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  • Crown & Sceptre

  • A New History of the British Monarchy from William the Conqueror to Charles III
  • By: Tracy Borman
  • Narrated by: Tracy Borman
  • Length: 20 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (68 ratings)
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Crown & Sceptre

By: Tracy Borman
Narrated by: Tracy Borman
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Summary

An exploration of the history of the British monarchy from 1066 to the present day, now including a new chapter on King Charles III.

With 1000 years of royal history from 1066 to the present day, Domesday Book to Magna Carta the Field of Cloth of Gold to King Charles' accession, Crown & Sceptre is an unparalleled exploration of the British monarchy. From Sunday Times bestselling author and joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces Tracy Borman, comes a fresh, engaging and authoritative account of the crown's tumultuous history—including a chapter on King Charles III.

Impeccably researched, Crown & Sceptre explores in gripping detail how this iconic institution has survived the storms of rebellion, revolution and war that brought most of the world's other monarchies to an abrupt and bloody end. It is a story of ruthless dynastic battles, political and social leadership, usurpation and abdication, all set against a backdrop of dazzling ceremony and pageantry.

©2021 Tracy Borman (P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

What listeners say about Crown & Sceptre

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Disappointing narration

So many authors and broadcasters think they are excellent readers and performers. There's nothing to it surely. John Le Carre was one of those. How wrong they are. Some are very good, others are not. Tracy Borman is not good, it's not enough to stand at the lectern and deliver a lecture for umpteen hours. The most fascinating material sends the listener to sleep. An element of performance has to be brought in or it's all dull as ditchwater. You need to find someone who can read the material and perform it.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Book that covers all the Monarchs

I thought that Tracy did a great job on the writing and the narration. The book dedicates each chapter to each Monarch in chronological order. The way the book is written makes it easy to engage with, and all the main points of each Monarch are covered. Some chapters are longer than others depending on the length of reign of that particular Monarch.

A previous reviewer, in fact the 1st reviewer here was highly critical of Tracy's narration, but I couldn't disagree more. He (the 1st reviewer) did not give any reason why he did not like her narrations. It sounds quite obvious that he is an older gentleman that may likely not be used to hearing a female historian comment with authority on such a subject matter, but take it from me, Tracy gave a great performance and I can't say that I ever felt irritated or bored by her narration in the whole 20 hours.

Would recommend this book to anyone that wishes to learn more and get a good overview on English Monarchs since 1066.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Informative and entertaining

Loved it. Tracy Bormans reading of her own book was very easy to listen to and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

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4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very knowledgeable

I don’t get the complaints about the narration . It was spot on . Just enough energy and perfectly clear.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

Cleverly constructed and gripping. Scandals, wars, love and duty. This book is a must read for history lovers.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A great in depth account

it was a really interesting and fun listen. I will definitely be playing it again

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent

A great listen about the monarchs we've had since William the Conqueror and right up to the present day with Charles III

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Engaging and enjoyable

The chapters about each Monarch describe their reigns and key events. beautifully narrated which kept me fully engaged

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A very informative history of the British Monarchy

I enjoyed this very much. I disagree with the reviewer who criticised the author's narration. This is the second of her audiobooks I have listened to and enjoyed. I thought it was spot on and certainly not boring! Although the date of the production is given as November 2021 it has obviously been updated following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of Charles III.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating

I really enjoyed the whistle stop tour of England and Britain’s Kings and Queens. It’s interesting to understand who was related to whom and where the traditions come from. Amusing to note most of them weren’t English at all! Well written, well read with a few mispronunciations that rankled. Frog head for example! I love Tracy Norman’s passion for her subject.

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