Add free shipping to your order with these great books
The Shortest History of the Crown - Stephen Bates

The Shortest History of the Crown

By: Stephen Bates

Paperback | 2 May 2023

At a Glance

Paperback


RRP $27.99

$26.50

In Stock and Aims to ship next day
Former royal correspondent Stephen Bates lifts the lid on the 1,800 years of power plays, ritual, tradition and intrigue in Britain's monarchy and asks, where to next for the world's most enduring monarchy?

Amidst the turbulence and invasions, upheaval and dissent that characterise British history, one thing has remained remarkably stable. Although there are other monarchies, Britain's Crown stands out due to the continuity of its traditions, and its ability to adapt.

Of all the world's countries, forty-two are still monarchies, but the British monarchy remains the most famous, perhaps even in those countries with kings and queens of their own. As a legacy of empire, the British monarch is head of state to fourteen countries beyond the United Kingdom, from Australia, New Zealand and Canada to a string of island states across the Caribbean and the Pacific.

In this sprightly commentary on the Crown's remarkable 1,800-year-long story and enduring power, Stephen Bates provides a dazzling insight into royal custom and ritual, whilst depicting the individuals behind the myth with compassion and wit. Delving equally into personality and policy, this book reveals the historical power struggles and concessions that have shaped the monarchy today.

As Britain mourns the end of the seventy-year reign of Elizabeth II, questions about the Crown, its character and survival will inevitably recur. What might the future hold for the world's best-known monarchy?

'This is monarchy-nerd heaven. All the fascinating detail of British royal history in one place, complete with facts on all those thorny quirks you thought you understood but really didn't.' -Juliet Rieden, author of The Royals in Australia

...'a lively tale of monarchy in the UK, from Saxon warlords to William and Harry' -The Daily Mail

'A brilliant new book ... puts it all into perspective' -Phil Dampier, Royal Correspondent and author of Royally Suited- Harry and Meghan In Their Own Words and Diana- I'm Going To Be Me- The People's Princess In Her Own Words.

About the Author

Stephen Bates is an award-winning author and journalist, with over 45 years' experience on various national titles. Most recently, he was Royalty and Religious Affairs correspondent for The Guardian. His previous books include The Poisonous Solicitor and Royalty, Inc. - Britain's Best-Known Brand.

More in History

Operation Biting - Max Hastings

RRP $37.99

$33.90

11%
OFF
The Shortest History of Japan - Lesley Downer

RRP $27.99

$26.50

A Secretive Century : Monte Punshon's Australia 1882-1989 - Tessa Morris-Suzuki
Vertigo : The Rise and Fall of Weimar Germany - Harald Jähner

RRP $36.99

$33.25

10%
OFF
Dark Emu : Aboriginal Australia and the Birth of Agriculture - Bruce Pascoe
Indigenous Australia For Dummies : 2nd edition - Larissa Behrendt

RRP $39.95

$35.25

12%
OFF
Thorns, Lust and Glory : The betrayal of Anne Boleyn - Estelle Paranque
The Last of the Nomads - W J Peasley

RRP $24.99

$23.75

The Battle of Long Tan - Peter Fitzsimons

RRP $49.99

$38.75

22%
OFF
The Choice : A true story of hope - Edith Eger

RRP $24.99

$23.75

Lovers in Auschwitz : A True Story - Keren Blankfeld

RRP $36.99

$33.25

10%
OFF
Alice : The biggest untold story in the history of money - Stuart Kells