Page 94 - All About History - Issue 08-14

REVIEW ROUNDUP

REVIEW ROUNDUP: ENGLISH MONARCHS

The best books, films and apps on
English kings and queens

BOOKS

BIOGRAPHIES FICTION HOW THEY LIVED OVERVIEW

Elizabeth Norton’s Elfrida: The First When you think of historical fiction Our modern society seems, at times, to The Kings & Queens Of
Crowned Queen Of England investigates on English kings and queens, one be completely obsessed with procreation. England: The Biography
the little-known life of the Anglo-Saxon figure undoubtedly looms large over In the Tudor court, sex was also high on by David Loades is a
queen and alleged murderer of her the subject: Philippa Gregory. The the agenda, but with whole dynasties and comprehensive account of
stepson. The word ‘alleged’ is important White Queen tells the tale of Elizabeth kingdoms often resting on the outcome a monarchy that has lasted
here, as Norton is working with scarce Woodville, who seduces and marries it was a high-stakes game. In Bed With 1,200 years and survived
resources. With solid evidence in short Edward IV of York during the War of the The Tudors offers an insight through depositions, usurpations,
supply she does a good job of painting Roses. It should surprise no one to learn the marriages, affairs and deaths of the civil wars, executions and
an engaging portrait without descending that a degree of historical licence has Tudors, with Amy Licence’s text covering intense media scrutiny. At
too much into speculation, as other been taken, but this is still an engaging the period from Elizabeth of York up until around 500 pages with a
writers might be tempted to do, while and vivid portrait of a country at war Mary and Elizabeth, whose effective chapter dedicated to each
providing an insight into life in England. with itself. virginity ended the dynasty. monarch, from Athelstan
to Elizabeth II, it’s an all-
encompassing guide for
If you like this try… If you like this try… If you like this try… anyone wanting an overview
Winter King: Thomas Penn Innocent Traitor Alison Weir Image Wars Kevin Sharpe
His colourful son may have overshadowed Weir tells the tale of one of the most Image and ‘spin’ may seem like a modern of the subject. At £25 it
him, but he would never have ruled without tumultuous periods of the English monarchy phenomena, but this book covering 1603-60 isn’t cheap, but is a quality
his father’s military victory and shrewd rule. when the 15-year old Lady Jane Grey found shows how public image manipulation has
A vivid portrait of a cunning king. herself the country’s queen for nine days. always been vital to authority. addition to the subject.
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