Reviews
Praise for Crown & Sceptre : An Amazon Best History Book of the Month "Engaging and perceptive . . . Given its extensive timeframe and diverse cast of characters, Crown & Sceptre could easily have become little more than a potted history of Britain from 1066 to the present. But while Ms. Borman offers deft and thoughtful assessments of every reign . . . the chronological approach is enriched by details that help to humanize her subjects."-- Stephen Brumwell, Wall Street Journal "Tracy Borman's Crown & Sceptre brings us in short, vivid chapters from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth herself, much of it constituting a dark record of bumping off adversaries, rivals and spouses, confiscating vast estates and military invasions . . . Though dynastic troubles are woven into the fabric of British history, it is only one element in this lucid, character-rich book. Throughout, Borman traces the changing relationship between a weakening crown and the growing power and makeup of Parliament, the country's true ruler since the 17th century."-- Minneapolis Star Tribune "Tracy Borman packs nearly 1,000 years of royal history into this look at the men and women who have ruled Britain. It's a wide-ranging crew--sometimes worthy, sometimes not so much. And yet the monarchy has endured. Borman's deep understanding of English royalty shines."-- Amazon Book Review "An entertaining one-volume compendium of the conquests (political and amorous), successes, failures, triumphs, skullduggeries, and follies of 41 monarchs dating from 1066 to the present . . . An effective, quick walk through the players and their times."-- Arts Fuse "Prolific British historian Borman outdoes herself in this expansive survey. Writing with a fluidity and grace matched by her authority on the subject, the author makes the stories of each monarch, from the incompetent to the sadistic to the praiseworthy, interesting and memorable . . . Borman observes that the British monarchy has prevailed because it understands that its power is largely symbolic, shaping and supporting British culture and an enormous tourism industry. After reading this splendid book, readers may bet on its survival, at least in this century. A superb synthesis of historical analysis, politics, and top-notch royal gossip."-- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "[Borman] convincingly argues that the British crown survived when others did not because it adapted to changing times . . . [She] brings the royals to life in all their triumphs and tragedies using their stories to unpack complex issues of governance, succession, and geopolitics . . . Crisp, clear writing, insightful character sketches, and unifying themes keep the narrative moving along. Compact chapters organized by dynasty and reign, notes, and an extensive bibliography make it suitable for reference."-- Booklist "An elegant and evenhanded chronicle of the British monarchy . . . Enlightening and accessible, this is a superb introduction to one of the world's most enduring monarchies."-- Publishers Weekly, Praise for Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I : "Rewarding . . . Beautifully envisioned and full of insight, this is a must-read for Tudor history buffs."-- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Anne and Elizabeth blazed new trails in queenship, taking new power and influence, and forever altering the roles of women in government and religion. Accessible while academic, Borman''s extensively researched work dispels the notion that Elizabeth was ashamed of her mother and enhances our appreciation of England''s most extraordinary--and prolifically written-about--queen, examining the life of Queen Elizabeth I through the lens of her mother''s life, death, and legacy."-- Booklist "Highly recommended for readers interested in British history, royalty, and the Tudor era."-- Library Journal Praise for Crown & Sceptre : "Engaging and perceptive . . . Given its extensive timeframe and diverse cast of characters, Crown & Sceptre could easily have become little more than a potted history of Britain from 1066 to the present. But while Ms. Borman offers deft and thoughtful assessments of every reign . . . the chronological approach is enriched by details that help to humanize her subjects."-- Stephen Brumwell, Wall Street Journal "Tracy Borman''s Crown & Sceptre brings us in short, vivid chapters from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth herself, much of it constituting a dark record of bumping off adversaries, rivals and spouses, confiscating vast estates and military invasions . . . Though dynastic troubles are woven into the fabric of British history, it is only one element in this lucid, character-rich book. Throughout, Borman traces the changing relationship between a weakening crown and the growing power and makeup of Parliament, the country''s true ruler since the 17th century."-- Minneapolis Star Tribune "Tracy Borman packs nearly 1,000 years of royal history into this look at the men and women who have ruled Britain. It''s a wide-ranging crew--sometimes worthy, sometimes not so much. And yet the monarchy has endured. Borman''s deep understanding of English royalty shines."