Leaders & Notable People
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The Queen: Her Life
#1 New York Times bestselling biographer Andrew Morton provides the definitive, most comprehensive account of Queen Elizabeth II's legendary reign.
Painfully shy, Elizabeth Windsor's personality was well suited to her youthful ambition of living quietly in the country, raising a family, and caring for her dogs and horses. But when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated, she became heir to the throne-embarking on a journey that would test her as a woman and queen.
Ascending to the throne at only 25, this self-effacing monarch navigated endless setbacks, family conflict, and occasional triumphs throughout her 70 years as the Queen of England. As her mettle was tested, she endeavored to keep the monarchy relevant culturally, socially, and politically, often in the face of resistance from inside the institution itself. And yet the greatest challenges she faced were often inside her own family, forever under intense scrutiny; from rumors about her husband's infidelity, her sister's marital breakdown, Princess Diana's tragic death, to the recent departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Now in The Queen, renowned biographer Andrew Morton takes an in-depth look at Britain's longest reigning monarch, exploring the influence Queen Elizabeth had on both Britain and the rest of the world for much of the last century. From leading a nation struggling to restore itself after the devastation of the second World War to navigating the divisive political landscape of the present day, Queen Elizabeth was a reluctant but resolute queen. This is the story of a woman of unflagging self-discipline who will long be remembered as mother and grandmother to Great Britain, and one of the greatest sovereigns of the modern era.
Painfully shy, Elizabeth Windsor's personality was well suited to her youthful ambition of living quietly in the country, raising a family, and caring for her dogs and horses. But when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated, she became heir to the throne-embarking on a journey that would test her as a woman and queen.
Ascending to the throne at only 25, this self-effacing monarch navigated endless setbacks, family conflict, and occasional triumphs throughout her 70 years as the Queen of England. As her mettle was tested, she endeavored to keep the monarchy relevant culturally, socially, and politically, often in the face of resistance from inside the institution itself. And yet the greatest challenges she faced were often inside her own family, forever under intense scrutiny; from rumors about her husband's infidelity, her sister's marital breakdown, Princess Diana's tragic death, to the recent departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Now in The Queen, renowned biographer Andrew Morton takes an in-depth look at Britain's longest reigning monarch, exploring the influence Queen Elizabeth had on both Britain and the rest of the world for much of the last century. From leading a nation struggling to restore itself after the devastation of the second World War to navigating the divisive political landscape of the present day, Queen Elizabeth was a reluctant but resolute queen. This is the story of a woman of unflagging self-discipline who will long be remembered as mother and grandmother to Great Britain, and one of the greatest sovereigns of the modern era.
Editorial Reviews
"Andrew Morton has been the best known and most accessible, if not the foremost, biographer of England's royal family."―New York Times
"A narrative that hits all the plot points… of course, this is precisely as Queen Elizabeth would have wanted it."―Washington Post
"A fitting tribute to a long reign."―Kirkus
"Incisive character sketches and a touch of gossip make this admiring biography go down smooth."―Publishers Weekly
"Morton packs a great deal of interesting material between the covers . . . interesting and energetically written . . . [T]here is much to commend in this effort at capturing a unique woman who will remain an enigma for some time to come."―BookReporter.com
"Morton uses archival research and his relationships with palace insiders to paint a complete written portrait of Britain's longest reigning monarch . . . Morton also unpacks some buzzier tidbits including rumors about her husband's infidelity, her sister's tumultuous marriage, Princess Diana's death, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's high profile exit from the royal fam."―The Skimm
"This is something historians will enjoy and the most avid Anglophile should pounce on . . . will make you smile; enjoyment like you'll get here is hard to hide."―Naples Daily News
"It's hard to come away from this book without feeling some affection for [the queen]-regardless of your views on the monarchy."―Star Tribune
Praise for Elizabeth & Margaret:
"The king of royal tea...Morton provides rich context on the coldness of royal life...Margaret's tale is revelatory."―New York Times
"A diligent and well-researched job, examining the closeness of the sisters and their conflicted relationship in a seamless, readable way."―Wall Street Journal
"Deliciously detailed, sometimes gossipy, often moving, this in-depth examination of royal siblings is sure to be in demand."―Booklist
"Morton's insightful analysis of the complex relationship between Queen Elizabeth ...
"A narrative that hits all the plot points… of course, this is precisely as Queen Elizabeth would have wanted it."―Washington Post
"A fitting tribute to a long reign."―Kirkus
"Incisive character sketches and a touch of gossip make this admiring biography go down smooth."―Publishers Weekly
"Morton packs a great deal of interesting material between the covers . . . interesting and energetically written . . . [T]here is much to commend in this effort at capturing a unique woman who will remain an enigma for some time to come."―BookReporter.com
"Morton uses archival research and his relationships with palace insiders to paint a complete written portrait of Britain's longest reigning monarch . . . Morton also unpacks some buzzier tidbits including rumors about her husband's infidelity, her sister's tumultuous marriage, Princess Diana's death, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's high profile exit from the royal fam."―The Skimm
"This is something historians will enjoy and the most avid Anglophile should pounce on . . . will make you smile; enjoyment like you'll get here is hard to hide."―Naples Daily News
"It's hard to come away from this book without feeling some affection for [the queen]-regardless of your views on the monarchy."―Star Tribune
Praise for Elizabeth & Margaret:
"The king of royal tea...Morton provides rich context on the coldness of royal life...Margaret's tale is revelatory."―New York Times
"A diligent and well-researched job, examining the closeness of the sisters and their conflicted relationship in a seamless, readable way."―Wall Street Journal
"Deliciously detailed, sometimes gossipy, often moving, this in-depth examination of royal siblings is sure to be in demand."―Booklist
"Morton's insightful analysis of the complex relationship between Queen Elizabeth ...
Readers Top Reviews
The Real Royals o
This book was a truly engaging look into the Queen’s life, both before and during her 70-year reign. Morton is a fantastic storyteller, and The Queen: Her Life reads as a believable peek at the woman behind the coronation robes. Morton tells both the story of the Elizabeth the world sees, a young woman carrying out her solemn duty on the world stage, and the story of the private Elizabeth, who delights in her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her horses, and dogs and has a fantastic sense of humor. Highly recommend this book.
BlueIIIzThe Real
Packaged well so no damaged edges. Arrived in timely manner. Only downside for me was that this brand new book hot off the press arrived with its spine already broken in, making it not quite the fabulous Christmas gift I had hoped to give.
Patt LaPierreBlue
If I had realized this book was written by the man responsible for endangering the monarchy and thus thus Queen Elizabeth II and her family I would not have purchased it. That book further assisted to seal the end of the Wales marriage.At times in this book The Queen at times Morton makes judgments about the Queen that seem to be those related to Diana that are unfavorable and not factual.
Joy AndersonPatt
We have all enjoyed this book verry much. My daughter also took it and gave it away to our daughter in law for Christmas.
LisaJoy AndersonP
As an American, I am not as informed about the British monarchy, but am truly fascinated by the royals. This gave some insight as to why things are the way they are. Couldn't stop reading!
