Crown & Sceptre

Crown & Sceptre by Tracy Borman is an extraordinary exploration of the British monarchy, tracing its history and evolution from the Norman Conquest in 1066 to the present day. This meticulously researched book delves into the lives and reigns of the numerous kings and queens who have shaped the monarchy over the centuries. By examining key events and pivotal moments, Borman presents an overarching narrative that highlights the resilience, adaptability, and influence of this venerable institution.

With an engaging blend of biography and historical analysis, Borman captures the essence of what it means to rule, providing intimate portraits of monarchs such as William the Conqueror, Elizabeth I, and the much-publicised modern royals. She skilfully portrays their personalities, challenges, and triumphs, while also framing their reigns within the broader context of Britain's political, religious, and cultural transformations.

A stunning tour de force and a remarkable achievement.
- Alison Weir

This work is widely praised for its comprehensive scope and accessible narrative style. Borman's approach offers not just a series of royal biographies but an insightful biography of the monarchy itself. Her engaging prose makes complex historical events and figures both accessible and compelling, providing readers with a clear understanding of the monarchy's lasting legacy.

This is Our Island Story for the modern age.
- Charles Spencer

The book is punctuated with incisive observations and reflections on the enduring allure of the British monarchy, even as it faces unprecedented modern challenges. Borman's ability to connect past and present makes Crown & Sceptre particularly resonant as the world anticipates future changes within the royal family.

Not just a brilliant compendium of biographies, but the biography of an institution: a marvellous read.
- Tom Holland

The British monarchy remains one of the most iconic and enduring institutions globally, surviving the storms of rebellion, revolution, and war that felled many of Europe’s other royal families. For all its ancient traditions and protocol, it has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, evolving to reflect the times. Its long history has not only seen it respond to change but often spearhead it, impacting religious, political, and cultural life in the UK and beyond.

William Shakespeare’s words, “This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle” from Richard II, encapsulate the mystique and grandeur that has characterised the British monarchy for centuries. Through Crown & Sceptre, readers gain a comprehensive understanding of how this institution has weathered various upheavals and why it continues to captivate the public imagination.

As Britain stands on the cusp of a new era, with the likelihood of a change of monarch within the next decade, Borman's Crown & Sceptre is more relevant than ever. The accession of a new king promises to ignite global interest on a scale not seen since the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953, surpassing even the media frenzy surrounding recent royal weddings and births. This book provides an essential context for understanding the historical significance of these forthcoming transitions.

Crown & Sceptre shows an astonishing command of a thousand years of the British monarchy, its traditions, roles and realities beyond the pageantry and romance. Beautifully crafted, insightful, and a genuine pleasure to read, it underscores the royal heritage at the heart of a nation.
- Lauren Mackay

Crown & Sceptre combines an eminently accessible narrative with a lucid scholarly lens. Tracy Borman skilfully unravels the trials and triumphs of this ever-shifting institution. By charting both the majesty and mechanics of the monarchy, we get a vivid understanding of why its glittering gears shifted over time, and by whom the levers of change were pulled. A triumph.
- Owen Emmerson, Curator at Hever Castle

Tracy Borman's passion for the British monarch and the crown is infectious and compelling!
- Estelle Paranque

Borman embraces a huge task.
- Gerard DeGroot, The Times