Queen and Country: The Fifty-Year Reign of Elizabeth II

by William Shawcross

Written with the blessing and cooperation of the royal family, this beautifully illustrated portrait of England's long-time queen focuses on her private life, personal interests, and social and political role of a constitutional monarch in her nation. 35,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, Royalty, British Literature

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 23, 2002

About the author

William Shawcross is a widely renowned writer and broadcaster.

Reviews

[Mell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed the biographical and historical elements of this book. As a staunch believer in direct democracy, the British monarchy has always puzzled me. The fact that Elizabeth II has influenced government and affairs of state for 60+ years just boggles my mind. The amount of property, jewelry and wealth is really astonishing. Maybe that's why the world loves to watch all the pomp and ceremony. It's pretty. I learned a great deal.

Did not enjoy the author repeatedly injecting his terribly snobby and judgemental opinions into the book. His ultra-Tory views disrupted the biographical elements. He bemoans the scaling back of England's Empire (colonies and mega military), refers to the country as socialist and a "welfare state" several times (guess he's not a fan of National Health), and uses language that is dated and insulting. The last pages of the book are the worst- "an underclass that is hard to reach" by the government. Who actually uses the word underclass? Also--"In 1952 there were more class divisions but there was also greater courtesy." I read that as poor people aren't as respectful to the rich. Sheesh. It's fine to say that times change, Mr. Shawcross. Just stick to real facts and leave your bias out of it.

[Grace Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was lots of interesting information about Queen Elizabeth the 2nd. I was most surprised about how she was not born to be Queen. However, this book is now 15 years out of date. Also, I did not enjoy how the author included his own opinions about events, particularly towards the end dealing with current events.

[Marilyn Sue Michel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sympathetic portrait of an amazing person, Queen Elizabeth II. She has had a long history of responsibility and dramatic events, since taking the throne in 1952. Presents a good discussion of the role of the monarchy in England.

[Tom Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional book about an exceptional woman.

[Amber the Human · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this at the library ... and of course I have other books to read ... but I was like "well, it's so full of photos, it won't take long to read, right?" And it didn't take that long, although longer than I thought. It really does give a broad and well-done description of how monarchy has been working in England since 1953. I liked learning about her different relationships with her prime ministers. Recommended (if only for the pictures).

[Karen]

I appreciated the author's easy style of writing. Queen and Country was a compelling read, and a good way to lay a foundation for future explorations into the life of this capable woman. I better understand the role of a monarch and the constant push for change she as Queen has encountered throughout her reign.

[Marjorie]

I'm hoping that this will be an interesting trip through the 20th century. I"ve already learned that the Queen Mum's nickname was Buffy. That was worth the price of the book. Also, the book doubles as a doorstop.

[Diana Bustamante · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️. Very timely to be reading this at the Queen’s death. It goes a long way to help explain the vagaries of being the monarch. Many young girls wish to be princesses. Oh no, what a terrible thing it must be.

[Becka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A v. positive and lovingly portrayed biography of Queen Elizabeth II

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the Queen's personal relationship with each successive Prime Minister.

[Phillis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. Helped me to understand modern day monarchy and how it changed over the last 50 years or so.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just feeding the royalty need!

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't understand 60% of the words used