The Last Queen, Clive Irving
The Last Queen, Clive Irving
List: $37.99 | Sale: $26.60
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The Last Queen
Elizabeth II's Seventy Year Battle to Save the House of Windsor

Author: Clive Irving

Narrator: Simon Vance

Unabridged: 11 hr 2 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Oasis Audio

Published: 01/05/2021

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included


Synopsis

A timely and revelatory new biography of Queen Elizabeth (and her family) exploring how the Windsors have evolved and thrived, as the modern world has changed around them.

 Clive Irving’s stunning new narrative biography The Last Queen probes the question of the British monarchy’s longevity.  In 2021, the Queen Elizabeth II finally appears to be at ease in the modern world, helped by the new generation of Windsors. But through Irving’s unique insight there emerges a more fragile institution, whose extraordinarily dutiful matriarch has managed to persevere with dignity, yet in doing so made a Faustian pact with the media.  

The Last Queen is not a conventional biography—and the book is therefore not limited by the traditions of that genre. Instead, it follows Elizabeth and her family’s struggle to survive in the face of unprecedented changes in our attitudes towards the royal family, with the critical eye of an investigative reporter who is present and involved on a highly personal level.

About The Author

Clive Irving has had a long career in journalism on both sides of the Atlantic. He has been managing editor of the Sunday Times in London, he was director of current affairs programming for London Weekend Television; and a consulting editor for Newsday in New York. He was the founding editor of Conde Nast Traveler, where he is still Editor Emeritus, and is a regular columnist for the Daily Beast. Most recently, he was a key contributor to the acclaimed two-part BBC documentary, Margaret: The Rebel Princess, which was broadcast on PBS in America. Irving lives in England. --This text refers to the hardcover edition.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Darla on December 07, 2020

A seventy year reign is an ambitious topic for a book. Especially in light of the fact that Elizabeth II is still living and much of the documentation of her reign will remain sealed until her death. Irving suggests that "weeding" of those relevant documents could alter the picture we see at that ti......more

Goodreads review by Joseph on January 22, 2021

This book feels more companion piece to Netflix's The Crown than a biography of the Queen. There are whole chapters that go by with barely a mention of her. I understand of course that The Queen *is* the monarchy, but it feels misleading to call this a book about her. That said, it is well and brisk......more

Goodreads review by Lea on September 09, 2022

Stunned I finished reading this the day before the Queen’s passing.......more

Goodreads review by Kara on January 08, 2023

I was hoping this would be about Queen Elizabeth II, but it is more about the scandals that took place during her reign (all of which can be seen on The Crown). I would suggest watching that instead.......more

Goodreads review by Simon on January 24, 2022

Meh. This is really Mr. Irving showing you why the British press will threaten the survival of the monarchy after Elizabeth II goes. Much of the book is just the usual tittle-tattle about various royals, including "Tony" and Princess Margaret, whom I think we are supposed to admire for their moderni......more