from: University of California Press
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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 941
EAN num: 9780520224605
ISBN number: 0520224604
Label: University of California Press
Manufacturer: University of California Press
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 384
Printing Date: February 15, 2000
Publishing house: University of California Press
Sale Popularity Level: 376170
Studio: University of California Press
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
This essential reference is a concise, accessible guide to the great dynasties of English royalty. A collection of biographical sketches that encompasses the period from the establishment of monarchical power by the early Norman kings through the reign of Elizabeth II, The Lives of the Kings and Queens of England tells the stories of many monarchs and their colorful lives--some merry, some cruel, some heroic, others sinister. Antonia Fraser and a collection of distinguished contributors bring the people and events to life in this lavishly illustrated volume that is both engrossing history and an excellent reference tool.
This updated edition includes a new essay describing the recently tumultuous reign of the Windsors. Included are details of the weddings of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, and of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson; the acrimonious collapse of the marriages; the effect the media have had on the royal family's image; and the fire at Windsor Castle. Such recent events as Diana's tragic death, the decommissioning of the Royal Yacht Britannia, and the launching of Queen Elizabeth's own website are also discussed.
Accompanying the text are 175 contemporary illustrations and drawings of the royal coats of arms, with their significance explained by J.P. Brooke-Little, Richmond Herald of Arms. This is a dazzling story of a thousand years of English history, as told through the lives and deeds of the nation's sovereigns.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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This book has long been a permanent part of my library. I had a very well thumbed pocket-sized edition which I bought 30 years ago and I reluctantly had to replace it when it literally fell to pieces. This new larger illustrated edition is very impressive but it doesn't make for easy reading in bed.
Rated by buyers -
This book is really good. I haven't finished it yet, because I am really trying to learn about these kings and queens, and placing them in history. Having lived 60 years, I am sure I was taught some of this in school, but I retained the American history and very little of the English history. These chapters on each monarch are interesting. Fraser has done a good job presenting them and giving you enough info without all the stuffy details that might exist. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is interested in the English Monarchy - I have really enjoyed all that I have read. And it also makes many of Shakespeare's characters believable.
Rated by buyers -
If you enjoy and read novels, biographies or history books about England and Europe this is a must have reference book. Very condensed, dry and factual history but a tremendous help in keeping people, time and places in order and perspective.
Rated by buyers 
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I love this book. Even with all of the reading I have done on the British Monarchy, this book had never before seen pictures. My only complaint would be that it often focuses more on political events rather than personal lives. But, there is wonderful information in this book, and I have enjoyed every page.
Rated by buyers -
As a lover of British royal history, I think this is a fantastic overview that 'sums' things up, devoting a few pages to tell the story of each monarch. Antonia Fraser manages to pass on a lot of information in short form. The illustrations are wonderful, as are the charts (although as someone else mentioned, they are missing some details for us serious fanatics). I consider this is a great compilation if you just want the big picture, or a starting point to jump off into detailed biographies of individual monarchs and/or houses.
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