Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother: The Official Biography [Paperback]

'This official biography shows why she was so well loved . . . this book is a fitting tribute.' --Sarah Bradford, Daily Telegraph

`Exclusive access to the royal archives reveals the woman behind the pearls' --Times

'This is a magisterial work ... the constitutional and emotional tension which surrounded those days is well and compellingly crafted.' --Press & Journal (Highlands & Islands and Aberdeen)

'Long-awaited...the book will be the most comprehensive account of her life.' --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

'It is certain to be one of the publishing events of the year.' --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

'The publicity drums are now beating for Old Etonian Shawcross's official life of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.' --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

The official biography of the Queen Mother, published to great hardback acclaim, beautifully repackaged for mass-market paperback

Written with complete access to the Queen Mother’s personal letters and diaries, William Shawcross's riveting biography is the truly definitive account of this remarkable woman, whose life spanned the twentieth century. Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes Lyon,the youngest daughter of the Earl of Strathmore, was born on 4 August 1900. Drawing on her private correspondence and other unpublished material from the Royal Archives, William Shawcross vividly reveals the witty girl who endeared herself to soldiers convalescing at Glamis in the First World War; the assured young Duchess of York; the Queen, at last feeling able to look the East End in the face at the height of the Blitz; the Queen Mother, representing the nation at home and abroad throughout her long widowhood. 'This splendid biograpy captures something of the warm glow that she brought to every event and encounter. It also reveals a deeper and more interesting character, forged by good sense, love of country, duty, humour and an instinct for what is right. This is a wonderful book, authoritative, frank and entertaining' Daily Telegraph

William Shawcross became a writer after leaving University College, Oxford in 1968. Since then he has written and travelled widely. His many books include Queen and Country, which celebrated the Queen's Golden Jubilee and was also a BBC television series.He lives in London.