Kings & Queens: The Real Lives of the English Monarchs

by Ann MacMillan, Ann MacMillan, Dan Snow (Foreword)

Historians and broadcasters Peter Snow and Ann MacMillan introduce the most powerful men and women in English, and later British, society.

Opening with the reign of King Alfred, during which the foundations of the nation were laid, The Kings and Queens of England introduces the monarchs who have ruled through personal and political strife, triumph, war and peacetime. Snow and MacMillan offer a unique insight into the waxing and waning fortunes of these formidable rulers, from those such as devious King John who ruled with cruelty and fabled warrior-king William the Conqueror, to our own Elizabeth II, admired for her diplomacy and integrity while presiding over turbulent times.

This is the story of the evolution of modern civilization, told through the lens of those who have ruled it.

Genres: History

404 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2022

Reviews

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great info from Saxon to Norman, Viking, Plantagenet, Tudor, Stuart, Hapsburg, Saxe Coburg, and Windsor.

Loses a star for the biases of the writers being apparent in some of the sections where I already know the history, so,it’s either for brevity or just really poor writing to put your own opinions without any citation.

Still enjoyable, the more modern stuff was where the opinions became a little too much. And to gloss over most of Elizabeth II to talk about her son is kinda lame.

[Glafira Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rather unique book in its own way, as it describes the life of every king or queen, starting from the Saxons. Short and engaging, covering only the most important and essential details, which makes the information easy to remember. Personally, I also discovered a lot of new things in this book, so I recommend it to anyone who wants to get a closer look at the history of the British monarchy.

[Emma Dargue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting but a good proportion of the information I already knew but gave me a better idea about the lesser known monarchs of the british isles.