Tracy Borman is one of my favorite authors. In this book, she expertly condenses the history of the British monarchy—from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II—into fewer than 600 pages, making it both readable and enjoyable. Each monarch is given a concise biographical chapter, packed with all the essential and intriguing details.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I found the subject matter really interesting. The book was well written and easy to understand. I highly recommend this book.

I adore Tracy Borman both as a historian and as an author. I am amazed that she was able to take one thousand years of history and write it in a understandable, brief and concise manner. I the door British history and she was able to provide so many parts that I was not taught in school or have not read about in prior books meaning something about each Monarch, beginning with William the Conqueror through Elizabeth II. I really enjoyed the chapter on Elizabeth II as there is quite a bit of detail about the personal tribulations of the Royal Family. All of the other chapters provide just enough information about each corresponding Monarch to let you decide if you'd like to read or find more detailed histories on them. An excellent read.

A good retelling of English history of the monarchy. Nothing earth shattering for History buffs, but good all the same.

This is well written but offers nothing new to most people with an interest in history. The authors theory regarding Prince Arthur was however interesting and the book offers a clear overview of the history of the monarchy.

If you want a condensed history of the monarchy from William the Conqueror to the present day then this is the book for you.
Well written and often entertaining, Tracy Borman has created an easy to read history outlining the conquests and plots that put those on the throne that ruled and those who subsequently reigned.
Would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in this subject at any level.

Thank you to Grove Atlantic & Netgallery for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I love Tracy Borman
A fantastic historian and her books are so accessible

This is a great overview of British monarchs

A WELL EXECUTED, CONDENCED HISTORY OF THE KINGS OF BRITAIN

I have always been fascinated by the British Monarchy. I know the list of monarch from Ecbert to Elizabeth II by heart. So when this gem of a book fell into my lap I gobbled it up. While you'd think there was little knew to say about the British monarchy, Borman still finds a way to enlighten. I was especially fascinated by her inclusion of many of the queen consorts and the roles they played in the administration of the country and their husbands' lives. That was something I had felt lacking in previous studies of English kings. The subject of how queenship mirrors and supports kingship is, however, too broad for the scope of this book and Borman only scratches the surface. But if she ever feels the need to turn it into a study of its own, she will have my support. I also really liked Borman's notes and views on how each king shaped the idea of kingship. They each did something, decided something or refrained from doing something that had an impact on the office of kingship up until this day.

I love Tracy Borman's books. She is both an excellent historian and an excellent writer, two things that do not necessarily go together. Her new book, "Crown and Sceptre" is no different. What a pleasure it was to read.

In "Crown and Sceptre" we find all of the British monarchs of England, from William the Conqueror to the present Queen Elizabeth II. Some of the entries are longer, some shorter, but all are interesting. For those with more knowledge of British history, this is a welcome review, for those of less knowledge, this is an excellent introduction to a complicated subject.

People have an enduring fascination with the British monarchy. For over 900 years a group of relatives has ruled and reigned over the island realm, making mischief and history. This is a book which can be read straight through, or dipped into at will. Either way, it is a terrific read, and heartily recommended.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I do think that this book is aimed at a somewhat-particular reader- if you are well-versed in the history of monarchy, you probably aren’t reaching for a collective biography. However, I think that this book is the perfect introduction to the English/British monarchy. There are always people becoming newly interested in the monarchy, and it does seem unfortunate that they often have to go back 15-20 years to find a solid introduction. Borman is a talented writer and keeps the book engaging and entertaining, not always an easy feat! I appreciate that she included context to each monarch, rather than placing them in a vacuum. All in all, a wonderful text!

I red through this book slowy, soaking it all in! Tracy brought so much! So much new information that I didn't know I highly recommend this book!!!
It starts with William the Conquer to thw current Queen,and everyone in-between.

An irresistible read for lovers of British history--a juicy, compelling, fact-filled chronology of 1000 years of monarchy that reads like fiction. Highly recommended.

Crown & Sceptre: A New History of the British Monarchy, from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II by Tracy Borman. A History of English rulers for nearly a thousand years from 1066 to the present.
I love the historical accuracy in Tracy Borman’s books whether fiction or nonfiction. In this book no detail is missed in her historical and personal biographical information of each monarch. It is interesting how laws were made, influenced and how the government was changed because of the behavior of these rulers.
This book will stand out as a new textbook of the British Monarchy and the influence of England on world history. Politics is a constant power struggle, it never seems to change whether it is historical Kings or the politicians of today. Your life is never your own, is power worth it? Apparently it is to some, but why? Does history give some of the answers? Borman’s Crown and Sceptre will be devoured by history lovers, for pure reading enjoyment and as a historical reference.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

A well researched and informative book about British monarchy, an overview of nearly 1000 years.
It's interesting and the timeline helps to keep track of dinasties and monarches.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

"Crown & Sceptre" is an interesting overall look at the English monarchy, from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II. Brief biographies of each sovereign provide fascinating historical information but also allow Anglophiles to see the ebb and flow of the monarchy, the development and changes of aspects that we may still recognize today, and help us to follow the families of the House of Tudor, Stuart, Plantagenet, Windsor, and others. Tracy Borgman is an excellent historian and does a brilliant job of tracking how the monarchy is seen by the people, how the crown must change to suit the age, and how it does (or does not) succeed up to the present day.

Well written and well researched, this is a must read for those interested in British history!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

A truly fascinating book as this is something I've always wanted: an accessible compendium of all the British monarchs since the Norman Conquest. But my, what an undertaking. I'm in awe and I applaud you, Ms. Borman. (You can do both at the same time, right?)

Already familiar with Tracy Borman via several Smithsonian Channel television shows, Crown & Sceptre serves to demonstrate her unmatched royal expertise.

I got this as an ARC from Netgalley.com.

This book is a good overview of the English monarchy from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II.

I wouldn't call it ground-breaking, but it is very solid. While I've read quite a bit about the English throne, I've never read a book that covers the entirety of all of the rulers in such an easy to digest manner. This would be a good book to recommend to anyone who wants to keep a quick reference on the highs (or lows) of a particular ruler or dynasty on hand, or someone who is interested in the topic but doesn't want to get bogged down in too much detail.

Crown and Sceptre was a fascinating and detailed look into the development of the British monarchy on the eve of Queen Elizabeth II's 70th year on the throne. This book follows the power of the monarchy as it changed over the years and provides insight into this long-lasting historical tradition.

I had read several of Tracey Boorman's books and loved them, particularly Thomas Cromwell. This was a very useful overview of the line of kings and queens. For some reason, I found the early kings and queens far more interesting than the later ones, which I skipped through. I think because it was an overview, the book tends to skim over rather than explore character and motivation. I think the latter is what Tracey Boorman excels. at. But still a very enjoyable read.