Kings and Queens of England and Great Britain

Devon, England: David & Charles, 1972. Third Edition Revised . Trade Paperback. Fine. 5" x 7 3/4. This is the third edition, revised, of a book which has proved itself an invaluable reference work, and has steadily sold many thousands of copies. It provides a unique summary of the careers of all the Kings and Queens of England from the early Saxons to Queen Elizabeth II. The character of each monarch is discussed, and the principal events of each reign are briefly described. The way in which kings shaped and were shaped by their own time emerges vividly; so too does the gradual change in the role of the monarchy as government by elected Parliament evolved. The dates of the birth, reign and death of each king-or queen-and particulars or marriages and children are immediately available at the head of each chapter. The successive dynasties are clearly indicated, and genealogical trees show just how the hereditary throne has been perpetuated. There are also notes on the two World Wars, a list of Britain's Prime Ministers, and much other information handily presented. This is the basic history that young people need for their studies and that older people always wish they could remember. There are thirty-two pages of plates, giving portraits of the majority of the kings and queens and also many line drawings in the text.