Coronation: From the 8th to the 21st Century

by Roy Strong

This splendid volume is the first of its kind—a comprehensive history that sets each of Britain's coronations in its political, religious, and cultural context. Meticulously researched, it also examines celebratory poetry and a musical history of extraordinary brilliance. Illustrated with illuminated manuscripts, engravings, portraits, photographs, and images from film and television, this work as rich as its subject. 

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Royalty

556 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

Sir Roy Colin Strong FRSL (23 August 1935 - ) is an English art historian, museum curator, writer, broadcaster and landscape designer.

He has been director of both the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He was knighted in 1983.

Reviews

[Carolyn Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The essential history of the coronation, impeccably researched and beautifully illustrated. Strong discusses the evolution of coronation ceremonies from Anglo-Saxon England to the 1953 crowning of Queen Elizabeth II (with a 2005 epilogue that includes some prescient thoughts pertaining to the 2023 coronation of King Charles III). There is a strong emphasis on change and continuity over time and the impact of the English Reformation, the development of constitutional monarchy and the British Empire and Commonwealth on the coronation ceremony.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very glad I’ve read this, it’s both detailed and informative; but it is such in in depth book about a subject I knew nothing about I found it quite a challenging read. However, I was delighted to find it has been brought completely up to date with an Epilogue written after the death of Elizabeth II. Well worth the effort.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite a book. Roy Strong takes on the entire history of English, then British, then United Kingdom coronations in what can only be described as in a magisterial form. While there is likely more here than any particular reader may need, the comprehensive nature of the book allows the reader to focus on what is of greatest interest and skim those sections that may be of less interest. The header structure makes this particularly easy to do.
Taking coronations in groups (roughly by the various Royal dynasties) Strong draws parallels and contrasts - both among the various generations within a House or from House to House.
Excellent.

[Lucia Graziano · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not just a chronicle of the various coronations (I mean: yes, it is - but the book is much more). It is a thorough investigation into the underlying historical, theological, and sociological foundations behind the ritual, starting with the Anglo-Saxon kings and continuing through the great change of perspective following the Anglican Reformation (and so on up to the present day).

There are other great books about the history of coronations, but this one goes much, much deeper in explaining *the reasons*.

[Matthew Eyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly detailed, well researched and very topical book by an accomplished author. From its Anglo Saxon origins to the post war spectacle of The Queen, he explains the various elements that will be seen next month at our first such spectacle for 70 years...

[Andrea Engle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This edition of the book has the subtitle: A History of Kingship and the British Monarchy … complete with lavish illustrations, this history explores the British Coronation ceremony from 973 to 1953 … remarkable …