sionedned's review
2.0
I thought the Tudor chapters were well written - as can be expected by a Tudor historian. But it quickly becomes boring and uninspired as it seems obvious that Starkey loses interest unless making comparisons to more modern tory MPs. Another issue is Starkey's portrayal and description of women and 'theorised' members of the LGBTQ+ community - the descriptions seem to be largely degrading and unnecessary to the argument he attempts to make.
sloshydolphin's review
informative
slow-paced
4.0
While the author is without doubt a little Englander and the book by its nature is focused on just the British Monarchy as an institution and how it has evolved over the last 600 years. The is discussion about most of the Kings and Queens of England but the book focuses on what has changed in the institution and why as apposed to a history of Kings and Queens.
The book is a bit dry, but that is the nature of the subject, but it was informative and interesting although at times i could feel the authors personal preference of how great monarchy is coming though.
It is not a book for someone who knows nothing on the subject but overall not a bad read.
The book is a bit dry, but that is the nature of the subject, but it was informative and interesting although at times i could feel the authors personal preference of how great monarchy is coming though.
It is not a book for someone who knows nothing on the subject but overall not a bad read.
charity_froggenhall's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely more breadth than depth, but it helps to see the themes of different monarchs through the centuries.
victoria_catherine_shaw's review against another edition
4.0
David Starkey's Monarchy provides a comprehensive history of the English Crown from Henry VII's 1485 accession through to the present day. It examines the ways in which the functions of the monarchy have changed and adapted through the centuries, and also provides an overview of the personal histories of those who have worn the crown during that period.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review
3.0
Three stars only because there is no citation or biblography. Honestly David Starkey, I expected better from you.
That said, this book is very readable. The prose is compelling and not dry at all. Starkey writes like he talks, but since this a book, I am spared his facial expressions that drive me nuts when I watch him. I swear, he is always looking down his nose at me. I guess my only quibble is that sometimes Starkey seems not to like women very much. Some of his comments are very catty -Queen Anne was described as having a body that went to seed after her various miscarriages. Starkey takes the reader into the present day and presents a somewhat favorable last chapter on Prince Charles. It's a good read.
That said, this book is very readable. The prose is compelling and not dry at all. Starkey writes like he talks, but since this a book, I am spared his facial expressions that drive me nuts when I watch him. I swear, he is always looking down his nose at me. I guess my only quibble is that sometimes Starkey seems not to like women very much. Some of his comments are very catty -Queen Anne was described as having a body that went to seed after her various miscarriages. Starkey takes the reader into the present day and presents a somewhat favorable last chapter on Prince Charles. It's a good read.
More...