The Queen: A Biography of Elizabeth II - Softcover

Pimlott, Ben

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0471283304 ISBN 13: 9780471283300

Publisher: Wiley, 1998

Synopsis

"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 New sources include the unpublished diaries of Jock Colville, public secretary to both Churchill and Elizabeth, as well as interviews with Princess Margaret, Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Runcie,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.

About this title

Review:

Elizabeth II has quietly become one of the longest-reigning monarchs in English history. Future historians will sort out her impact on British life and politics, but until then Ben Pimlott offers a good summation of her first seven decades. He succeeds in making the monarch seem like a living, breathing person, as opposed to the emotionless figure that she is sometimes made out to be in the media. And her long-lasting public life is much more eventful and interesting than it might seem at first glance. Intrusions into royal privacy, for example, are hardly an invention of the paparazzi. In addition to an interesting biography, The Queen provides a useful introduction to British politics in the second half of the 20th century.

From the Publisher:

The definitive and most authoritative biography of Queen Elizabeth II, written by Britain's most respected political biographer--who had unprecedented access from Buckingham Palace to those close to the queen. New sources include the unpublished diaries of Jock Colville, who served as private secretary to both Churchill and Elizabeth, as well as interviews with Princess Margaret, royal dressmaker Hardy Amies, Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Runcie, and long time private secretary Lord Charteris.

About this edition

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0471283304
• ISBN 13: 9780471283300
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 672