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The Queen: A Life in Brief – An Intimate Historical Biography of the Mysterious Woman Who Defined Modern Monarchy
A short biography of one of the most recognized yet still mysterious women in the world, Queen Elizabeth II, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Kingdom Elizabeth of York was not born to be Queen. She came into the world on April 21st, 1926, the equivalent of the modern Princess Beatrice, first-born daughter of the Duke of York, destined to flutter on the royal fringe. So while Lilibet was brought up with almost religious respect for the crown, there seemed no chance of her inheriting it. Her head was never turned by the personal prospect of grandeur—which is why she would prove so very good at her job. Elizabeth II’s lack of ego was to prove the paradoxical secret of her greatness.
For more than thirty years acclaimed author and royal biographer Robert Lacey has been gathering material from members of the Queen’s inner circle—her friends, relatives, private secretaries, and prime ministers. Now, in The Queen , Lacey offers a life of the celebrated monarch, told in four parts that capture the distinctive flavor of passing eras, and reveal how Elizabeth II adapted—or, on occasions, regally declined to adapt—to changing times.
For more than thirty years acclaimed author and royal biographer Robert Lacey has been gathering material from members of the Queen’s inner circle—her friends, relatives, private secretaries, and prime ministers. Now, in The Queen , Lacey offers a life of the celebrated monarch, told in four parts that capture the distinctive flavor of passing eras, and reveal how Elizabeth II adapted—or, on occasions, regally declined to adapt—to changing times.
176 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2012
59 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Robert Lacey
83 books322 followersRobert Lacey is a British historian noted for his original research, which gets him close to - and often living alongside - his subjects. He is the author of numerous international bestsellers.
After writing his first works of historical biography, Robert, Earl of Essex and Sir Walter Ralegh, Robert wrote Majesty, his pioneering biography of Queen Elizabeth II. Published in 1977, Majesty remains
acknowledged as the definitive study of British monarchy - a subject on which the author continues to write and lecture around the world, appearing regularly on ABC's Good Morning America and on CNN's Larry King Live.
The Kingdom, a study of Saudi Arabia published in 1981, is similarly acknowledged as required reading for businessmen, diplomats and students all over the world. To research The Kingdom, Robert and his wife Sandi took their family to live for eighteen months beside the Red Sea in Jeddah. Going out into the desert, this was when Robert earned his title as the "method actor" of contemporary biographers.
In March 1984 Robert Lacey took his family to live in Detroit, Michigan, to write Ford: the Men and the Machine, a best seller on both sides of the Atlantic which formed the basis for the TV mini-series of the same title, starring Cliff Robertson.
Robert's other books include biographies of the gangster Meyer Lansky, Princess Grace of Monaco and a study of Sotheby's auction house. He co- authored The Year 1000 - An Englishman's World, a description of life at the turn of the last millennium. In 2002, the Golden Jubilee Year of Queen Elizabeth II, he published Royal (Monarch in America), hailed by Andrew Roberts in London's Sunday Telegraph as "compulsively readable", and by Martin Amis in The New Yorker as "definitive".
With the publication of his Great Tales Robert Lacey returns to his first love - history. Robert Lacey is currently the historical consultant to the award-winning Netflix series "The Crown".
After writing his first works of historical biography, Robert, Earl of Essex and Sir Walter Ralegh, Robert wrote Majesty, his pioneering biography of Queen Elizabeth II. Published in 1977, Majesty remains
acknowledged as the definitive study of British monarchy - a subject on which the author continues to write and lecture around the world, appearing regularly on ABC's Good Morning America and on CNN's Larry King Live.
The Kingdom, a study of Saudi Arabia published in 1981, is similarly acknowledged as required reading for businessmen, diplomats and students all over the world. To research The Kingdom, Robert and his wife Sandi took their family to live for eighteen months beside the Red Sea in Jeddah. Going out into the desert, this was when Robert earned his title as the "method actor" of contemporary biographers.
In March 1984 Robert Lacey took his family to live in Detroit, Michigan, to write Ford: the Men and the Machine, a best seller on both sides of the Atlantic which formed the basis for the TV mini-series of the same title, starring Cliff Robertson.
