The rich pageant of Britains history emerges nowhere more colorfully than in the story of its kings and queens. This new paperback offers an attractive and authoritative account of the British monarchy, tracing the crowns full history from Anglo-Saxon times to the present. Generously illustrated with maps, photos, paintings, and genealogies, it contains almost 600 entries that offer a wealth of information on the rulers of Britain, including their policies, personalities, key dates, and legacies. It also sheds light on such topics as the right of succession, coronations and marriages, regalia, the Tower of London, and, new to this edition, Westminster Abbey and St. Pauls Cathedral. Revised and fully updated to include recent events, such as the second marriage of Prince Charles, this edition also contains a topical introductory article on the changing role of the monarchy and its relevance in the 21st century. There is a useful glossary, a list of recommended further reading, and a new appendix of recommended web links that can be found on a regularly updated companion website. Comprehensive and elegantly written, this fascinating guide to the British monarchy is an essential reference resource for teachers and students of British history, and for anyone with an interest in Britain's rulers through the ages.