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Crown & Sceptre

A New History of the British Monarchy from William the Conqueror to Charles III

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Crown & Sceptre

By: Tracy Borman
Narrated by: Tracy Borman
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About this listen

An exploration of the history of the British monarchy from 1066 to the present day, now including a new chapter on King Charles III.

With 1000 years of royal history from 1066 to the present day, Domesday Book to Magna Carta the Field of Cloth of Gold to King Charles' accession, Crown & Sceptre is an unparalleled exploration of the British monarchy. From Sunday Times bestselling author and joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces Tracy Borman, comes a fresh, engaging and authoritative account of the crown's tumultuous history—including a chapter on King Charles III.

Impeccably researched, Crown & Sceptre explores in gripping detail how this iconic institution has survived the storms of rebellion, revolution and war that brought most of the world's other monarchies to an abrupt and bloody end. It is a story of ruthless dynastic battles, political and social leadership, usurpation and abdication, all set against a backdrop of dazzling ceremony and pageantry.

©2021 Tracy Borman (P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Europe Great Britain Politics & Activism Royalty

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This is a great book for learning the dates of the monarchs and the best and worst parts of each of their terms. I’d say it’s great for anyone wanting to start learning about the history of the kings and queens and the most interesting parts of their lives.

The best and worst of each monarch

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A great listen about the monarchs we've had since William the Conqueror and right up to the present day with Charles III

Excellent

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The chapters about each Monarch describe their reigns and key events. beautifully narrated which kept me fully engaged

Engaging and enjoyable

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I thought that Tracy did a great job on the writing and the narration. The book dedicates each chapter to each Monarch in chronological order. The way the book is written makes it easy to engage with, and all the main points of each Monarch are covered. Some chapters are longer than others depending on the length of reign of that particular Monarch.

A previous reviewer, in fact the 1st reviewer here was highly critical of Tracy's narration, but I couldn't disagree more. He (the 1st reviewer) did not give any reason why he did not like her narrations. It sounds quite obvious that he is an older gentleman that may likely not be used to hearing a female historian comment with authority on such a subject matter, but take it from me, Tracy gave a great performance and I can't say that I ever felt irritated or bored by her narration in the whole 20 hours.

Would recommend this book to anyone that wishes to learn more and get a good overview on English Monarchs since 1066.

Great Book that covers all the Monarchs

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I don’t get the complaints about the narration . It was spot on . Just enough energy and perfectly clear.

Very knowledgeable

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I loved this book. I liked that her history of British monarchs included all from 1066, not just up to a certain point as many biographies do, most don't include the Hanoverians onwards. It was like taking a journey through history, into our own times. I would have liked it to have included kings before 1066, as if our Anglo Saxon kings didn't count somehow. Tracy is an excellent narrator.

Epic book

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Cleverly constructed and gripping. Scandals, wars, love and duty. This book is a must read for history lovers.

Brilliant

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this is very long but is narrated so we'll it never seem like it is. would recommend

comprehy

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I really enjoyed the whistle stop tour of England and Britain’s Kings and Queens. It’s interesting to understand who was related to whom and where the traditions come from. Amusing to note most of them weren’t English at all! Well written, well read with a few mispronunciations that rankled. Frog head for example! I love Tracy Norman’s passion for her subject.

Fascinating

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A bit of history about the past monarchy not dry. Like listening to it. Some chapters could have been longer but on the whole worth a credit.

Enjoyed this

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