Robert's other books include biographies of the gangster Meyer Lansky, Princess Grace of Monaco and a study of Sotheby's auction house. He co- authored The Year 1000 - An Englishman's World, a description of life at the turn of the last millennium. In 2002, the Golden Jubilee Year of Queen Elizabeth II, he published Royal (Monarch in America), hailed by Andrew Roberts in London's Sunday Telegraph as "compulsively readable", and by Martin Amis in The New Yorker as "definitive".
With the publication of his Great Tales Robert Lacey returns to his first love - history. Robert Lacey is currently the historical consultant to the award-winning Netflix series "The Crown".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 3, 2025
“Grief is the price we pay for love.”
A Brief Life of the Queen is exactly what the title promises: a short, focused look at Queen Elizabeth II’s life. I read it in one sitting—it’s that engaging. The writing is clear, direct, and insightful, which makes the biography feel both informative and easy to follow. Even though I have strong opinions about Princess Diana and her story, I deliberately set those aside while reading. The book briefly touches on that chapter of the Queen’s life, as expected, but always keeps the focus on her role and perspective. I’ll save my thoughts on Diana for another review entirely.
My only real complaint is that I wanted more. The book felt too short, and while it covers the key events and relationships that shaped the Queen's reign, I found myself wishing for additional stories and details about her personal experiences. A lot of space is understandably devoted to the people around her—family, political figures, major historical moments—which makes sense, but I was hoping for more moments centered just on her as a person.
That said, what is here is handled well. It’s compact but doesn’t feel rushed. Robert Lacey managed to distill decades of public service and private life into a small volume that still gives readers a strong understanding of the Queen’s legacy. For anyone who wants a solid overview without diving into a massive biography, this is a great place to start.
Date Read: 2025.06.11
A Brief Life of the Queen is exactly what the title promises: a short, focused look at Queen Elizabeth II’s life. I read it in one sitting—it’s that engaging. The writing is clear, direct, and insightful, which makes the biography feel both informative and easy to follow. Even though I have strong opinions about Princess Diana and her story, I deliberately set those aside while reading. The book briefly touches on that chapter of the Queen’s life, as expected, but always keeps the focus on her role and perspective. I’ll save my thoughts on Diana for another review entirely.
My only real complaint is that I wanted more. The book felt too short, and while it covers the key events and relationships that shaped the Queen's reign, I found myself wishing for additional stories and details about her personal experiences. A lot of space is understandably devoted to the people around her—family, political figures, major historical moments—which makes sense, but I was hoping for more moments centered just on her as a person.
That said, what is here is handled well. It’s compact but doesn’t feel rushed. Robert Lacey managed to distill decades of public service and private life into a small volume that still gives readers a strong understanding of the Queen’s legacy. For anyone who wants a solid overview without diving into a massive biography, this is a great place to start.
Date Read: 2025.06.11
January 20, 2022
Perhaps too brief. And, if I want to read about Queen Elizabeth, I shouldn't have chosen a book written ten years ago.
Anyway, I don't know what possessed me to pick this one up.
Recommend: I left feeling that I could have chosen better, so not the book's fault, per se. Others might like the brevity of material. However, you'd still be missing the last ten years.
*And, for what it's worth, it contains more than a bit - albeit mentioned briefly - of UK politics/prime ministers that I don't have the background to appreciate.
Anyway, I don't know what possessed me to pick this one up.
Recommend: I left feeling that I could have chosen better, so not the book's fault, per se. Others might like the brevity of material. However, you'd still be missing the last ten years.
*And, for what it's worth, it contains more than a bit - albeit mentioned briefly - of UK politics/prime ministers that I don't have the background to appreciate.
July 2, 2012
For years she was mocked as a frumpy housewife with a tiara and diamonds, or headscarf and horses (and those damned Corgis). Then, her family fell apart in a series of embarrassing revelations and antics, and part of one of her favorite homes burned. A decade later, she's the nation's granny.
