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A History of the English Monarchy: From Boadicea to Elizabeth I Paperback – March 24, 2015
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In A History of the English Monarchy, historian Gareth Russell traces the story of the English monarchy and the interactions between popular belief, religious faith and brutal political reality that helped shape the extraordinary journey of one of history’s most important institutions.
From the birth of the nation to the dazzling court of Elizabeth I, A History of the English Monarchy charts the fascinating path of the English monarchy from the uprising of 'Warrior Queen' Boadicea in AD60 through each king and queen up to the 'Golden Age' of Elizabeth I. Russell offers a fresh take on a fascinating subject as old as the nation itself. Legends, tales and, above all, hard facts tell an incredible story... a history of the English Monarchy.
- Print length322 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateMarch 24, 2015
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.81 x 8.5 inches
- ISBN-108494372122
- ISBN-13978-8494372124
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Product details
- Publisher : MadeGlobal Publishing
- Publication date : March 24, 2015
- Edition : Illustrated
- Language : English
- Print length : 322 pages
- ISBN-10 : 8494372122
- ISBN-13 : 978-8494372124
- Item Weight : 14.6 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.81 x 8.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #834,179 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #565 in Historical Study Reference (Books)
- #655 in Royalty Biographies
- #858 in Historical British Biographies
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Gareth Russell is an historian and broadcaster. He is the author of "Young and Damned and Fair," "The Ship of Dreams" (A Daily Telegraph Best History Book, 2019) and "Do Let's Have Another Drink" (A Times Book of the Year, 2022). He is the host of the podcast Single Malt History and divides his time between Belfast and London.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book entertaining and full of fascinating historical tidbits. Moreover, the writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as a real page turner. Additionally, they appreciate the information content, with one review noting how it provides detailed insights into each ruler.
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Customers find the book engaging, with entertaining storytelling and fascinating historical tidbits throughout. One customer notes it provides an absorbing narrative of events and people.
"This is an excellent book. Really great, fun read and full of fascinating historical tidbits...." Read more
"One of the most interesting books I have read in years. Incredible history of the English monarchy. A real page turner." Read more
"...as a model for the way history is best written, as an absorbing narrative of events and people...." Read more
"Very informative historical accounting of the monarchy. Story is told in an entertaining style...." Read more
Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as incredibly well written, with one customer noting it's a real page turner.
"...Incredible history of the English monarchy. A real page turner." Read more
"The author is brilliant...." Read more
"...Very well done." Read more
"Well written and very enjoyable. Follows the lines of succession and didn't overwhelm." Read more
Customers appreciate the information content of the book, with one customer noting it provides comprehensive details about each ruler and goes beyond dry facts.
"...description like some books on the Royal line, but tells you a great deal about each ruler and their foibles." Read more
"...Highly interesting, not just dry facts...." Read more
"...trouble keeping up at times but that was because there was so much information. I really enjoyed it." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2024Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseIt was so good I read it all night
- Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2022Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseOne of the most interesting books I have read in years. Incredible history of the English monarchy. A real page turner.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2016Format: KindleVerified PurchaseRussell's work serves as a model for the way history is best written, as an absorbing narrative of events and people. It's factual with Russell's interpretation ( and those of other historians) but it is also entertaining storytelling. Russell doesn't begin with the Norman Conquest but with earlier Celtic leaders and the Anglo-Saxon Alfred and AEthelstan and ends with Elizabeth I. The consort queens also get their fair share of attention, including the wife of Edward I who was much loved by him but not so much by the people. Along with the well known events, Russell also describes some of the lesser known facts about the monarchs, including their religious faith and piety (which did not, however, lessen their propensity for violence and bloodshed). Of the two regal mysteries----what really happened to Edward II and did Richard III really have the two princes killed-----he leaves the former as unsolved but the latter is guilty of the crime. Russell has a sense of humor which certainly adds to the entertainment value of his history. All in all, this is a wonderful history both for those who know little about England's monarchs and those who know a lot but would appreciate a new take on them, for example, a rather sympathetic view of William II. One question remains: why does Richard III still get so much censure when it is evident that the really and truly monstrous Kings were William I, Edward I, and the most psychopathic of all, Henry VIII?
- Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2016Format: KindleVerified PurchaseEnglish history is a favourite of mine. But it can get confusing when it comes to the royal line. This book takes you from Edward the Confessor through to the Tudors. Covering as it goes all those little pieces that form the whole. Especially some of the bits you weren't told in school and in some history books. It's not a potted description like some books on the Royal line, but tells you a great deal about each ruler and their foibles.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2015Format: KindleVerified PurchaseVery informative historical accounting of the monarchy. Story is told in an entertaining style. There are many story lines and I found myself having to read chapters over to make connections.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2020Format: KindleVerified PurchaseAs expected for a book with its scope, it was brief in dealing with each monarch. Definitely a good high-level look at the history of the monarchy though.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2015Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThe author is brilliant. Not only is this well researched (pages and pages of references) but it is so incredibly well written, that I was sad when the book ended. Not a dull or dry moment- the author has wit and a way with words that will make history come alive for you- I highly recommend this book, not only for accurate history and insightful analysis of personalities and happenings, but for the little known facts that make the dead come to life. This is a book I will read again, and probably a third and fourth time.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2015Format: KindleVerified PurchaseDebunks a lot of what I thought was historically factual, as medieval "urban legends". Highly interesting, not just dry facts. Tells history from the point of view of various historical people, by their own words in letters and eyewitness accounts, in accounts written by clerical historians (monks), and as noted by other chroniclers. References are posted at the end of each chapter.
Top reviews from other countries
- Peter AllcockReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 15, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Good product
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseIt arrived on time. I used the supplied pump to if late it two weeks ago and it is still in flared with no problems... a good buy.
- MR PETER I DEAKINReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2025
4.0 out of 5 stars Kings and Queens
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseGreat chronology of the English Monarchy
- Dib-DabReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 16, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars A good read
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseGreat for people interested in history and the monarchy.
- Raymond DupreeReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 9, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseIn depth a great read and keeps you interesred
- zendikarReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 12, 2020
1.0 out of 5 stars Wish I'd chosen a different book on history of the monarchy
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis is really not well-written, but even if you don't mind that the content is sorely lacking. He glosses over hugely important details and doesn't explain some things particularly well, leaving me to think that perhaps he doesn't understand them himself. He then will go on to give detail about something entirely irrelevant but that apparently titllated and held his interest such as Lady Godiva's ride or a stupid aside about someone being pulled from his bed while fornicating shock gasp. But he covers the entirety of the reigns of all 3 of Alfred the Great's brothers in a single sentence, mentioning that all three of them had also been king. Reads like a school report. You could get more info off Wikipedia.