-- Amazon Book Review "An entertaining one-volume compendium of the conquests (political and amorous), successes, failures, triumphs, skullduggeries, and follies of 41 monarchs dating from 1066 to the present . . . An effective, quick walk through the players and their times."-- Arts Fuse "Prolific British historian Borman outdoes herself in this expansive survey. Writing with a fluidity and grace matched by her authority on the subject, the author makes the stories of each monarch, from the incompetent to the sadistic to the praiseworthy, interesting and memorable . . . Borman observes that the British monarchy has prevailed because it understands that its power is largely symbolic, shaping and supporting British culture and an enormous tourism industry. After reading this splendid book, readers may bet on its survival, at least in this century. A superb synthesis of historical analysis, politics, and top-notch royal gossip."-- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "[Borman] convincingly argues that the British crown survived when others did not because it adapted to changing times . . . [She] brings the royals to life in all their triumphs and tragedies using their stories to unpack complex issues of governance, succession, and geopolitics . . . Crisp, clear writing, insightful character sketches, and unifying themes keep the narrative moving along. Compact chapters organized by dynasty and reign, notes, and an extensive bibliography make it suitable for reference."-- Booklist "An elegant and evenhanded chronicle of the British monarchy . . . Enlightening and accessible, this is a superb introduction to one of the world''s most enduring monarchies."-- Publishers Weekly, Praise for Crown & Sceptre : "Engaging and perceptive . . . Given its extensive timeframe and diverse cast of characters, Crown & Sceptre could easily have become little more than a potted history of Britain from 1066 to the present. But while Ms. Borman offers deft and thoughtful assessments of every reign . . . the chronological approach is enriched by details that help to humanize her subjects."-- Stephen Brumwell, Wall Street Journal "Tracy Borman's Crown & Sceptre brings us in short, vivid chapters from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth herself, much of it constituting a dark record of bumping off adversaries, rivals and spouses, confiscating vast estates and military invasions . . . Though dynastic troubles are woven into the fabric of British history, it is only one element in this lucid, character-rich book. Throughout, Borman traces the changing relationship between a weakening crown and the growing power and makeup of Parliament, the country's true ruler since the 17th century."-- Minneapolis Star Tribune "Tracy Borman packs nearly 1,000 years of royal history into this look at the men and women who have ruled Britain. It's a wide-ranging crew--sometimes worthy, sometimes not so much. And yet the monarchy has endured. Borman's deep understanding of English royalty shines."-- Amazon Book Review "An entertaining one-volume compendium of the conquests (political and amorous), successes, failures, triumphs, skullduggeries, and follies of 41 monarchs dating from 1066 to the present . . . An effective, quick walk through the players and their times."-- Arts Fuse "Prolific British historian Borman outdoes herself in this expansive survey. Writing with a fluidity and grace matched by her authority on the subject, the author makes the stories of each monarch, from the incompetent to the sadistic to the praiseworthy, interesting and memorable . . . Borman observes that the British monarchy has prevailed because it understands that its power is largely symbolic, shaping and supporting British culture and an enormous tourism industry. After reading this splendid book, readers may bet on its survival, at least in this century. A superb synthesis of historical analysis, politics, and top-notch royal gossip."-- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "[Borman] convincingly argues that the British crown survived when others did not because it adapted to changing times . . . [She] brings the royals to life in all their triumphs and tragedies using their stories to unpack complex issues of governance, succession, and geopolitics . . . Crisp, clear writing, insightful character sketches, and unifying themes keep the narrative moving along. Compact chapters organized by dynasty and reign, notes, and an extensive bibliography make it suitable for reference."-- Booklist "An elegant and evenhanded chronicle of the British monarchy . . . Enlightening and accessible, this is a superb introduction to one of the world's most enduring monarchies."-- Publishers Weekly, Praise for Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I : "Rewarding . . . Beautifully envisioned and full of insight, this is a must-read for Tudor history buffs."-- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Highly recommended for readers interested in British history, royalty, and the Tudor era."