With the flair for narrative and the meticulous research that readers have come to expect, Andrew Marr turns his attention to the monarch -- and to the monarchy, chronicling the Queen's pivotal role at the centre of the state, which is largely hidden from the public gaze, and making a strong case for the institution itself. Arranged thematically, rather than chronologically, Marr dissects the Queen's political relationships, crucially those with her Prime Ministers; he examines her role as Head of the Commonwealth, and her deep commitment to that Commonwealth of nations; he looks at the drastic changes in the media since her accession in 1952 and how the monarchy -- and the monarch -- have had to change and adapt as a result. Indeed he argues that under her watchful eye, the monarchy has been thoroughly modernized and made as fit for purpose in the twenty-first century as it was when she came to the throne and a 'new Elizabethan age' was ushered in.
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About the Author
Andrew Marr was born in Glasgow in 1959. He studied English at the University of Cambridge and has since enjoyed a long career in political journalism, working for the Scotsman, the Independent, the Daily Express and the Observer. From 2000 to 2005 he was the BBC's Political Editor. He has written and presented TV documentaries on history, science and politics, and presents the weekly Andrew Marr Show on Sunday mornings on BBC1 and Start the Week on Radio 4. He lives in London with his family.
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Queen Elizabeth will be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee - 60 years - as queen of England in 2012. A lot of books and television programs will mark the occasion and most, if not all, will be marketed as "intimate". Andrew Marr is a journalist who also hosts a show on the BBC. His book, "The Real Elizabeth", is more a popular than scholarly look at the Queen and her role. I think Sally Bedell Smith's up-coming biography might be a touch more scholarly in its approach to her subject.
There's nothing wrong with "popular" history books. And Andrew Marr's book is a prime example of an interesting, easy-to-read book without a lot of depth, but with a good grasp of the subject. He begins by reviewing the House of Windsor, from its beginning with King George V - son of Edward VII - through the reigns of George, his son Edward VIII, and finally, his other son, George VI, who took over the throne after Edward's abdication in 1936. George VI was, of course, Elizabeth's father, and when he died in 1952, she became queen at the age of 25. Marr then continues with her reign, highlighting her family, her relations with her people, and with the various prime ministers she's worked with. He also writes about Diana's influence on the royal family.
I've read many books on British Royalty. Most are more scholarly than Marr's. For a Royal-groupie who already knows a lot about the Royal family, I wouldn't advise wasting your time on Marr's book. However, for the casual reader it is a good choice to start with during this long Jubilee year.
There's nothing wrong with "popular" history books. And Andrew Marr's book is a prime example of an interesting, easy-to-read book without a lot of depth, but with a good grasp of the subject. He begins by reviewing the House of Windsor, from its beginning with King George V - son of Edward VII - through the reigns of George, his son Edward VIII, and finally, his other son, George VI, who took over the throne after Edward's abdication in 1936. George VI was, of course, Elizabeth's father, and when he died in 1952, she became queen at the age of 25. Marr then continues with her reign, highlighting her family, her relations with her people, and with the various prime ministers she's worked with. He also writes about Diana's influence on the royal family.
I've read many books on British Royalty. Most are more scholarly than Marr's. For a Royal-groupie who already knows a lot about the Royal family, I wouldn't advise wasting your time on Marr's book. However, for the casual reader it is a good choice to start with during this long Jubilee year.
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