Kings and Queens: The Concise Guide

by Richard Cavendish

The lives and personalities of monarchs as well as their involvement in and effect on major events of each age and the world at large are detailed in a comprehensive resource that also features more than 350 photographs, archive illustrations, and maps.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Biography, British Literature

464 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

Richard Cavendish (1930 - 2016) was a writer, lecturer, broadcaster, historian & leading authority on Magic and Witchcraft. He is the author of 'The Black Arts', a study of the European tradition of magic.

Reviews

[Stormy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had this book for some years and refer to it a lot when I’m reading fictional accounts of royalty, like Philippa Gregory’s books. After watching the movie “The Favourite” last night, I was prompted to read about Queen Anne (who reigned 1702-14). What a neurotic, hot mess she must have been —many of the details in the picture are actually true. She gave birth 17 times, but only one son survived and then he died at age 12. Anne never got over it.
Her biggest political success was the Act of Union, which finally brought Scotland into the United Kingdom and peace to the northern border.
Anne and Sarah Marlborough were “very close” and Sarah was comfortable enough to actually quarrel with the Queen in public when she found out that the Queen had “befriended” another woman, Abigail Masham (Sarah’s cousin).
Anne ruled by moderation, but didn’t live a moderate life —her nickname was ‘Brandy Nan’ by the populace because of her love of drink. This was the end of the Stewart line.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book I rely on for referencing the Kings and Queens of England. Although only a concise Guide and not a comprehensive one, it has great glossy photos and accurate well organised information within. Not to be overlooked despite it's diminutive appearance.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants to buy that one book to keep on their shelf that they can fall upon when information or a refresher is needed.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kings & Queens pretty much covers all the rulers of Britain from its earliest conquest up to the modern times, the 2000s in matters of this publication. Now since it documents all of the rulers, regardless of how long or notable their reigns are, it can come off as a lot of information. Luckily, the authors decided to present each monarch with a near equal amount of short pages, highlighting their lives & accomplishments, while covering notable events that happened during their rule. More notable figures such as Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Charles II, George III & Victoria are given a few pages more, around 6 pages maximum. I feel this book is very useful in its presentation of the monarchs, as I feel I learned a lot more about them to an extent. It is interesting to say the least, and how the monarchy changed with each new House! So while it may seem like a handful to read through, this book helped learning British monarchy much easier and is helpful in providing useful information.

[Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this one up from a gift shop in Yorkshire.

It was a very good book! Lots of interesting, obscure, tragic, and occasionally hilarious information about the various monarchs of the British isles. The book weaves a coherent narrative through the history of Britain, from before the Roman conquest to Elizabeth II. It explores how the role of the monarchy has changed over time, from tribal leader, to feudal lord, absolute dictator to apolitical figurehead.

I would highly recommend this book if you're into history, or want to get a better understanding of the country and its leaders.

There were one or two minor spelling errors, but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the book.

Overall 5/5 - will probably read again as I have forgotten some of the details of the pre-conquest times.

[Simon Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me this is the definitive work on the history of the Kings and Queens of England and later Great Britain. A little out of date now as of 2023, however for it's pre Elizabeth II history, you won't find a better work.

I hope there is an updated version one day

[Bradley Ayres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handy reference of kings and queens of England.

[Bobbie Darbyshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

My memory for facts is appalling, so history washes over me. Anything I try to remember vanishes from my brain in a trice. 1066, the Tudors, some 20th century wars, that’s my lot. Every so often I try to do something about this. In 2010 I created a Word file of chronology from E H Gombrich’s A Little History of the World and for a brief while had a half-grasp on the evolution of humanity. Seeing Richard II before Christmas galvanised me again, and I’ve spent the last six months working my way through Richard Cavendish's ‘Kings and Queens: the concise guide’, which outlines the history of the monarchy in England, Scotland and Wales. Plenty more notes for my chronological Word file. Nice pictures. Lots of dates and facts. Not a page-turning read, but a solid and pleasing little reference book that has had me enjoying history on TV a lot more while I’m briefly halfway conversant again with where we’ve come from.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick review, as I don't really think this book was intended to be read. I think it's just a coffee table book, but you know what, I read it.

I actually found it somewhat interesting, if only because it was written from the UK point of view, meaning that such things as the American Revolution were told from the other side. In that, interesting.

Like I said, nothing to write home about... good illustrations, decent summaries of each King or Queen. If you find it used, might be worth the looksee.

[Redfox5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I mostly only read Tudor Historical fiction. I get abit thrown when I read stuff from other centurys. This book was really helpful in giving a background on all the other Kings and Queens of England and Scotland. I found the first part 'Early Kingdoms and Territories' quiet hard to get into because the England they describe is so diffrent from today that it's unrecognizable. It's all abit confusing and the Kings change so offten. It isen't until you hit 'The Normans' chapter that it starts to settle down and becomes easier to follow. Will keep this book for reference.

[Zojar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read all this book, but it's an excellent reference book and is written for both adults and children to understand. It has all the relevant dates for each monarch along with a rough reign history and their family 'tree' including deaths and births, marriages etc. Would highly recommend to anyone with a general interest in British monarchs and helpful for those with children doing history projects on the Royals too.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good guide to all the Kings & Queens of England with short, interesting snippets of each and great pictures. Lots of stuff you didn't know...George III (King during the American Revolution) was one of the greatest book collectors who ever lived. His library is in it's own wing at the British Library. His mother is responsible for starting Kew Gardens. The book goes on and on with interesting facts of each royal, good and bad; including what their subjects thought of them.

[Maarit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this from the British Museum, and I have read it several times since then. I still open it sometimes to look up a certain king or queen and I always relish the read. It is a great summary of the royal lineage and the changes in the ruling house. I definitely recommend it to anyone interested in the Royals of England and Scotland. It gives you a pretty good idea of everyone's rule, explains the gaps in inheritance and gives you extra information about important events.

[Crystal Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a b+n bargain book, so it was a great deal at $12.98. It's fully comprehensive, has great photographs, and makes a great coffee table book. I use it quite often to reference certain royals, or just to read casually. I love this book.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a good book for its size. Its a compact and concise guide and gives a really good introduction to the Kings and Queens listed. If you are looking for facts and a mini introduction, this is an ideal starting point.

[Jennifer Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must have reference for any one interested in the British monarchy. I got this from the library but I need to buy my own copy.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

very informative and easy to understand!

[Trisha]

Very educational and informative as a reference book; not a great sit-down-to-read book.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best british history book i own. As any king or queen of the britsh monarch is traceable. Letting me research into amazing real life stories of the inside view of a ruler.

[Kris Raah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to buy this book in hardback because Cavendish brings out the Immortal qualities of each Noble.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short histories of the monarchs of the British Commonwealth. The Tudors remain my favorites, particularly Henry V but I gained a greater regard for the Windsors. A great read.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very useful reference guide!