The Lives of the Kings and Queens of England

By: edited by Antonia Fraser

Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

This magnificent story of 1,000 years of English history is told through the lives and deeds of Kings and Queens, from the Normans to the Windsors. Understand how the power of the crown has changed as a result of both the character and ability of each monarch and evolving historical circumstances. Eight specialist contributors depict the whole spectrum of royal life in a succinct and fascinating way. Newly revised in 1998, this edition offers expanded coverage of the House of Windsor, including recent events that have greatly affected the Royal Family.

©1998 Antonia Fraser (P)1998 by The Audio Partners Publishing Corp.

Excellent introduction of British History

Covering 10 centuries of monarchy in almost as many hours, this book moves fast. As a result of its comprehensive scope, one suspects that some of the most critical and important events in English history are given something of a superficial treatment. That being said, this book provides an excellent introduction to English history, at least the classic "great men (and women)" history that many of us grew up with. Although the book is a compilation of separate authors, it is very fluid. It is written in a plain, straightforward manner and breathes life into its recount of one of the greatest soap operas tales known to history--the story of the English monarchy. If you like stories about murder, treachery, and power, this book is chalk-full of such tales. For those from outside of England that want a quick overview before your trip, this book will definitely do the trick.

29 of 29 people found this review helpful

just what I wanted

A very concise review of all of the monarchy in England. As thorough as it can be for its short length--if you want a review of all the English monarchy, this is it! I have been reading a lot of biographies and wanted to get the overall strand of monarchs straight, and this was perfect for that. I found it helpful that the book was broke up the reigns by direct family line (so the section changed when someone died without a son/daughter).

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

An enthralling travel through history

Where does The Lives of the Kings and Queens of England rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Such a complete listening pleasure, the best book I have listened to so far I just couldn't stop I needed more.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

In the car, on the bus or cuddled up in bed at night I just loved in. Antonia Fraser may have edited this fabulous book but Wanda Mc Cadden brought the rise and fall of the English monarchy to life for me. Just fantastic!!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

History at it's best!

I love the way the book chronicles the history of the kings and queens of England. If you have an interest in the English Monarcy and/or some of the major turning points of England's history, this is the audiobook for you.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

wonderfully written, wonderfully read

I have Antonia Fraser's book as well but wanted to re-read it with audio. Starting with the Normon conquest up until the Windsors, it is a superb book, easy to follow, and immensely interesting with lots of detail. It is also very well read which makes listening to it a pleasure.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Very interesting

If you like British history or royalty then this is a good listen. I feel that if you were to read this from the book it would get dry. Listening to it was very interesting and it moved at a decent pace. I do feel some personal opinions colored some of the facts in this book and were presented as fact. But overall I liked it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Uneven timing

The chapters in the audiobook begin in the middle of the book chapters. Very annoying when trying to find specific parts of the book.

good

a bit dull,...but very nice history. I would've liked it if it went further back than 1066.

history of Kings and queens

Thoroughly enjoyable albeit a bit long.

1 of 3 people found this review helpful

Started Excellent and Ended Blah

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Pluses:
• The chapters on the early kings were very well done encompassing the major events of the kings’ reigns and in well-paced timing
• The technique of covering every monarch in chronological order was favorable than trying to find bits and pieces on monarchs in other lectures among other topics discussed

Minuses:
• The chapters on the latter kings were difficult to listen to (a combination of flowery talk making it difficult for the author’s points to be conveyed/understood and less of a focus on the monarch’s final legacy and summation of personality---too many times it seemed like the author was more interested in presenting differing views from way too many scholars; What was the general/majority opinion?? Was left with not really knowing what history truly said of the monarch/their legacy)
• Pre-Norman kings were not covered
• Some events or details seemed to be lacking or barely covered: for example How does a book like this not mention that Richard was known as the Lion heart? Or the Magna Carter’s purpose?

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bored

Very drawl. I am so disappointed it is unbelievable. I would not recommend this at all

Royals have lives too.

Short groups of facts about the British monarchy. Mostly well read except for over long pauses at the end of many of the sentence. All in all a good book for information and a useful base book for historians as it lists other source books as it goes.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful