The Crown: The Official Companion, Volume 1

Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, and the Making of a Young Queen (1947-1955)

By: Robert Lacey

Narrated by: Alex Jennings

The official companion to the critically acclaimed Netflix drama about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, The Crown by Peter Morgan, featuring additional historical background and exclusive images.

Starring Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II and John Lithgow as Winston Churchill, Netflix's original series The Crown, created by Peter Morgan and growing out of his Oscar-winning movie The Queen starring Helen Mirren, paints a unique and intimate portrait of Britain's longest-reigning monarch. This official companion to the show's first season is an in-depth exploration of the early years of Elizabeth II's time as Queen, complete with extensive research, additional material, and exclusive, beautifully reproduced images.
One of the show's most powerful themes is that royals do not choose their duty; it is thrust upon them. Princess Elizabeth never expected her father to die so suddenly, so young, leaving her not only a throne to fill but a global institution to govern. Crowned at twenty-five, already a wife and mother, follow the journey of a woman learning to become a queen while facing her own challenges within her own family. This is the story of how Elizabeth II drew on every ounce of strength and British reserve to deal with crises not only on the continent but at home as well.
Written by bestselling historical biographer Robert Lacey, who also serves as the show's historical consultant, this official companion provides an in-depth exploration from behind the palace gates. Relive the majesty of the first season of the hit show, with behind-the-scenes photos, meticulously researched images from the time, and more.

Critic reviews

"You need this book if you’re watching The Crown." —New York Post

“If you love the drama series starring Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II and John Lithgow as Winston Churchill, you’ll dig The Crown: The Official Companion.” —Parade

"The book dives deeper into royal history than the show and is visually impressive." —Washington Post

Loved it.

Loved that it didn't just cover The Crown, but gave so much more backstory to the events and the real people involved. Hope they do another volume for season 2!

Separates Fact From Fiction

I really liked that it told you what parts of the show were not based on historical evidence. The performance was very good and it was an enjoyable listen.

A great companion

An excellent companion guide, with some information about different events, even pointing out where things were missed, or made more dramatic.

Inspiration

Lizbeth's life is so inspirational, I adore The Queen even more now that I'm older, married and a mother. I watched Season 1 and loved it. I had high anticipation for Season 2, which this time my husband also watched (to my surprise)!!! He has taken favor to Edward her husband. I LOVE the audible version!!! Can't wait for Season 2 Audible. I adore and found a new love and respect for the Monarchy.....

If you like The Crown

To start, I have watched "The Crown"; three times. I love the story of Elizabeth II.

My favorite parts of this book is when the author explains how portions of the series were written, and the real history it was based on. It is clear that the series is only inspired by real events, and points out when those events differ from the series. For this reason, I really enjoyed listening to this book...

There are also background histories of the characters in the series, which give a quick and dirty background of England's 19th and early 20th century. If you know about English history, these portions may be boring, because they are very simple. However, it gives a great context to the story of "The Crown."