INTRODUCTION: ELIZABETH THE QUEEN (SPOILER THREAD)

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Sorry Glenda but requests for the book were brisk and the offer is now closed. However, the book will be on sale I think January 10th.

[Debra]

Biting my nails- looking forward to this so much!

[Marie Z]

I know I'm a day late and a dollar short but I wish I had been more aware when the email first came out! This will be a wonderful book I am sure - about another Elizabeth's long lived reign! Bravo Elizabeth II. I would have have loved to win a copy - teaches me a good lesson that those who wait lose out !

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Maybe next time Marie Z and you can always get a copy of the book when it is released mid January.

[Marie Z]

Thanks Bently - I plan to do just that!

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Great, it will be awesome to have you with us.

[Melissa]

I would love a copy as well! Thanks.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

I am sorry Melissa but when you get a chance and read through the thread you will find that so many others wanted one too so that all of the 25 copies have gone fast.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Random House has the complete list of the original 25 responders. I have no idea how soon they will be mailed out this month; but as you receive them (if you are a confirmed and one of the original 25 lucky responders); then just let me know when you have actually received the book.

For any folks who are newbies to this thread; the offer is closed at this point because the response was fantastic. However, come mid January when the discussion begins, the book will have been released to the general public. All of you who missed this offer; I am truly sorry but there were only 25 copies being made available. There is always next time and mid January - all bookstores will have copies available.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

States represented in the lucky list of 25 plus are: (as you are aware - the Random House offer was only for folks residing in the United States - but we will have representatives from coast to coast (bordering the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans) and from states that border Canada to states that border the Gulf of Mexico)

Locations included: (19 states)

Iowa
New York
New Jersey
Illinois
California
Washington
Oregon
New Mexico
Texas
Massachusetts
Nebraska
Tennessee
Louisiana
Minnesota
Arizona
Idaho
Ohio
West Virginia
Virginia

[Debra]

Yay!

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

There may be a Christmas surprise for the very patient and considerate 5 confirmed wait listers. So be sure to be extra nice before Christmas. You never know (smile).

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

All, the event notification is up; there was a software glitch - goodreads went down and the original disappeared - respond to the second one. Folks are having no problems at all with the second one so look for it. Those of you who are receiving a free book should be responding yes. Merry Christmas to the 5 confirmed wait list folks, Random House is sending you a book too. I want to make sure you let me know that you have received the book when it comes - that goes for the original 25 and the wait list 5.

You can just post a note here when you get it.

[Judy]

Is there still a copy available? Could you contact me via my email address?

Judy

Bentley wrote: "Folks who have already signed up for advance copies are:

Bentley (my copy does not count to the 25 available) (November 8th)
1. Bryan Craig (November 8th) confirmed
2. Jill Hutchinson (November 8t..."

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

I am sorry; there are no complimentary ones available; message 114 was a note for those folks who are on the list already; there was a limited supply.

[Judy]

No need to be sorry...just wish I would have seen it sooner. I probably won't buy the book. Hopefully, the library will carry it.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Judy wrote: "No need to be sorry...just wish I would have seen it sooner. I probably won't buy the book. Hopefully, the library will carry it."

They probably will since it is the kind of book which I think will be incredibly popular. You even might be able to get it as a Kindle or Nook book.

[Virginia]

I see now that the Dinner at work and the resulting OT and getting behind on my emails and other things kept me from seeing this Advance copy notice. I would have definitely changed from maybe to yes. So I guess if I'm able to join the discussion in January, I'll be late waiting for the book.
Any notice you get for early copies - please let me and others know. Now that I've looked at it, I do want to join in.
Is it an authorized (and probably censored) biography?

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

I do not know Virginia but that is a great question to ask Sally on her chat thread. I will be setting that up shortly. Sally will be dropping in and out during the discussion.

However, as far as any other advanced copies there are no extra copies beyond those already promised and spoken for. Sorry about that.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

All,

The original 25 lucky book recipients and the top five confirmed wait listers will be receiving their books shortly. Today, I have been advised that all books have been sent out.

Let me know when you get yours.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

All,

If you are on the list to get the book, please note that there is a thread set up to post questions for Sally Bedell Smith. We will have our regular weekly non spoiler threads but there must be some questions about the book itself which all of you have on your mind. I would like to get a chat going on that thread in advance of Sally joining so she has loads of questions to get started on. So please help out and add your questions and thoughts to that thread.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Folks who are part of the Elizabeth the Queen discussion beginning January 10th - please get over to the Q&A thread because Sally has signed in and has begun to answer some of the questions that have been posted. Do not miss out on asking her some of your questions.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

All,

In terms of the Q&A with Sally; we are very lucky to have her spend any time with us and we are also very fortunate to have received some ARCs. Please ask respectful questions; we are not interviewing Sally on a talk show like Hardball or O'Reilly. Phrase questions for her on the Q&A thread otherwise please chat among yourselves here if you want to discuss things that are ancillary or not about the book or writing. Writing is a very appropriate subject and so is the book and/or any of her other writing endeavors or books.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Debra stated:

I am hoping that Sally will answer some of the questions about the Queen. there are lots of places where we can talk about writing, but I do hope she will address questions about the Queen. it is a history club. I am a writer, so of course those questions are interesting. but there is no place where I can talk to someone who has spoken to the Queen. No offense intended.

