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Seven Queens of England
Beginning with Maud and ending with Elizabeth II, the history of England is traced through the lives of her Queens
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1953
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About the author
Geoffrey Trease
174 books25 followersRobert Geoffrey Trease (1909-1998) was a prolific writer, publishing 113 books between 1934 (Bows Against the Barons) and 1997 (Cloak for a Spy). His work has been translated into 20 languages. His grandfather was a historian, and was one of the main influences towards Trease's work.
He is best known for writing children's historical novels, whose content reflects his insistence on historically correct backgrounds, which he meticulously researched. However, with his ground-breaking study Tales Out of School (1949), he was also a pioneer of the idea that children's literature should be a serious subject for study and debate. When he began his career, his radical viewpoint was a change from the conventional and often jingoistic tone of most children's literature of the time, and he was one of the first authors who deliberately set out to appeal to both boys and girls and to feature strong leading characters of both sexes.
He is best known for writing children's historical novels, whose content reflects his insistence on historically correct backgrounds, which he meticulously researched. However, with his ground-breaking study Tales Out of School (1949), he was also a pioneer of the idea that children's literature should be a serious subject for study and debate. When he began his career, his radical viewpoint was a change from the conventional and often jingoistic tone of most children's literature of the time, and he was one of the first authors who deliberately set out to appeal to both boys and girls and to feature strong leading characters of both sexes.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 5, 2022
An interesting book, I read it in one sitting. Docking a star because of some dated language, and also I have issues with the section on Queen Mary I... a little too sympathetic for my likings.
July 9, 2019
Interesting
May 14, 2020
(Seventh Printing)
An interesting and very readable and enjoyable history of the women who wore the crown of England (or in one case, didn't) in their own right.
An interesting and very readable and enjoyable history of the women who wore the crown of England (or in one case, didn't) in their own right.
February 9, 2015
This is intended as an introduction to the history of the Queens Regnant of England (queens who reigned in their own right, not by marriage to the sovereign). It's best to have a basic grasp of English history, but even if you don't, I think it would be entertaining. I'm guessing by the style that it was written for older children, but I enjoyed it. Highlight: Mary II. I never really thought about her (she's the "William and Mary" Mary), but she is now one of my heroines. Lowlight: his soft treatment of Mary I (Bloody Mary) and the fact that Queen Jane (Lady Jane Grey) only gets a passing mention, and no chapter to herself.
Oh, and I was surprised by his admiration of Queen Maud. That was fun.
Oh, and I was surprised by his admiration of Queen Maud. That was fun.
December 9, 2012
I read this in high school... I couldn't put it down. Found the book at one of those book sales that libraries put on. Read it again a couple of months ago and it was still great. Trease has a way with words that changes it from a historical book to a great plot.
June 16, 2012
An interesting look into the personal lives of the past and present Queen we do not always get the opportunity to see.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews