The Reign - Life in Elizabeth's Britain: Part I: The Way It Was

by Matthew Engel

The first part of Matthew Engel's sweeping social history of modern Britain during the reign of Elizabeth II.

She came to the throne in 1952 when Britain had a far-flung empire, sweets were rationed, mums stayed home and kids played on bombsites.

Seventy years on, everything has changed utterly - except the Queen herself, ageing far more gracefully than the fractious nation over which she so lightly presides.

How did we get from there to here in a single reign? To cancel culture, anti-vaxxers and Twitter feeds?

Matthew Engel tells the story - starting with the years from Churchill to Thatcher - with his own light touch and a wealth of fascinating, forgotten, often funny detail.

Genres: History

400 pages, Hardcover

Published January 6, 2023

Reviews

[Shawn Thrasher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a mixed bag, equal parts interesting and “thank you, next.” Certainly not a biography of Elizabeth II, more a biography of the United Kingdom as it morphed around her. I think you would also call this “biting commentary;” Engel definitely has some sharp edges.

[Martin Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a period of history which is a great interest to me. I have read extensively about it and danger becomes over familiarisation of the subject. However,, Engel manages to weave a thoroughly entertaining trail through the first half of Elizabet’s reign without rehashing the same old stories he brings this fascinating period of history to life, with his customary skill and eloquence

[Adrian]

Engel covers the period 1952 to 1979 just as Margaret Thatcher comes to power, part II is to come. This is a social and political history of 580 pages with astonishing range. The brush used doesn't go into great detail on anything but this means he can cover more. Economics, immigration, sexual behaviour and the arts are all covered well. Appreciated the stories about ordinary people which highlight national trends. The quick pace of the book means if you aren't enjoying a section too much you won't have to read far until it shifts to something else. Author has a wicked sense of humour and more than once I laughed out loud. Footnotes are brilliant. I'm up for the next volume.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, such a good read and I'm looking forward to part 2.