The Crown: The Official Companion, Volume 2

Political Scandal, Personal Struggle, and the Years that Defined Elizabeth II (1956-1977)

By: Robert Lacey

Narrated by: Alex Jennings

The fascinating royal and social history that inspired seasons 2 and 3 of The Crown, written by the show’s historical consultant.

In this eye-opening companion to seasons 2 and 3 of Netflix’s acclaimed series The Crown, renowned biographer—and the show’s historical consultant—Robert Lacey takes us through the real history that inspired the drama.

Covering two tumultuous decades in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, Lacey looks at the key social, political, and personal moments and their effects—not only on the royal family but also on the world around them. From the Suez Crisis and the U.S.-Soviet space race to the legacy of the Duke of Windsor’s collaboration with Hitler, along with the rumored issues with the royal marriage, the book provides a thought-provoking insight into the historic decades that the show explores, revealing the truth behind the on-screen drama.

Extensively researched, this is a unique look behind the history that inspired the show and the years that would prove to be the making of the queen.

The Crown is now available to watch on Netflix.

The Crown is produced by Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television for Netflix.

Good companion piece to the Netflix series

The narration does not get any better. Mr. Jennings' adeptness at accents to add seasoning was a pleasant surprise. This volume inspires me to re-watch The Crown with a "third eye" and a more fulfilling perspective. It's been a while since I had viewed the series, so I'm re-watching each episode in tandem with its corresponding book chapter - which not only fills in with additional history, but confirms true events versus what is dramatic license from the perspective of The Crown's writer, Peter Morgan.

A great overview

The narrator is great with accents. Huge fan of The Crown. I'll wait for volume 3 whenever season 4 comes out.

Pretty good

Volume 1 was better. Struggled to finish but overall worth listening to especially if you are a fan of the show.

Loved it

This was the perfect book to turn to when we had finished all available seasons of the Crown and wished for more. Now to look for the companion to Season 4, if it exists....

Must Read If You Love The Crown!

If you watch the show you should read this book! Although it is a bit rushed with season 2 and 3, it does give great insight into the history and events that inspired each episode.