The Queen

The Life and Times of Elizabeth II

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Pub Date Jan 16 2018 | Archive Date Feb 15 2018

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Description

Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for 64 years, longer than any British monarch in history. During that time the Queen has endured the ups and downs that long life will bring. She was a beacon of hope during and after the Second World War in difficult times when the world faced a precarious future, and she has served as a role model for generations of men and women who continue to be in awe of her commitment to service, sacrifice, and the Commonwealth of nations over which she rules.
 
The abdication of her uncle, Edward VIII, in 1936 turned her family’s world upside-down. When her father was crowned King George VI, Elizabeth was thrust into the eye of the storm as a future queen. A shy and reserved child, she grew into a wise and insightful monarch who has dealt ably with nine British Prime Ministers during her long reign, from Winston Churchill to Theresa May. It was, of course, not always straightforward and the Queen has found herself in hot water several times, most notably during the marriage of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales. When Diana was tragically killed in a car crash the standing of the Royal Family was probably at its lowest ebb.
 
It is unlikely that we will ever see a monarch reign so long or so effectively again, holding together a disparate group of nations, each with its own aspirations, customs and traditions. Catherine Ryan has written an intriguing biography of one of the most famous women of modern times, who at 91 years old still seems fit and healthy and looks very unlikely to hand over the reins to her successors any time soon.
 

Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for 64 years, longer than any British monarch in history. During that time the Queen has endured the ups and downs that long life will bring. She was...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9780785835738
PRICE $24.99 (USD)
PAGES 192

Average rating from 24 members


Featured Reviews

Despite Queen Elizabeth II reigning for most readers' lifetimes, many people don't understand the history or the woman behind the crown. More and more movies and tv shows are being made about her and her life, but skimming the gossip magazines about Will and Kate reveals that the average person doesn't understand a lot about the history of the institution the Queen represents. This book delivers what the movies don't. Information on the biography, family history, royal history, and key figures related to the Queen is delivered in easily digestible format, and features photographs, and beautifully illustrated pages to add interest. If you want to follow up on information after watching The Crown or just have an interest in the British Monarchy, this book is both informative and beautiful to look at.

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If you love British History, especially British Royalty History you will love The Queen by Catherine Ryan. I will definitely have to purchase to add to my collection. The photographs were beautiful!

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Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for a honest review!

I love the show The Crown and have really become interested in the fascinating life of Queen Elizabeth since watching it. It has been difficult to find one biography that not only talks about her life, but about how those closest to her affect that life. This book was not only informative and easy to follow, it had such beautiful photos. I feel like I walked away knowing so much more about the private and public struggles of this fascinating woman. I will be searching out other books by this author in the near future!

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I love ebooks. But sometimes, a book comes along that you are just DYING to get your hands on; to actually hold the physical copy. 'The Queen' is such a book. Just from the pdf copy that I received, I was hooked. Thorough, in-depth, stunningly beautiful, full of details but still immensely readable, this book is a treasure for all royal-history lovers. A definite recommended read!

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This book is gorgeous! I only have a digital copy, but this book was truly meant to be purchased in a beautiful physical hardback copy I believe. It's packed full of fantastic photos and has thoroughly researched and well written information about The Queen's life and reign, and about the whole British Monarchy in general. I've always been quite fascinated with the Royal family and Great Britain in general. This was a very entertaining and informative read. I will definitely be buying a physical copy to keep on my bookshelf.

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I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This is a nice overview history of Queen Elizabeth II. The book talks out the main events and significant people of her life. It is an excellent way to learn about Queen Elizabeth II, especially if you don’t know much about her. The book is full of pictures, unfortunately, my free digital version did not show all of them to me. The pictures I was able to view were great. This was very easy to read and would make a great coffee table book. I enjoyed the one page picture biography of the important people in her life. The chapters were short, yet informative. I suspect the hardback version will be very nice. It covers 91 years of her life in 192 pages, with pictures on most pages. If you want to learn about the Queen for the first time or just to have a nice overview of her life I recommend this book.

