Queen and Country

by William Shawcross

The year 2002 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Elizabeth II's accession to the British throne. To celebrate this occasion, William Shawcross, an award-winning writer and journalist, has written an intimate and revealing portrait of the Queen and an absorbing narrative of how the faces of the monarchy, Britain, and the world have changed over the past fifty years. Britain today bears little resemblance to the country the Queen inherited in 1952. There is more criticism than deference; the institution of the monarchy is no longer accepted unquestioningly. Yet, as Shawcross describes here, Elizabeth's long and valiant, sometimes difficult, always challenging reign shows us a monarch who has risen admirably to the occasion and has held the country and the commonwealth together.

Drawn from the BBC's landmark four-part television series, Queen and Country combines personal recollections, classic archive film, and contemporary footage, as it examines how the Queen has adapted and succeeded. Exploring several aspects of her public role—including her relationships with successive prime ministers—Shawcross shows how she has remained a fixed point in the storm, a reassuring bedrock of stability, calm, and good sense, who has earned the respect and affection of the world.

With more than one hundred photographs, this volume focuses on four parts of the Queen's life. The first explores the central relationship between the Queen and her subjects. Her private life is the subject of the second part as Shawcross describes how she enjoys horse racing, her dogs, shooting, and family life. He also discusses the turbulence of her children's marriages and lives. Part III focuses on the Queen's political role as head of state and explores how close she is to the center of decision making. The final part follows Elizabeth II as she travels the globe and strengthens the ties of the commonwealth.

Written with the cooperation of the Queen's family, friends, and her trusted aides, this unique portrait accompanies the celebration of her golden jubilee that will be one of the most televised and written-about events of 2002. Queen and Country is the most authoritative account of Elizabeth's reign that will appear during this year-long celebration.

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

240 pages, Hardcover

Published May 28, 2002

About the author

William Shawcross is a widely renowned writer and broadcaster.

Reviews

[Mell]

Enjoyed the biographical and historical elements of this book. As a staunch believer in direct democracy, the British monarchy has always puzzled me. The fact that Elizabeth II has influenced government and affairs of state for 60+ years just boggles my mind. The amount of property, jewelry and wealth is really astonishing. Maybe that's why the world loves to watch all the pomp and ceremony. It's pretty. I learned a great deal.

Did not enjoy the author repeatedly injecting his terribly snobby and judgemental opinions into the book. His ultra-Tory views disrupted the biographical elements. He bemoans the scaling back of England's Empire (colonies and mega military), refers to the country as socialist and a "welfare state" several times (guess he's not a fan of National Health), and uses language that is dated and insulting. The last pages of the book are the worst- "an underclass that is hard to reach" by the government. Who actually uses the word underclass? Also--"In 1952 there were more class divisions but there was also greater courtesy." I read that as poor people aren't as respectful to the rich. Sheesh. It's fine to say that times change, Mr. Shawcross. Just stick to real facts and leave your bias out of it.

[Grace Cole]

There was lots of interesting information about Queen Elizabeth the 2nd. I was most surprised about how she was not born to be Queen. However, this book is now 15 years out of date. Also, I did not enjoy how the author included his own opinions about events, particularly towards the end dealing with current events.

[Marilyn Sue Michel]

A very sympathetic portrait of an amazing person, Queen Elizabeth II. She has had a long history of responsibility and dramatic events, since taking the throne in 1952. Presents a good discussion of the role of the monarchy in England.

[Tom Farrell]

Exceptional book about an exceptional woman.

[Amber the Human]

I saw this at the library ... and of course I have other books to read ... but I was like "well, it's so full of photos, it won't take long to read, right?" And it didn't take that long, although longer than I thought. It really does give a broad and well-done description of how monarchy has been working in England since 1953. I liked learning about her different relationships with her prime ministers. Recommended (if only for the pictures).

[Karen]

I appreciated the author's easy style of writing. Queen and Country was a compelling read, and a good way to lay a foundation for future explorations into the life of this capable woman. I better understand the role of a monarch and the constant push for change she as Queen has encountered throughout her reign.

[Marjorie]

I'm hoping that this will be an interesting trip through the 20th century. I"ve already learned that the Queen Mum's nickname was Buffy. That was worth the price of the book. Also, the book doubles as a doorstop.

[Diana Bustamante]

4.5 ⭐️. Very timely to be reading this at the Queen’s death. It goes a long way to help explain the vagaries of being the monarch. Many young girls wish to be princesses. Oh no, what a terrible thing it must be.

[Becka]

A v. positive and lovingly portrayed biography of Queen Elizabeth II

[Carol]

I enjoyed reading about the Queen's personal relationship with each successive Prime Minister.

[Phillis]

Very informative. Helped me to understand modern day monarchy and how it changed over the last 50 years or so.

[Lori]

Just feeding the royalty need!

[Taylor]

I couldn't understand 60% of the words used