Kings & Queens

This popular history of the kings and queens of England is the only book of its kind to address the colourful story of the Englsih monarchy from the Celtic Chieftans to the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. With over 100 portraits and biographical entries from the National Portrait Galley, London this new edition highlights the most important historical events and dates in every reign, with each royal dynasty explained and illustrated with a family tree. David Williamson's text paints a vivid and sensitive portrait of each monarch, revealing the dramatic events and controversies that surrounded them. Enlivened with anecdotes and complemented by a rich selection of images, comprehensive fact boxes and clear family trees, National Portrait Gallery Kings & Queens will appeal to everyone with an interest in history or the British monarchy. The book begins by charting Celtic Britain before the Roman invasion to the Norman Conquest of 1066: the establishment of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, the coming of Christianity and the unification of England. The subsequent dynastic struggles of the Angevins and Plantagenets heralded the great age of English kingship under the Tudors and Stuarts, who united the crowns of Scotland and England, before the Hanoverians combined personal rule with parliamentary government, ushering in the modern age and the royalty of today. AUTHOR: David Williamson was the esteemed co0editor of Debrett's Kings and Queens of Britain. He was a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and a fellow of the Society of Genealogists. ILLUSTRATIONS 125 illustrations + 11 family trees