The Lives of the Kings and Queens of England, Revised and Updated
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What’s inside...
The lives of England's Kings and Queens, from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II. This painstakingly illustrated book celebrates the Great Dynasties of English Royalty, from the establishment of the monarchical power base by the early Norman Kings through to the present Queen. The stories of the many monarchs and their colorful lives - some merry, some cruel, some heroic, others sinister - are presented by Antonia Fraser and a collection of specialist contributors who examine the histories of well-loved monarchs such as Victoria as well as the lesser known such as Richard III. This edition includes a new essay detailing the recently tumultuous reign of the Windsors. Accompanying the text are 175 contemporary illustrations and drawings of the Royal coat of arms, with their significance explained by J.P.Brooke - Little, Richmond Herald of Arms. This is a glittering story of a thousand years of English history, as told through the lives and deeds of the nation's sovereigns.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
360 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities make a good leader? Can you find examples of these in any kings or queens you learned about?
How did the decisions of various monarchs impact the people in their country?
If you could meet any king or queen from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How have the roles and responsibilities of kings and queens changed over time?
Why do you think it is important to learn about the history of kings and queens?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the historical context before discussing the monarchs to give your child a clearer understanding of the era.
Compare and contrast different rulers and their reigns to enhance critical thinking.
Encourage your child to think about how history influences current events by relating past monarchs' actions to today's news.
Use visuals like family trees or timelines to help your child grasp the succession and timelines of the monarchs discussed in the book.
Praise your child’s responses to foster confidence and a deeper interest in historical subjects.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: The book chronicles the lives of British royalty, emphasizing their roles in shaping history and governing the country.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about the importance of leadership and taking responsibility for their actions. This knowledge helps them understand their impact on others in group settings such as in school projects or family duties.
Example Lesson: Understanding Historical Context
Explanation: Through the narratives of various monarchs, the book provides an insight into the historical and cultural contexts of their reigns.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the significance of history in shaping the present and encourage them to explore more about different eras and societies.
Example Lesson: Moral Integrity
Explanation: The book discusses the moral decisions and dilemmas faced by the kings and queens, highlighting the consequences of their choices.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by making ethical decisions in their day-to-day interactions, showing honesty and integrity in their schoolwork and personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Impact of Leadership on Society
Explanation: The book shows how the actions of England's leaders affected the country's development and the well-being of its people.
Real-World Application: This teaches children about the broader impact of leadership and governance, encouraging them to become informed and active participants in their own communities.