. ( )

This is quite a fascinating book giving you a sanpshot of the Kings and Queens of England since Richard III and how Monarchy has adapted to meet the needs of the times and to ensure monarchy survived. Most focus is up to the time of Victoria, with a small section of 20th and 21st Century Monarchy. I would have liked more detail on the 20th and 21st Century but I learnt quite a lot about some Kings and Queens I knew little about. This is a companion to a TV series (which I haven't watched) and was listened to on audio, the narrator being the author! This somehow made it more poignant. It also helps you to see that Monarchy is going to need to adapt if it is to survive the 21st Century. Perhaps King William V will be the author of this change, just as his namesake William IV whilst only being King for 7 years was responsible for some of the major changes In the past. If you are interested in Monarchy I would recommend the book, but be aware there is only an hour at most (sometimes less) covering a monarch's reign because it is more about the monarchy than the monarch. At the end of the audiobook was an interview with the author which I also found very interesting. ( )

David Starkey gives a brief run down of all the rulers of England starting with King Henry VII and finishing with Queen Victoria. He concentrates more on the political manouvering that went on before each King, Queen and Lord Protector was in a position to rule. having a parent who was ruler was no guarantee that you would be next in line - marriages and religion also played an important part.

David Starkey is an eminent historian, and there is a BBC documentary that brings this book to the small screen. Although there are lots of facts to get through - do not think for one minute you are going to get bored reading the book. Far from it, Starkey makes it easy to understand and does not resort to footnotes or end notes - I hate shuffling off to the back of books for further information.

if you are interested in British history - read this book. ( )