Synopses & Reviews
the Queen
Elizabeth II was not born to be queen. She came into the world on April 21, 1926, the equivalent of the modern Princess Beatrice, first-born daughter of the Duke of York, destined to flutter on the royal fringe. So while Lilibet was brought up with almost religious respect for the crown, there seemed no chance of her inheriting it. Her head was never turned by the personal prospect of grandeur—which is why she would prove so very good at her job. Elizabeth II's lack of ego was to prove the paradoxical secret of her greatness.
For more than thirty years, acclaimed author and royal biographer Robert Lacey has been gathering material from members of the Queen's inner circle—her friends, relatives, private secretaries, and prime ministers. Now, in The Queen, Lacey offers a life of the celebrated monarch, told in six succinct chapters, accentuated by elegant color and black-and-white photographs that capture the distinctive flavor of passing eras and reveal how Elizabeth II adapted—or, on occasions, regally declined to adapt—to changing times.
Review
“Lacey employs a meticulous, fluid writing style that steers clear of tabloid-type sensationalism for a restrained, dignified approach and a level of intimacy with more than a few emotional peaks.” Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
A short biography of one of the most recognized yet still mysterious women in the world, Queen Elizabeth II, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Kingdom
Elizabeth of York was not born to be Queen. She came into the world on April 21st, 1926, the equivalent of the modern Princess Beatrice, first-born daughter of the Duke of York, destined to flutter on the royal fringe. So while Lilibet was brought up with almost religious respect for the crown, there seemed no chance of her inheriting it. Her head was never turned by the personal prospect of grandeur--which is why she would prove so very good at her job. Elizabeth II's lack of ego was to prove the paradoxical secret of her greatness.
For more than thirty years acclaimed author and royal biographer Robert Lacey has been gathering material from members of the Queen's inner circle--her friends, relatives, private secretaries, and prime ministers. Now, in The Queen, Lacey offers a life of the celebrated monarch, told in four parts that capture the distinctive flavor of passing eras, and reveal how Elizabeth II adapted--or, on occasions, regally declined to adapt--to changing times.
About the Author
Robert Lacey is a British historian known for his original research and his close investigation of his subjects. He is the author of several international bestsellers, including The Kingdom, Great Tales from English History, and Monarch, which was the basis for Peter Morgan's Oscar-winning movie, The Queen. He lives in London.