And having just celebrated her Diamond Jubilee for 50 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth appears to have weathered it all far better than many would have guessed during the most turbulent years of her reign.
Robert Lacey, who has written two full-length and detailed biographies of the queen, culls some of the interesting tidbits and highlights from both for The Queen. It's a souvenir book with photographs that is portable, rather than coffee-table size. The depth of reporting is to be expected for a book meant to be read in an evening.
But it is a handy reference. The opening section covers the years when Elizabeth was a princess not expected to become a queen. Lacey brings her status in those years into focus by comparing her to Beatrice, the oldest daughter of Prince Andrew. When her uncle abdicated the throne and her beloved father became King George VI, Lillibet apparently was a natural at learning duty. As a teen, she decided Philip was her fellow and, regardless of what he's done in the years since, has remained steadfast. As a young mother and the monarch who denied her sister her first choice in marriage, it's apparent that duty once again was foremost.
Later sections of the book spend more time chronicling the mood swings of the nation regarding the monarchy and the foibles of Elizabeth's children. There is much here for Diana-philes as well as those who have moved on.
The book does cover the years since the queen made her speech just before Diana's funeral, when she seemed to be back in best form and putting her foot right every time. The mood that she had become the nation's grandmother and is respected for having stood by her post all these years is conveyed well. It matches the coverage of the queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations last month.
For those who think back to the princess who learned she had become queen while up in a tree in Kenya, or those who have never known another monarch on the British throne, Lacey's book is an enjoyable exercise in nostalgia.
And having just celebrated her Diamond Jubilee for 50 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth appears to have weathered it all far better than many would have guessed during the most turbulent years of her reign.
Robert Lacey, who has written two full-length and detailed biographies of the queen, culls some of the interesting tidbits and highlights from both for The Queen. It's a souvenir book with photographs that is portable, rather than coffee-table size. The depth of reporting is to be expected for a book meant to be read in an evening.
But it is a handy reference. The opening section covers the years when Elizabeth was a princess not expected to become a queen. Lacey brings her status in those years into focus by comparing her to Beatrice, the oldest daughter of Prince Andrew. When her uncle abdicated the throne and her beloved father became King George VI, Lillibet apparently was a natural at learning duty. As a teen, she decided Philip was her fellow and, regardless of what he's done in the years since, has remained steadfast. As a young mother and the monarch who denied her sister her first choice in marriage, it's apparent that duty once again was foremost.
Later sections of the book spend more time chronicling the mood swings of the nation regarding the monarchy and the foibles of Elizabeth's children. There is much here for Diana-philes as well as those who have moved on.
The book does cover the years since the queen made her speech just before Diana's funeral, when she seemed to be back in best form and putting her foot right every time. The mood that she had become the nation's grandmother and is respected for having stood by her post all these years is conveyed well. It matches the coverage of the queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations last month.
For those who think back to the princess who learned she had become queen while up in a tree in Kenya, or those who have never known another monarch on the British throne, Lacey's book is an enjoyable exercise in nostalgia.
August 3, 2012
For Robert Lacey this was a very poor book. Who the heck is "Lady Knatchbull????" Yes, legally her name since marriage is Penelope Knatchbull, but her TITLES has been Lady Romsey and now Lady Braborne (and when her m-i-l dies she will become Lady Mountbatten). Good grief! And the Queen "started" riding horses at 12??? Robert at 12 she could have been in the Olympics! Good grief again! Several other things, but those were the worst. Back when publishers had people who checked facts and others who edited this kind of thing did not make it to print. I gave it 2 stars because "overall" it was an acceptable rehash of his earlier books on the Queen.
February 10, 2017
My only complaint is that I wish the biography had been longer, which I realize goes against the point of the brevity. Looking forward to reading more Robert Lacey biographies on this extraordinary woman.
March 24, 2015
thank you carrie. I really enjoyed this brief history of Elizabeth II...
February 4, 2021
Giving this brief biography of The Queen (Elizabeth II) a 3-1/2 stars rating in my Reading Log. It was good and went along nicely with a Netflix show I recently watched called The House of Windsor. Lacey has written a couple other in-depth biographies of the Queen, which I might tackle one day (or not).