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Are you among those watching The Crown or someone who is now eagerly awaiting Season 3? While you are waiting, take a look at this beautifully illustrated book about Queen Elizabeth, her family and her world. This one can be read cover-to-cover or dipped into like a coffee table tome. Learn about the man who cured the King’s stutter, Peter Townsend and the Queen and her family right up through the present day. Highly recommended for the Royals fan!!

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The was a wonderful account of the life of Queen Elizabeth II before and during her reign. This book gives a comprehensive history starting with King George V. The book goes into depth on not only the good times but the trials and scandals that faced the monarchy over the many decades.
I appreciated the layout of the book especially in the gorgeous pictures and spreads. The writing in the book gives you a greater understanding of the royals and protocols. It helped shed a light on certain scandals that are well known and helped you to see behind the curtain a bit which helps to give a more sympathetic or objective view of past events. I further appreciated the facts given of the problems that faced the common people and their frustrations when it came to the monarchy, the economy, and other crisis.
I highly recommend this book if you are interested in British history, the monarchy, or just the queen herself.

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I have always had a special kind of weakness to know/read more about British History. The Crown, The Tudors.. if these TV shows interest you then this book is one to have in your hands. The pictures are fabulous and detail to historical accuracy is clearly evident throughout the book.

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Amazing! Anyone who is a avid royal watcher needs this! Some might be old news, but there is some good stuff and great pictures!

**I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

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This is the definitive book about Queen Elizabeth. If you enjoy British history as I do this book is a delightful well researched documentation of the life of The Queen. The author begins with King George and writes in a comprehensive informative manner through The Queen's life to age 91. . Each aspect of her life is covered here in exceptional detail as well as British and family history. I enjoyed the attention to detail and the added photographs included in the PDF are very informative. I do recommend buying this in hard copy as the PDF does not transfer all the photographs well and the hard copy is simply a beautiful book on The Queen's history to have in your home bookcase. I went right out and bought it after seeing the scope and magnitude of the history of this exceptional book. Very well done to the author.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. My opinions are my own.

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This is a very comprehensive and interesting history of Queen Elizabeth II and her family, their roles in the history of Britain, and what it takes to rule a monarchy. This book was thoroughly researched and includes information not just about the Royals, but also short biographies of many people associated with them. It also includes many beautiful photographs that relate to what is being described in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you to Chartwell Books and NetGalley for this e-book. This did not influence my review in any way.

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I thought this was a very fun book to read. I liked that you got some pictures along with the story because I just feel that adds a fun element to it, you are seeing what you are reading about. I thought there was a good amount of history and facts that I hadn't heard before and so it kept me entertained. I liked that once a person was mentioned soon there would be a page with a background on that person. I definitely think it is worth a read!

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Beautiful book that i think is perfect for everyone that wants to learn more about "The Queen"!
I personally have no real background knowledge about "The Queen" but i was always curious about her, as one of the longest female leaders and in general i find the entire "kingdom/nobility" very interesting.

And this book was a wonderful introduction into the entire topic, beautifully crafted with wonderful pictures, a nice overview on the history and an overall great book to read through.

Highly recommend it for everyone that is curious, wants to learn a bit of history or is just fascinated by the queen herself!

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Excellent information on the Queen and royal family. Lovely photographs. With all the hype about the royal family recently especially with Netflix programs, this book is an excellent resource. Great coffee table book! Tons of interesting information. Loved this book.
I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

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This is a good basic biography of Queen Elizabeth II. The text is good and includes lots of information. I really liked some of the side biographies of some lesser known people involved with the Queen. The real stars in this book however are the photographs. Anyone with an interest in Royal History will love this book. Enjoy

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This book was a nice look into the life of Queen Elizabeth-- I admit that I was drawn to it after watching The Crown on Netflix. Chocked full of photos, it's one fans of the royal family will want to get their hands on. There are more photos than narrative/biography, great for super fans to keep on display.

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