The National Portrait Gallery History of the Kings and Queens of England

I bout this book for my collection, but it appeared very interesting to read. I never expect history book be so fascinating. I recommend to buy it.

I cannot express how much this book has taught me about the Kings and Queens of England. Although I had known about the more famous ones (Elizabeth I, Henry VIII & wives, Victoria) this marvelous book has now revealed the stories of the others to me. Not to mention the beautiful portraits of the royals themselves. The best thing about the book is the author's opinions of the King or Queen just slightly slipped in. Though, like others have said, the book doesn't go into great detail about anyone, you'll learn what really happened in the days of Mary I or Henry VI. The writing is definitely English, and while reading you may require a dictionary lying around. But although the hardcover could probably be classified as a "coffee table book," it's excellent reading, and is probably one of the most well written picture books I've ever read.

For anyone interested in the monarchs of England, this is a great picture book. Although this book does not go into detail of each monarch, it does give a brief description along with a photograph of the monarch. This book is divided into chapters starting with The Anglo-Saxons and Danes to The House of Windsor. Each of the Kings and Queens who reigned during those periods are featured in the perspective chapter. Each chapter also has a genealogy family tree which helps untangle the web of marriages and remarriages.It is a good picture book to walk the reader through the over 1000 years of the English monarchy.