The Monarchy of England

The Beginnings

By: David Starkey

Narrated by: Tim Pigott-Smith

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 The Early Kings covers the retreat of the Romans from Britain in 410 to the fall of the House of Lancaster in the middle of the 15th century.

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 Carta, 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 II, Richard the Lionheart, and Henry III. The last king featured in this volume is Henry VI.

David Starkey's Monarchy

Not a purely factual history but a detailed assessment of the effects changes in monarchy had on the life and times of Britain. Fascinating!! Read by the author himself which gives the audiobook a greater impact.

Charming and Insightful

It's absolutely great when you think you know a little about a subject but then realise you know nothing, your perspective of historical events widens and world appears a little different. This book is about the evolution of the British Monarchy, but it is also as much about the development of the principles of modern parliamentry democracy, the English langauge and so much more. I loved it, and the narration was excellent!