February 26, 2017
Good Book if you want a quick update on the Reign of Elizabeth
August 31, 2019
#106 of 120 books pledged to read during 2019
January 8, 2021
Shallow
This is nothing but fluff. It is so shallow and simple that he probably wrote it in one day . I'm sorry I wasted $2.00.
This is nothing but fluff. It is so shallow and simple that he probably wrote it in one day . I'm sorry I wasted $2.00.
September 20, 2021
A wonderful yet short read about the life of Queen Elizabeth ll.
March 21, 2024
Brief but good!
Well written, I found out things that I have never read before. Be sure that you read the very last of the book. Interesting and enjoyable!
Well written, I found out things that I have never read before. Be sure that you read the very last of the book. Interesting and enjoyable!
August 12, 2024
Definitely more of a primer, but a great one to start if you’re new at learning about Queen Elizabeth II.
May 13, 2025
A Lovely Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
I’ve been a fan of the Queen all these many years and am now enjoying reading a variety of books about her life and reign. An amazing woman!
I’ve been a fan of the Queen all these many years and am now enjoying reading a variety of books about her life and reign. An amazing woman!
December 16, 2016
Too brief.
April 18, 2021
A good summary and short bio. Nothing new here much. You'll get a good overview but a longer bio would be more interesting.
June 21, 2012
With Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee this month, I realized that I really didn't know that much about the Queen. I wanted to know more about the Queen, and this shorter bio seemed like a great place to start. I've seen complaints about the shorter length of this book (about 160 pgs) but I had no problem with that, I wanted a less overwhelming way to dive into her history.
I did enjoy reading the book, and I learned a lot about the royal family, but there were some drawbacks as well. I felt like it was more of a family history during Elizabeth's lifetime instead of her personal bio. The early chapters about her childhood up to the coronation were fantastic and I learned a lot about her. But then the book seemed to focus on the scandalous exploits of the other members of the royal family (well, mostly Charles and Diana) and how Elizabeth reacted to that instead of her own story of things she did as Queen.
Again, it was really fun and addicting to read about Charles and Diana's exploits because I was too young to know what was going on when it was really happening so all of the scandal was new to me. But at the same time, I read the book to read about Queen Elizabeth.
Sometimes I got the feeling that book had a wishy-washy viewpoint on the royal family. Sometimes they were portrayed in a positive light, but sometimes they were portrayed more scandalously. I, personally, found myself wanting to read the story through rose-colored glasses I suppose, but it wasn't written that way.
Overall, a great primer for the history of the royal family during Elizabeth's lifetime, but I would have loved to see more of a focus on the Queen herself.
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
I did enjoy reading the book, and I learned a lot about the royal family, but there were some drawbacks as well. I felt like it was more of a family history during Elizabeth's lifetime instead of her personal bio. The early chapters about her childhood up to the coronation were fantastic and I learned a lot about her. But then the book seemed to focus on the scandalous exploits of the other members of the royal family (well, mostly Charles and Diana) and how Elizabeth reacted to that instead of her own story of things she did as Queen.
Again, it was really fun and addicting to read about Charles and Diana's exploits because I was too young to know what was going on when it was really happening so all of the scandal was new to me. But at the same time, I read the book to read about Queen Elizabeth.
Sometimes I got the feeling that book had a wishy-washy viewpoint on the royal family. Sometimes they were portrayed in a positive light, but sometimes they were portrayed more scandalously. I, personally, found myself wanting to read the story through rose-colored glasses I suppose, but it wasn't written that way.
Overall, a great primer for the history of the royal family during Elizabeth's lifetime, but I would have loved to see more of a focus on the Queen herself.