-- Library Journal Praise for Crown & Sceptre : "Engaging and perceptive . . . Given its extensive timeframe and diverse cast of characters, Crown & Sceptre could easily have become little more than a potted history of Britain from 1066 to the present. But while Ms. Borman offers deft and thoughtful assessments of every reign . . . the chronological approach is enriched by details that help to humanize her subjects."-- Stephen Brumwell, Wall Street Journal "Tracy Borman''s Crown & Sceptre brings us in short, vivid chapters from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth herself, much of it constituting a dark record of bumping off adversaries, rivals and spouses, confiscating vast estates and military invasions . . . Though dynastic troubles are woven into the fabric of British history, it is only one element in this lucid, character-rich book. Throughout, Borman traces the changing relationship between a weakening crown and the growing power and makeup of Parliament, the country''s true ruler since the 17th century."-- Minneapolis Star Tribune "Tracy Borman packs nearly 1,000 years of royal history into this look at the men and women who have ruled Britain. It''s a wide-ranging crew--sometimes worthy, sometimes not so much. And yet the monarchy has endured. Borman''s deep understanding of English royalty shines."-- Amazon Book Review "An entertaining one-volume compendium of the conquests (political and amorous), successes, failures, triumphs, skullduggeries, and follies of 41 monarchs dating from 1066 to the present . . . An effective, quick walk through the players and their times."-- Arts Fuse "Prolific British historian Borman outdoes herself in this expansive survey. Writing with a fluidity and grace matched by her authority on the subject, the author makes the stories of each monarch, from the incompetent to the sadistic to the praiseworthy, interesting and memorable . . . Borman observes that the British monarchy has prevailed because it understands that its power is largely symbolic, shaping and supporting British culture and an enormous tourism industry. After reading this splendid book, readers may bet on its survival, at least in this century. A superb synthesis of historical analysis, politics, and top-notch royal gossip."-- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "[Borman] convincingly argues that the British crown survived when others did not because it adapted to changing times . . . [She] brings the royals to life in all their triumphs and tragedies using their stories to unpack complex issues of governance, succession, and geopolitics . . . Crisp, clear writing, insightful character sketches, and unifying themes keep the narrative moving along. Compact chapters organized by dynasty and reign, notes, and an extensive bibliography make it suitable for reference."-- Booklist "An elegant and evenhanded chronicle of the British monarchy . . . Enlightening and accessible, this is a superb introduction to one of the world''s most enduring monarchies."-- Publishers Weekly, Praise for Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I : "Rewarding . . . Beautifully envisioned and full of insight, this is a must-read for Tudor history buffs."-- Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Crown & Sceptre : "Engaging and perceptive . . . Given its extensive timeframe and diverse cast of characters, Crown & Sceptre could easily have become little more than a potted history of Britain from 1066 to the present. But while Ms. Borman offers deft and thoughtful assessments of every reign . . . the chronological approach is enriched by details that help to humanize her subjects."-- Stephen Brumwell, Wall Street Journal "Tracy Borman's Crown & Sceptre brings us in short, vivid chapters from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth herself, much of it constituting a dark record of bumping off adversaries, rivals and spouses, confiscating vast estates and military invasions . . . Though dynastic troubles are woven into the fabric of British history, it is only one element in this lucid, character-rich book. Throughout, Borman traces the changing relationship between a weakening crown and the growing power and makeup of Parliament, the country's true ruler since the 17th century."-- Minneapolis Star Tribune "Tracy Borman packs nearly 1,000 years of royal history into this look at the men and women who have ruled Britain. It's a wide-ranging crew--sometimes worthy, sometimes not so much. And yet the monarchy has endured. Borman's deep understanding of English royalty shines."-- Amazon Book Review "An entertaining one-volume compendium of the conquests (political and amorous), successes, failures, triumphs, skullduggeries, and follies of 41 monarchs dating from 1066 to the present . . . An effective, quick walk through the players and their times."