Buckingham Palace: The Official Illustrated History

by John Martin Robinson

Illustrated history of Buckingham Palace.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published July 24, 2006

Reviews

[David Fulmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has the complete rundown on Buckingham Palace, from even before its origins as the Duke of Buckingham’s house right up to the present day as Queen Elizabeth II’s official London residence. The book does cover alterations and additions to the building quite well, along with the role of the different personalities of the different sovereigns in the development of the building (some Kings and Queens wanted to go all out in fixing up and expanding the palace but some didn’t want to live there at all. Queen Victoria kind of wanted to do both: she added the very famous East wing with a balcony, which most people think of when they think of this building, and entertained there frequently, but after the death of her husband she almost completely abandoned the place). But the book mostly focuses on the interior decoration, furnishings, and artwork in the palace. There are pages and pages of descriptions of furniture, dishes, and stair railings with the background of their designers and dealers and it is a very well-illustrated book as well, so you can see all the beautiful art that the text refers to. But if you were hoping for more architecture or more gossip about the inhabitants, then you might be let down. All in all, it’s a wonderful book, if a bit staid.

[Constantine]

@

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 / 5.0

Nice Pictures but they don't tie in very well with somewhat confused text.