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The Lives of the Kings and Queens of England cover art

The Lives of the Kings and Queens of England

By: Antonia Fraser - editor
Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon
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Summary

This magnificent story of 1,000 years of English history is told through the lives and deeds of Kings and Queens, from the Normans to the Windsors. Understand how the power of the crown has changed as a result of both the character and ability of each monarch and evolving historical circumstances. Eight specialist contributors depict the whole spectrum of royal life in a succinct and fascinating way. Newly revised in 1998, this edition offers expanded coverage of the House of Windsor, including recent events that have greatly affected the Royal Family.

©1998 Antonia Fraser (P)1998 by The Audio Partners Publishing Corp.

What listeners say about The Lives of the Kings and Queens of England

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  • Overall
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Excellent summary of a massive topic. Why>14 words

Excellent summary of a massive topic. I question why more than 14 words are needed for a review.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Interesting story but ..

A story of monarchy is compelling but not helped by the narrator with questionable accents and pronunciation jousting into juicing being a fav of mine

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed and a good listen

A great listen, with a good reminder of many facts that I knew an many new ones.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Lightweight romp through monarchs’ biographies

This was a reasonable listen, though I did wonder at some of those chosen to write sections. Shame about the narrator though; there some howlers and I thought she’d have known better. Her accents were pretty poor.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The lives of the kings and queens of England

Informative, concise and full of interesting detail. Beautifully read – clear and crisp. I thoroughly enjoyed Relaxing to this production

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A very enjoyable listen!

Wanda MaCaddon animates this story to make it both a light and critical account of the monarchy.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Whistle stop trip through history

Rather rushed history not surprising considering the timescale covered but spoiled by many inaccuracies such as Queen Jane having a Caesarean section.

The narration didn’t help with some bizarre pronunciations

Overall disappointing glad that it was a Plus Catalogue item so didn’t pay for it!

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Very good

Very good overview of you want to understand the timeline of the monarchy. Would recommend.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great summary

I found this a good summary of the main facts without going into each monarch in too much detail.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting enough but....

There are many inaccuracies. Elizabeth l was not the stepsister of Mary l, she was a half sister. Edward, son of Henry Vlll, was not born by Caesarean section. This medical procedure only appeared in medical books in 1600 and was considered dangerous until late 1900. Jane Seymour died of puerperal fever, not from post op trauma.
It’s a relatively easy listen but not to be quoted as fact.

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7 people found this helpful