A guide to Britain's monarchs and their chequered histories, from pre-Roman times onwards. It explores lives and personalities of each monarch, their involvement in and effect on events in their reign. It provides information on the spirit, traditions and innovations of the nation at the time, including politics, arts, architecture and fashions.

This best-selling title is a handy-format, fully comprehensive guide to the rulers of the British nations and their chequered histories, from pre-Roman times to the present day. From King Kenneth I and Henry VIII through to Princess Diana, the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II, Kings and Queens: The Concise Guide reveals the lives and personalities of each monarch - the good, bad, lazy, greedy, downright wicked, sometimes mad and occasionally brilliant - and examines the ways in which they have shaped history. Including family trees, key facts and further details, as well as timelines to help place each monarch in their historical context, the book covers the major social, political and commercial events of each king and queen. The author also provides additional information on the spirit, traditions and innovations of the nation at the time, including politics, the arts, architecture and fashions. It is a magnificent visual feast in an appealing format, which guarantees to bring history alive for readers of all ages, through exciting narrative, renowned paintings and rare archive photographs.