Monarch: The Life and Reign of Elizabeth II

by Robert Lacey

Book Overview

For more than fifty years, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor -- who became Elizabeth II, Queen of England on February 6, 1952 -- has been loved and loathed, revered and feared, applauded and criticized... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743235592
• ISBN13: 9780743235594
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Free Press
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.6" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Outstanding!

I have read numerous books about the life and times of Queen Elizabeth II/the British Royal Family and this is one of the best so far. It feels more like history than tabloid and is easy to follow. I also feel that it sets the record straight on many subjects, especially the difficulties with Diana. I truly could not put this book down! Read and enjoy!

QEII

I was preparing for a speech about Queen Elizabeth the Second, purchased this book and never looked back. Full of information but not over one's head, a very enjoyable read.

Well done

Enjoyable and educational - very well done. Lacey is a very good "royal watcher" - always seems to be honest enough without blowing his own horn.

Reliable information, reliable sources

This book about the reign of QEII, goes behind the scenes and makes you feel a part of history, all without the tabloid style information that appear in some papers. Mr. Lacey's research is meticulous and his sources are close enough to the monarch that we knew these people witnessed the events first hand.The book does a very good job of describing the situation that developed at the time of the death of Diana. It was interesting to find out that the queen herself approved of all of the plans for the funeral, many in fact were her idea. While not diminishing the role of Prince Charles in the arrangements, the queen and her staff were largely responsible for that memorable day.It was also interesting to find out that Diana's sons had distanced themselves from her that summer because of her romance with Dodi. And also that her brother in law Sir Robert Fellowes was not the villian he has often portrayed to be in other books, where his feelings for Diana were concerned.The history leading up to the accession of QEII is always fascinating and is well handled here in the book. The scenarios surrounding the plans for the coronation and her wedding give a real inside look at the royal family.After reading this book, I was a little disappointed in some members of the family and staff, liked other even more and found a great respect for the woman herself. While she can be stubborn and dig in when the chips fall against her, she can also quickly see the light and move with the tide. Most particularly in the flag flap at the time of Diana's death.I give high marks to this book. There is so much interesting history in the book that is can be read again and again and still hold the reader's interest.On a more picky note, I found several mistakes in the book. On page xi of the Royal Who's Who, Edward the VII is listed as being made Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle in 1911. That would be Edward the VIII, since Edward the VII was already dead in 1911. On page 36, we have a coach careering around an area instead of careening. Lastly on page 151, they have Prince Phillip at 26 in 1946 and on the next page, age 24 in the same year.Nevertheless, this book should entertain and inform all people who follow the lives of the royal family. There is a nice mix of political fact and the freshness of looking at last behind the palace walls. This book stays in my collection as a wonderful testament to the woman we are all more than a little curious about. Whether she is wrong or right about certain things, she cetainly has staying power.

Life in A Royal Fishbowl

I've often wondered just what the Queen of England does. With no real governmental power and, seemingly at least, nothing much to do, hers looked (to me on this side of the pond)like a totally useless life.Lacey's book doesn't answer my questions but it does seem that although she may not have the power of the President of the United States, she wields a power of her own that is just as important to her people. This book, however, focuses more on the person and her life than on her job."Lillibet" dreamed of a quiet life with horses and dogs and what she got was life in the fishbowl of royalty with horses, dogs, Parliamentary boxes and public scrutiny. Luxury, yes, but luxury well earned in terms of personal sacrifice. Where others triumph and suffer the "trials and tribulations" of living in quiet peace, Queen Elizabeth experiences much the same under the unforgiving -- and often misunderstanding -- glare of fame. It is not an enviable position. Robert Lacey has a number of impressive biographies in his repertoire (THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HENRY VIII, ROBERT, EARL OF ESSEX and SIR WALTER RALEIGH, to name a few) and his work is imminently readable. MONARCH, The Life and Reign of Elizabeth II is not only beautifully written and researched, it's downright fascinating in its portrayal of a woman touched by destiny and pride. I can't help but hope he'll follow this by an equally beautifully written and thoroughly researched book on what she does.