- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Sutton Publishing Ltd; New edition edition (1 Nov 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0750923407
- ISBN-13: 978-0750923408
- Product Dimensions: 23.3 x 16.1 x 2.5 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
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- #30 in Books > Biography > British Royalty > Elizabeth II
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Who invented the "House of Windsor" as a royal name? Who founded Westminster Abbey? Which king had 21 illegitimate children? David Hilliam answers these questions and others in this continuous history of the English monarchy, showing how the nine dynasties rose and fell. The book describes the most memorable features of the life and times of each king or queen from Egbert, crowned in 802 and considered the first King of England, to Queen Elizabeth II - as well as recording the lives of their consorts, mistresses and illegitimate children. It also tells the story of the Saxons, describes what has happened to the monarchs' mortal remains, and relates many events of royal history which rarely appear in textbooks. The figures include the saintly Edward the Confessor, who is believed to have refused to consummate his marriage; rumbustious Henry VIII, given to beheading those who displeased him; "the little man in black velvet", who caused the death of William III; Queen Victoria's servant, the "Munshi"; Queen Emma, who endured trial by ordeal; and Anne Boleyn, widely suspected of being a witch. A complete list of the monarchs' reigns and a genealogical table showing the royal descent down 37 generations from Egbert to Elizabeth increases the volume's reference value.
About the Author
David Hilliam is a freelance lecturer and writer. He has also written Crown, Orb and Sceptre and Kings,Queens,Bones and Bastards. He lives in Bournemouth
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I can't believe this book hasn't received numerous glowing reviews; it is the best put together, funniest, history reference books I've read in years. This is the book for everyone who wants a dinner-party, 'gobbet' knowledge of the monarchy and their significant others. But it is more than that: not only does it give the reader a succint overview of the different royal dynasties from Egbert onwards, but it inspires you to find out more. I found myself cross-referencing entries with other reference books, reading historical dramas and ordering books featuring my favourites. I especially loved Hilliam's description of Charles II as the monarch you would most want to be on a desert island with. That's the kind of history you remember.
26 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This a fun, lightweight book and is an ideal introduction to the English monarchy. Serious historians should steer clear, however, as it relies heavily on anecdotes and urban myths. Richard I is just one of the kings to be labelled 'gay' without so much as a second thought. The author strikes an irreverent tone until he reaches the House of Windsor. At this point objectivity flies out of the window, to be replaced by a rather nauseating sycophancy. That said, this is an entertaining read and is probably not intended for a serious, scholarly audience.
29 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am a casual student of history with a particular interest in monarchs and their amusing idiosycnrasys, what a breath of fresh air this book was to read. It is so nice to get to the interesting facts without getting bogged down in a load of political or economic tedium.
What a shame a few pedants have chosen to gripe about a couple of minor errors that pale into insignificance when you look at the vast amount of research that has gone into this book.
A wonderful read, I can whole heartedly recommend it.
What a shame a few pedants have chosen to gripe about a couple of minor errors that pale into insignificance when you look at the vast amount of research that has gone into this book.
A wonderful read, I can whole heartedly recommend it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Dubious
I bought this at Westminster cathedral, I'm not impressed. It's lightweight and dubious. There are some glaring errors and things that historians have recognised as being open to... Read more
Published 2 months ago by BermondseyStu
Como nuevo pero antiguo
El libro se encontraba en perfectas condiciones. Aunque parecía por el olor y color que ha estado almacenado desde su edición hace unos 10 años. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Jon
Lineage? What Lineage?
The title of this book really does say it all. Its a rummage through our nations cupboards from a King in a tree top to Queen on a chopping block. Read more
Published 8 months ago by M. Taplin
Eye-opening and worthy
History at school in my day, and probably yours, was not a favourite. Our teacher, Miss Winnie Fennell (RIP), whilst knowing her subject, gave but a one-dimensional view of our... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Alan Burridge
Kings, Queens, Bones & Bastards
An essential book to have to get a clear understanding of Britain's Monarchy which is well laid out and easy to read. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Cheryl Hadley
WITTY AND INFORMATIVE A LITTLE GEM
I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. UNLIKE A LOT OF HISTORY REFERENCE BOOKS I FOUND THIS TO BE A SIMPLE READ. Read more
Published on 16 Dec 2009 by MEGA History Junkie
My favourite history book.
I've had this book for a few years now and have not tired of it yet. I love history and this book has not failed to please me. Read more
Published on 15 July 2009 by girlwig
Excellent, interesting, informative.... love it.
Really enjoying reading this, and will read it twice to take in all the info. Love it.
Have never been very academic, and never took an interest at school, but since... Read more
Have never been very academic, and never took an interest at school, but since... Read more
Published on 13 Mar 2009 by Ms. L. Washington
Entertaining
Whilst by no means a bad book it is rather poorly organised and the information often repeated. That said the information in this book is interesting, whilst it's unlikely to... Read more
Published on 9 July 2007 by Ibrahim Ali
Kings, Queens, Bones and Bastards: Who's who in the English Monarachy...
This book is just what I was looking for, Not to deep just enought info for someone with an intrest in history. I have lernt a lot and settled a few debates as well. brill
Published on 9 Jan 2007 by Jane Clement
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