My Response:

Then please pose a question to Sally where you ask about the Queen. Remember, Sally does not have to answer all questions either.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Here is a post from Geevee which belongs on this thread in response to Suzy:

Suzy, the two cousins lived at the Royal Earlswood Hospital in Surrey, which is now a gated housing development. I had a friend who was treated there in the late 1980s, and the royal connection was mentioned by the staff. As to the recent Channel 4 film I did not watch it but the newspapers reported both angles (i.e. royal family hid relations with no visitors and that the Queen was upset by the film) http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-q...

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Here is the link to the Queens Hidden Cousins (complements of Geevee)

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/th...

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Moved from Q&A - Debra has rephrased the questions and discussion with Suzy can take place here where it should be. Thanks. This way Sally does not have to wade through sidebars.

Debra stated:

Good question, Suzy. It makes me think of how the Queen left her children to travel for extended periods of time. I know it was done by aristocrats, and that the Queen put her duties in first place, but Sally, did you come across any information about how she felt about doing that, then and later? I'm always dismayed at how many aristocrats accepted that as a high-born way of life, though it does add flavor to novels and movies today. It seems that Diana was able to figure out that it was better to snuggle them. Surely the Queen had suppressed maternal instincts.

[Geevee]

And thanks to Bettie here's the YouTube link for the Channel 4 programme for those outside the UK who may have difficulty in accessing the UK based content: http://youtu.be/UN1RgLqFvpA

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

All,

Those of you waiting for the book: I have been told that on December 8th, the list was sent for processing; that takes 5 days and then things are shipped taking the normal delivery time. We believe that by next week some of you should be seeing the books start to arrive.

Regards,

Bentley

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Geevee wrote: "And thanks to Bettie here's the YouTube link for the Channel 4 programme for those outside the UK who may have difficulty in accessing the UK based content: http://youtu.be/UN1RgLqFvpA"

Geevee, I watched this documentary and I have to say that this is more a commentary on Britain (and how the disabled were shut away)- as well as a dismal story about the Royal Earlswood Hospital which was an institution for the learning disabled in Surrey.

In fact, it was stated that it was built in 1855 as an 'Asylum for Idiots'. Absolutely terrible.

Next in line for criticism is of course the Queen Mother's brother and wife who allowed their girls to be placed there. The documentary did state that the girls' mother when alive came to visit them but nobody else.

It seems to me that more could have been done but as the documentary stated there was such a stigma attached to having children such as these.

I am glad to see that they finally got a headstone for Narissa and that Kathryn has a bit better life now. As far as the Queen, I don't feel that there is much that can be attributed to her regarding the decision by her uncle in terms of what he did or not do for his children; but these cousins obviously were forgotten and it would have been very nice and proper if they had not been. How difficult would it have been to send a Christmas and birthday present or visit the facility once a year. That might have made it better for all of the inmates.

Sad documentary really yet happy that the place is closed (condominiums now - spooky place to live really).

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

I will be placing here some other videos where the Queen is depicted in her normal duties.

Here is the following ceremony:

2011 Remembrance Sunday Ceremony at the Cenotaph - Part 1 of 3

The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall is a unique expression of national homage devoted to the remembrance of those who have given their lives in war. It was originally conceived as a commemoration of the war dead of the First World War but after the Second World War the scope of the ceremony was extended to focus on the nation's dead of both World Wars, and in 1980 it was widened once again to extend the remembrance to all who have suffered and died in conflict in the service of their country and all those who mourn them.

The service at the Cenotaph is framed to ensure that no-one is forgotten. The wreath laid by The Queen and the other tributes placed on the Cenotaph are dedicated to all who have suffered or died in war. Members of the Cabinet, Opposition Party leaders, former Prime Ministers and certain other Ministers and the Mayor of London are invited to attend the ceremony, along with representatives of the Armed Forces, Merchant Air and Navy and Fishing Fleets, and members of faith communities. High Commissioners from Commonwealth countries also attend the ceremony and lay wreaths at the Cenotaph.

Part One:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe9nE4...

Part Two of Three

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYYNZx...

Part Three of Three

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1hbql...

Quite Impressive.

[Cheryl]

Bentley wrote: "Those of you who are receiving a free book should be responding yes. Merry Christmas to the 5 confirmed wait list folks, Random House is sending you a book too..."