-- Arts Fuse "Prolific British historian Borman outdoes herself in this expansive survey. Writing with a fluidity and grace matched by her authority on the subject, the author makes the stories of each monarch, from the incompetent to the sadistic to the praiseworthy, interesting and memorable . . . Borman observes that the British monarchy has prevailed because it understands that its power is largely symbolic, shaping and supporting British culture and an enormous tourism industry. After reading this splendid book, readers may bet on its survival, at least in this century. A superb synthesis of historical analysis, politics, and top-notch royal gossip."-- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "[Borman] convincingly argues that the British crown survived when others did not because it adapted to changing times . . . [She] brings the royals to life in all their triumphs and tragedies using their stories to unpack complex issues of governance, succession, and geopolitics . . . Crisp, clear writing, insightful character sketches, and unifying themes keep the narrative moving along. Compact chapters organized by dynasty and reign, notes, and an extensive bibliography make it suitable for reference."-- Booklist "An elegant and evenhanded chronicle of the British monarchy . . . Enlightening and accessible, this is a superb introduction to one of the world's most enduring monarchies."-- Publishers Weekly, Praise for Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I : "Rewarding . . . Beautifully envisioned and full of insight, this is a must-read for Tudor history buffs."-- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Respected Tudor scholar Borman makes a case for both women''s political and cultural influence, while detailing how they were shaped by the traditions of the day."-- AARP "Anne and Elizabeth blazed new trails in queenship, taking new power and influence, and forever altering the roles of women in government and religion. Accessible while academic, Borman''s extensively researched work dispels the notion that Elizabeth was ashamed of her mother and enhances our appreciation of England''s most extraordinary--and prolifically written-about--queen, examining the life of Queen Elizabeth I through the lens of her mother''s life, death, and legacy."-- Booklist "Highly recommended for readers interested in British history, royalty, and the Tudor era."-- Library Journal Praise for Crown & Sceptre : "Engaging and perceptive . . . Given its extensive timeframe and diverse cast of characters, Crown & Sceptre could easily have become little more than a potted history of Britain from 1066 to the present. But while Ms. Borman offers deft and thoughtful assessments of every reign . . . the chronological approach is enriched by details that help to humanize her subjects."-- Stephen Brumwell, Wall Street Journal "Tracy Borman''s Crown & Sceptre brings us in short, vivid chapters from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth herself, much of it constituting a dark record of bumping off adversaries, rivals and spouses, confiscating vast estates and military invasions . . . Though dynastic troubles are woven into the fabric of British history, it is only one element in this lucid, character-rich book. Throughout, Borman traces the changing relationship between a weakening crown and the growing power and makeup of Parliament, the country''s true ruler since the 17th century."-- Minneapolis Star Tribune "Tracy Borman packs nearly 1,000 years of royal history into this look at the men and women who have ruled Britain. It''s a wide-ranging crew--sometimes worthy, sometimes not so much. And yet the monarchy has endured. Borman''s deep understanding of English royalty shines."-- Amazon Book Review "An entertaining one-volume compendium of the conquests (political and amorous), successes, failures, triumphs, skullduggeries, and follies of 41 monarchs dating from 1066 to the present . . . An effective, quick walk through the players and their times."-- Arts Fuse "Prolific British historian Borman outdoes herself in this expansive survey. Writing with a fluidity and grace matched by her authority on the subject, the author makes the stories of each monarch, from the incompetent to the sadistic to the praiseworthy, interesting and memorable . . . Borman observes that the British monarchy has prevailed because it understands that its power is largely symbolic, shaping and supporting British culture and an enormous tourism industry. After reading this splendid book, readers may bet on its survival, at least in this century. A superb synthesis of historical analysis, politics, and top-notch royal gossip."-- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "[Borman] convincingly argues that the British crown survived when others did not because it adapted to changing times . . . [She] brings the royals to life in all their triumphs and tragedies using their stories to unpack complex issues of governance, succession, and geopolitics . . . Crisp, clear writing, insightful character sketches, and unifying themes keep the narrative moving along. Compact chapters organized by dynasty and reign, notes, and an extensive bibliography make it suitable for reference."-- Booklist "An elegant and evenhanded chronicle of the British monarchy . . . Enlightening and accessible, this is a superb introduction to one of the world''s most enduring monarchies."-- Publishers Weekly
