Product Description

"There will be no better biography of Elizabeth II as a figure of state until her official one appears--and perhaps not even then."--The Independent. "One of the many merits of Ben Pimlott's superbly judicious biography of Elizabeth II is that it understands this connection between monarchy and masses, and carefully evokes its political importance."--The New York Times Book Review. "The best all-around study of the Queen so far, showing understanding as well as amused irony."--Sunday Telegraph. Written by Ben Pimlott, considered Britain's most respected political biographer, The Queen brings us the most authentic life yet of the reigning monarch. For the first time, Buckingham Place opened its doors and those closest to the queen provided compelling new information into Elizabeth's life and reign. New sources include the unpublished diaries of Jock Colville, public secretary to both Churchill and Elizabeth, as well as interviews with Princess Margaret, Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Runcie, and longtime private secretary Lord Charteris. Ben Pimlott (London, England) is a professor of politics and contemporary history at Birkbeck College, University of London. He is also the author of Hugh Dalton and Harold Wilson.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1419690 in Books
• Published on: 1997
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 672 pages

From the Back Cover
A Biography of Elizabeth II

She is the fifth longest reigning monarch in British history, and one of the most famous people in the world. Yet, despite a life lived at the center of the international stage, Elizabeth II remains an enigma. What kind of person is she? What does she stand for? How has she adapted to her role--if at all? How does she cope with problems that threaten the survival of the monarchy itself? Now, in the most authoritative and probing biography of Queen Elizabeth to date, one of Britain's most distinguished biographers and political historians reveals the sometimes surprising answers.

In The Queen, Ben Pimlott creates a richly detailed, compelling portrayal of Elizabeth II--the individual, the institution, and the icon. Written with the cooperation of Buckingham Palace, this distinguished biography is enriched by unprecedented access to government and palace archives, as well as interviews with dozens of persons close to the queen, including Princess Margaret; the archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Runcie; Lord Charteris, the queen's longtime private secretary; and Hardy Amies, the royal dressmaker, and by access to the private diaries of Jock Colville, who served as private secretary to both the queen and Winston Churchill. The result is a penetrating examination that goes far beyond the typical royal biography.

With the same sharp historical focus he brought to his acclaimed portrait of Harold Wilson, Pimlott reveals how Elizabeth's image has been manufactured and manipulated from her earliest childhood to suit the need of government. He explores the social, political, and psychological influences that shaped the queen's personality and the ideas she represents. Pimlott brings an illuminating perspective to the queen's relationship with her prime ministers, and he offers an intriguing view of the phenomenon of the monarchy itself--and of its future.

Beginning in 1926, the year of Elizabeth's birth--and Britain's infamous General Strike--and continuing all the way into the era of Di and Fergie, this masterfully written account of the very public life of a very private woman is a fascinating, at times provocative, and vastly entertaining book. It is candid, respectful, intelligent, and certain to win admiration for both the author and his royal subject.

"There will not be a better royal biography for many years."-- The Daily Telegraph (London).

"[Pimlott] has succeeded triumphantly. . . . He has written a book that can be enjoyed and admired by people who would never have imagined reading any previous royal biography." --The Independent (London).

"An important and stimulating book." --Antonia Fraser author of Mary, Queen of Scots in The Guardian (London).

About the Author
BEN PIMLOTT is Professor of Politics and Contemporary History at Birkbeck College, University of London, and one of Britain's most respected biographers and political historians. His books include Harold Wilson and Hugh Dalton, winner of the prestigious Whitbread Prize. A fellow of the British Academy, he is its youngest member.

Customer Reviews

A smart biography
Finally a biography without the usual endearing anecdotes. This is a well-written and detailed account of the life and duties of Elizabeth II. I have a better grasp of the political role of the Queen.

A smart biography
Finally, a biography to do Her Majesty justice! This is a thoughtful, well-researched book without the usual endearing anecdotes. I've a new respect for The Queen.

Don't bother, unless you enjoy being bored
I felt like I was reading a newspaper report: lifeless, dull, "just the facts, ma'am." The author rarely delved into details about the Queen's personal thoughts and ideas. An example of the author's failure to provide details: upon describing the births of the Queen's second and third children (Anne, Princess Royal, and Andrew, Duke of York), he didn't even bother to tell us the names of the children!! This book reads like a long, boring summary of the Queen's various travels and activities with little to no commentary on the Queen's personality or personal thoughts and ideas.