Yay! Just catching up on my email and saw this! Thanks, Santa Bentley! (and thanks, Santa Random House!)

[Jill]

Here is the official wedding photo of the Queen and Prince Phillip. A very attractive couple.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Cheryl wrote: "Bentley wrote: "Those of you who are receiving a free book should be responding yes. Merry Christmas to the 5 confirmed wait list folks, Random House is sending you a book too..."

Yay! Just catc..."

Yes, you guys were fortunate.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

You can see that Kate's dress was in tribute to the Queen and her selection blended with Princess Grace's absolutely lovely gown.

Thank you so much for adding that photo Jill.

[Geevee]

Bentley wrote: Geevee, I watched this documentary and I have to say that this is more a commentary on Britain (and how the disabled were shut away)- as well as a dismal story about the Royal Earlswood Hospital which was an institution for the learning disabled in Surrey..."

Bentley I agree - although I think it is wider than Britain more a 19th/early 20th century approach to mental illness - it was a huge place and I recall walking long long corridors to visit my friend. By this stage the writing was on the wall for these buildings as they were all being sold off and paint was peeling off walls and maintenance was clearly minimal.

Separately,thank you for adding the service at the Cenotaph. The march past of the military units, ships, regiments etc and veterans associations and groups after the remembrance service and wreath laying is worth watching too (You may be able to spot some US Marines marching with the Royal Marines too).

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

You are welcome and I did in fact see them. Nice touch I thought.

The service was very moving from start to finish. They had little stories and tributes throughout and interviews.

On the other subject, I agree.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

This is some rare footage of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth.
It starts out in black and white and switches to color.

The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGLN1k...

Rare archive tv and film footage of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 - a rare occasion when Parry's anthem 'I was glad' includes the chant of 'vivat regina'. NOTE: this clip starts in black and white and moves into color

An interesting sidebar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tU5-X...

Some Additional Footage:

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second in 1953 (Part 1/7)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxuYJ1...

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II (Part 1)

Date: June 2, 1953

In Westminster Abbey, where English kings and queens have been crowned for 900 years, Elizabeth triumphantly receives her crown on June 2, 1953. Indeed, there were more than 200 microphones in the Abbey and along the procession routes, with 750 commentators broadcasting in 39 languages.

The Archbishop of Canterbury administers the Oath, and presents "Queen Elizabeth, your undoubted Queen," meaning by hereditary right. The people respond with shouts of "God Save Queen Elizabeth." Elizabeth solemnly promised and swore "to govern the People of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, Pakistan and Ceylon."

The procession of the royal coach through Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace is a spectacle unlike any England has ever seen.

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second in 1953 (Part 2/7)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORMN48...

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second in 1953 (Part 3/7)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwzOHV...

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second in 1953 (Part 4/7)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBQ3E_...

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second in 1953 (Part 5/7)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbg8R-...

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second in 1953 (Part 6/7)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8hDPG...

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second in 1953 (Part 7/7)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HAXgm...

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

The Queen's Coronation: Behind Palace Doors (Part 1)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgFlbs...

The Queen's Coronation: Behind Palace Doors (Part 2)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=ULh...

The Queen's Coronation: Behind Palace Doors (Part 3)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=ULY...

The Queen's Coronation: Behind Palace Doors (Part 4)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=ULU...

The Queen's Coronation: Behind Palace Doors (Part 5)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=ULJ...

This documentary uncovers the tensions and conflict between the Queen Mother and Prince Philip in the build up to Princess Elizabeth's coronation in 1953.

[☯Emily]

Bentley wrote: "All,

Those of you waiting for the book: I have been told that on December 8th, the list was sent for processing; that takes 5 days and then things are shipped taking the normal delivery time. We ..."

Got my book today without the cool cover of Queen Elizabeth!

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

The arcs more than likely did not have them; but great to know you have your copy; you are the first that I have heard from.

[Lisa]

got mine!!

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Great; at least we have confirmed two out of the thirty.

[Cheryl]

I received my copy today too! :)

[Jill]

Not yet.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Well, at least some folks on the list are starting to receive them today which gives folks some hope. Please let me know as you receive your copies. Thanks.

PS: The one thing that all three have in common is that they are from New Jersey which may be the state where the distributor is for these ARCS.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Cheryl wrote: "I received my copy today too! :)"

And Merry Christmas Cheryl from the Random House elves; it was very nice of them to send to the five loyal and patient wait listers.

[☯Emily]

Bentley wrote: "Well, at least some folks on the list are starting to receive them today which gives folks some hope. Please let me know as you receive your copies. Thanks.

PS: The one thing that all three hav..."

The shipping address label is from Manhattan and it was shipped UPS Ground.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Well New Jersey is closest and UPS Ground is fairly quick usually. Let us hope some of our other participants get there copy today (smile).

[Jason]

Poor me in California. I hope I get it this week at least!