The Shortest History of the Crown by Stephen Bates | Black Inc.
The Shortest History of the Crown

A lively, concise guide to the Crown, charting its colourful heights and troubled lows. 
—BBC History

The Shortest History of the Crown

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About the author

Stephen Bates

Stephen Bates is an award-winning author and journalist, with over 45 years’ experience on various national titles. Most recently, he was Royalty and Religious Affairs correspondent for The Guardian. His previous books include The …

More about Stephen Bates



Praise for The Shortest History of the Crown

‘A lively tale of monarchy in the UK, from Saxon warlords to William and Harry’ —The Daily Mail

‘This is monarchy nerd heaven. All the fascinating detail of British royal history in one place, complete with facts on all those thorny quirks you thought you understood but really didn’t.’ —Juliet Rieden, author of The Royals in Australia

The Shortest History of The Crown condenses the story of Britain's kings and queens (their battles, their scandals and their legacies) into a gripping history … The story of Britain’s monarchy would certainly give Game of Thrones a run for its money. It is one rife with bloodshed, betrayals and feuding families, as well as social and political upheavals around the United Kingdom.’ —Reader's Digest

‘A brilliant new book … puts it all into perspective’ —Phil Dampier, Royal Correspondent and author of Royally Suited: Harry and Meghan In Their Own Words and Diana: I’m Going To Be Me: The People’s Princess In Her Own Words

‘A lively, concise guide to the Crown, charting its colourful heights and troubled lows.’ —BBC History

‘Award-winning author Bates takes us at a smart clip through some 1,300 years of history, from King Offa (757–796) to our own dear late Queen, keeping us highly entertained along the way. Beneath the breezy style one senses deep research and expertise.’ —Saga Magazine

‘ ....if you want to be able to argue relative merits of spending so much money on putting a heap of jewels on a bloke’s head, then this is a great place to start.’ —Jane Shilling, The Daily Telegraph

‘An engaging history that finishes with Charles III, emphasising the crown’s long-running capacity for adaptation and contemplating the future of The Firm.’ —Steven Carroll, The Sydney Morning Herald