Queen Elizabeth II has just been replaced by King Charles III. What better time to review English history and royalty as shown in masterful British paintings? Good to be reminded that Charles I was beheaded, and Charles II restoring the throne in 1660 with "the most scandalous, licentious court in history..." This book proves that Wikipedia entries are a very poor introduction to history, as this is a lively read, beautifully illustrated with fascinating details (many of which I looked at the similar Wikipedia entries which made no mention of the curious details in this account). Bravo to the author for such clear writing.

Many useful details here as well as a timeline, and excellent index -- but for me, the walking tours were an entirely unnecessary addition as the format of this book, and small print in that section are not ideal. Read the book for the entertaining, informative histories. Could this identical format, relying on paintings to carry forward the narrative become a series with many more introductions to historical topics? Museum publications are not as successful, as they are constrained by their own select holdings. ( )

This was an interesting book and of rather good value because you get several books in one volume. You get a gossip book the relates all the best scandals of each royal age from the Plantagenets and the Tudors, I mean who really did kill the poor little princes in the tower, to Queen Elizabeth II. I have to say, there are a lot of scandals and sadly dead royal children in this book. The death of one royal prince, Henry of the Stuart line, really did change history by ushering his brother Charles I who was executed by Oliver Cromwell. Lucky for us the information did not last long and Charles II the "Merry Monarch" brought fun times back to England. The book goes along in this vein all the way to Elizabeth II and poor Princess Margaret and her unfortunate live affairs. Where would the newspaper rags be without them?
Along with the gossip the book showcases paintings of royalty and the self-portraits of the artists themselves. This is what drew me to the book. I loved the full-color photos of the paintings and the history of the paintings. I wish there had been more, much more. The paintings are a good selection and the author should write another book and focus more on the paintings and less on the gossip though the gossip is delicious. I spent a lot of time looking at the paintings and what I really enjoyed was at the back of the book the author included a list of what museum, palace, etc. Each painting could be found. Brilliant and endlessly fascinating. Also, at the end of this book, is a walking tour of London which was fun to read. There is also a bibliography at the end of this book to read more about the subjects in this book. So you see, you get three books in one. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a review. ( )