Product Description

Monarchy is more than the biographies of the kings and queens of England. It is an in-depth examination of what the English monarchy has meant, in terms of the expression of the individual, the Mother of Parliaments, Magna Charta, the laws of England and the land of England. This is the history of ideas and ideals, as well as colourful characters, brought to life by David Starkey's unique gifts as a communicator. David Starkey's scholarship combines with his engaging and popular style to produce another winner. The importance of the rich heritage of the Anglo-Saxon kings is underlined, and among the kings most heavily featured are: Alfred the Great, Canute, Edward the Confessor, William the Conqueror, Henry ll, Richard Lionheart, Henry lll,. The last king in this volume is Henry Vl.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #121529 in Books
• Published on: 2004-10-14
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 208 pages

Review
David Starkey is, quite rightly, a household name. A provocative and colourful character, he is as challenging as the history he brings to life. In this, the first of a three-part set, he begins a journey which will take him from the Dark Ages to modern Britain. His theme is the kings and queens of England and he will stalk through that gallery of good, ignoble, saintly and wicked individuals who sat on the English throne. Now he begins his journey in that unfamiliar time between the departure of the Romans and the arrival of the Normans, a time which forged the fortunes of England and propelled the nascent power into the Middle Ages. Starkey's style, his trademark flair for colour and detail, make this a brilliant read and the book is lavishly illustrated. Starkey fans will not be disappointed nor will those looking for a robust and forthright narrative history of the ups and downs of English history. (Kirkus UK)

From the Publisher
The thrilling launch of David Starkey's new mammoth venture - MONARCHY: three books linked to 18 hours of television on the Kings and Queens of England. Volume 1: from the retreat of the Romans from Britain in 410 to the fall of the House of Lancaster in

About the Author
Dr David Starkey is Bye Fellow of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. He is a winner of the W. H. Smith Prize for Biography (for Elizabeth) and the Norton Medlicott Medal for Service to History presented by the Historical Association.

Customer Reviews

A compelling view of Dark Age Britain
In order to tell the story of the English monarchy, David Starkey starts from the Roman invasion of Britain by Julius Caesar. This first volume ends with the early Norman kings of Britain, William the Conqueror and his sons William Rufus and Henry. Starkey succeeds brilliantly in bringing to life the men and women who shaped this period of history: politicians, plotters, butchers, and saints alike. Offa, Alfred the Great, Edward the Confessor, William the Conqueror and many others, all emerge as individuals with their own personalities, ambitions, and agendas. This is a short book, and provides an excellent introduction to this period of English history. My only regret on finishing it is that the second volume is not yet published.

Mr Starkey overreaches himself
I have admired David Starkeys' previous TV work and books, based on his deep and expert knowledge of Tutor politics. However, this new TV series and book display serious shortcomings. It has been apparent in his delivery on TV that he is not a generalist and has been unable to show much passion for information given. In fact he seemed distinctly ill at ease with much of his input.
The book shows a desperately thin amount of information and argument and compared with his previous work is very disappointing. Perhaps this is the problem with authors being given lucrative extended contracts who then have to pontificate on areas not really within their capabilities. This is by a distance a severe blot on his reputation and a long way from his best work.

A great introduction
Pre-Tudor English history can seem daunting for many, and Dr Starkey has succeeded in producing a great introductory book for those who show a want to understand more about our glorious past - simply a must for the armchair historian.