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The Crown Jewels

The Official Illustrated History
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( 124 ratings, 18 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Crown Jewels presents a rich historical narrative and detailed inventory of the Crown Jewels housed in the Tower of London. Spanning from a 12th-century coronation spoon to the 20th-century platinum crown adorned with the Koh-i-nΓ»r diamond, this volume traces the jewels through key historical events, including their destruction after Charles I's execution and subsequent restoration for Charles II. Featuring new photography commissioned in collaboration with the Royal Collection and Historic Royal Palaces, the book offers unprecedented views of these iconic symbols of English monarchy.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for enthusiasts of jewellery craftsmanship, British history, and royal traditions, as well as scholars and collectors fascinated by regal artefacts and historic gemstones.

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The Tower of London has over two million visitors a year, with the Crown Jewels as its centrepiece. This title provides the history of the Crown Jewels, the most famous jewelry collection in the world.

Celebrates the most remarkable assemblage of jewellery in the world still used in royal ceremony in a tradition going back over a millennium

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This sumptuous volume, which includes a complete inventory of every item of the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, captures the magnificence of a collection of symbolic objects steeped in English history that is still in use today. For anyone with either a professional or a personal interest in jewellery and history, The Crown Jewels will be a delight.

The Crown Jewels tells the history of the spectacular, priceless objects now in the Tower of London. Their story is that of the English monarchy itself β€” from the 12th-century spoon used for the anointing at the coronation to the platinum crown created for Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, in 1937, set with the Koh-i-nΓ»r diamond.

Published in association with the Royal Collection and Historic Royal Palaces, the book features specially commissioned new photography, including many detailed shots, allowing individual pieces, the famous gems, and carefully selected groups of objects to be viewed as never before.

The text recounts the development of the collection in the medieval period, the dramatic sale and melting down of almost every piece after the execution of Charles I in 1649, and the remaking of the Crown Jewels for Charles II in 1660. Since then, the collection has been augmented with pieces that reflect key moments in English history, such as the regalia created for the only joint monarchs, William III and Mary II, in 1689, and the crown made for King George V's inauguration as Emperor of India in 1911.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Daily Express calls it "an informative delight" emphasising its almost 300 striking photographs. Period Homes & Interiors highlights its appeal to readers interested in jewellery, gemstones, and British history, while The Literary Review praises Anna Keay's skillful storytelling combined with sumptuous illustration.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780500289822

Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 March 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Illustration: 17 Illustrations, black and white; 172 Illustrations, color

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 230.0mm

Height: 270.0mm

Weight: 920g

Pages: 176

About the Author

Anna Keay is Curatorial Director of English Heritage, and was formerly Assistant Curator of Historic Royal Palaces. She has provided historical commentary for broadcasts on royal events such as HMβ€ˆThe Queen's Golden Jubilee and the State Opening of Parliament.

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