A Voyage Around the Queen

In A Voyage Around the Queen, Craig Brown, one of the funniest and most insightful writers of our time, turns his brilliant eye toward Queen Elizabeth II, crafting an unforgettable and fascinating biography of one of the most iconic figures in modern history. The award-winning and Sunday Times bestselling author of One Two Three Four and Ma'am Darling delves into the extraordinary life of Queen Elizabeth II, offering a kaleidoscopic portrait through a unique blend of biography, essays, cultural history, dream diaries, travelogue, and satire.

Queen Elizabeth II, who was famous for longer than anyone who has ever lived, is explored in this captivating book. Virginia Woolf compared her to a caterpillar, while Anne Frank kept pictures of her on the wall of her annex. Jimi Hendrix played her tune, Haile Selassie awarded her a gold tiara, Dirk Bogarde watched Death in Venice with her, Andy Warhol envied her fame, and Donald Trump offended her. Even E.M. Forster confessed he would have married her, if only she had been a boy. These anecdotes serve to illustrate the Queen's far-reaching influence and the multitude of impressions she left on people from all walks of life.

Queen Elizabeth II was more than a figurehead; she was a mirror reflecting the hopes, dreams, and anxieties of the people she served. To optimists, she appeared optimistic; to pessimists, she seemed pessimistic; to the awestruck, she was charismatic; and to the cynical, she seemed ordinary. Despite her naturally reserved and unassuming disposition, her presence could strike fear into presidents and rock gods alike. For almost a century, she was an integral part of the nation's psyche.

This engrossing biography combines Craig Brown's distinctive humour and keen insight, presenting readers with a multi-faceted view of a monarch who was both public and private. A Voyage Around the Queen is not just a recounting of events but an exploration of memory, identity, coincidence, and meaning. It is a testament to Queen Elizabeth II's enduring legacy and the indelible mark she left on the world.

'An enthralling reverie on memory, identity, coincidence and meaning – testing, teasing, charming, moving, and deceptively wise' – RORY STEWART

'Completely and utterly brilliant and exquisitely funny and fascinating. This book is, dare I say, majestic. Craig Brown has no peers – I would curtsey to him if I met him' – MARINA HYDE

'You wouldn’t think the world needed another book about Queen Elizabeth – but how wrong you’d be. Craig Brown’s wholly original and enthralling biography is absolute heaven from start to finish’ – INDIA KNIGHT

'Craig Brown continues to reinvent the art of biography… utterly fascinating' – JASON COWLEY