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
October 7, 2012
As an American, I admit to being mystified by royalty. The titles alone are confusing, time consuming, and a bit ridiculous. There is a definite intrigue into something as historical and blood soaked as royalty from the perspective of a citizen from an immature and pastiche formed country. We try to class up our presidents, but their families aren't large or interesting enough to sate our lust for tradition and circumstance. While this brief offering is not of a lasting importance, the bits we're left with shed light on many British imports in a tangential way. I feel I understand the state of mind many of my favourite musicians wrote about, and while the Queen alone is not responsible for that, I can see how having a cherished figurehead can make snotty teenage shock rock offend easily and impersonally. The snippets shared here make the Queen seem sympathetic and humourous. Not the worst legacy after 60 years of chair warming and speech making, eh?
August 20, 2012
"I must preface my review of this book by saying I'm not a big reader of biographies. If I read non-fiction, I prefer it to be "creative non-fiction," which this book is not. It is what it professes to be -- a telling of the Queen's life "in brief."
That having been established, as far as biographies go -- especially consolidated biographies -- this is a superior one. Lacey has certainly done his research, and he speaks about Elizabeth's life credibly and authoritatively.
However, I would not call this biography unbiased."
Read the rest of my review at the Blue Bookcase here:
http://thebluebookcase.blogspot.com/2...
That having been established, as far as biographies go -- especially consolidated biographies -- this is a superior one. Lacey has certainly done his research, and he speaks about Elizabeth's life credibly and authoritatively.
However, I would not call this biography unbiased."
Read the rest of my review at the Blue Bookcase here:
http://thebluebookcase.blogspot.com/2...
December 2, 2022
A quick read, but full of insight into Elizabeth II, her reign, her family, and the context in which she reigned. Full of rich insight and revealing stories, Lacey’s book conveys an insider’s sense of what made the Queen unique, without turning to hagiography. I was fascinated by the knowledge that one photo of baby Elizabeth in yellow on the cover of ‘Time’ magazine convinced parents all around the world that yellow is an acceptable color for infants (3). Lacey covers the highs and lows, and does not hesitate to gently criticize Elizabeth’s more ornery actions. An excellent short intro to the recently ended reign of Elizabeth II.
July 29, 2013
I finished the book in about two nights, and it nicely sated my curiosity about the Queen. I don't know that I'm so enamored with British royalty that I'll pick up Lacey's other books, but I would definitely recommend The Queen: A Life in Brief to anyone looking for a basic rundown of recent history. This book accomplishes exactly what it set out to do, and for that, it is worth mentioning.
(My full review appears on Glorified Love Letters.)
(My full review appears on Glorified Love Letters.)
May 28, 2012
Great quick, direct, thoughtful, insightful read about a woman on whom much responsibiilty rests, and whose spirit is often misunderstood by the masses outside of the Commonwealth of England. Interesting afternoon read.
May 1, 2013
While there were no major surprises here, I did find this book quite readable. Robert Lacey has been writing about the British Royal family for decades and I like the balance he maintains between being candid and yet being respectful of the institution.
July 2, 2013
If you want to know about the current Queen of England in a short amount of time, this is a book for you. Covers quite a bit of information about the Queen in a short book.
Politics and relationships are the dominant themes of his writing.
I did enjoy it very much!!
Politics and relationships are the dominant themes of his writing.
I did enjoy it very much!!
November 2, 2013
Interesting small book about the current queen written for the British but very informative for us all. Book club selection that I would not have otherwise read but feel good about the insights into her life. Provided interesting discussion.
December 31, 2014
A great summary of the 60+ year reign of Queen Elizabeth. An excellent blend of the political, cultural, and family highs and lows. Perfect length - short but targeted. High recommend for those interested in the current British monarchy.
April 11, 2016
Not bad. The first book I've read on her so I was kind of going in blind with some of the political situations etc. It spent too long on some parts and too little on others which bugged me but all around not bad.
April 23, 2020
The is a good beginners guide to the royals. The writing is a bit choppy in places where you’re not sure who he is referring to. But, it does what it’s meant to do, which is to whet your appetite to learn more about this amazing woman.
April 9, 2012
Enjoyed this brief paperback bio. The Queen is the same age as my late mother...I have always found the differences and similarities of their lives fascinating. This is just right for subway reading!
June 12, 2012
Great brief biography by a British Historian. I read it during the Jubilee celebration and really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews