reference that I've gone back to many, many times when I needed to be reminded about a particular monarch or family.
LibraryThing member uncultured
The ranking of 5 stars doesn't mean this is some wonderful classic--but taken for what it is (a biography of every post-Conquest ruler of England)--it is exceedingly well done. I think it's better than the other major book in this area, the Oxford Kings and Queens of England...that book only has
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short essays on each ruler, and focuses more on the concept of kingship and how it changed through the years. The Lives of the Kings and Queens of England is different-even the random kings no one really pays attention to get decent articles (does anyone really know that much about Henry III or George II, besides the fact the latter died on the toilet?) The book is large and full of paintings or photos, as the era dictates. One other thing: though the title is kings and queens of england, each essay focuses mostly on whoever was the ruler. The Queens part refers to Elizabeth I and II, Matilda, Victoria, the Annes, etc. Show Less
LibraryThing member charlie68
Pretty bare bones but considering the length of time and the material covered it limits the amount of information on view for each monarch. Cleared up some of the mysteries of the more infamous monarchs and was easy reading.
LibraryThing member Sandydog1
A nice overview, but a bit overwhelming. Al the names just blend and blend and blend....
Subjects
Language
Original publication date
1975
Physical description
308 p.; 7.6 inches
ISBN
0860074498 / 9780860074496