Queen Elizabeth II: A Biographical Reading List
The life and reign of the UK's Queen Elizabeth II, who died today, spanned a period of enormous social and political change. Ascending the throne at the age of 25 and reigning for more than 70 years, the Queen was a steadfast presence in the lives of Britons and a major presence on the world stage. She navigated the evolving role of the monarchy, guiding both her family and the nation through changing, often challenging times. These biographies delve into the Queen's upbringing, personality, and private life—and examine her impact and legacy at the head of a modern royal family and as Britain's head of state.
Queen Elizabeth II: An Oral History
by Deborah Hart Strober & Gerald Strober
A revelatory oral history of Queen Elizabeth II's reign featuring interviews from diverse sources including Buckingham Palace staff, family friends, and international figures such as Nelson Mandela, and containing a broad spectrum of views on the Queen—her story, her personality, and how her life has intersected and impacted others.
Queen of Our Times: The Life of Queen Elizabeth II
by Robert Hardman
A portrait of a world leader who remains as intriguing today as the day she came to the throne at the age of 25. Hardman, using unpublished papers from the royal archives and photographs and personal stories from other world leaders, distills Elizabeth's complex life into a must-read study of dynastic survival and renewal.
Elizabeth & Margaret: The Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters
by Andrew Morton
A biography of Queen Elizabeth II and her sister, Princess Margaret, examines their early idyllic youth as the closest of sisters as well as their relationship after their father's death and Elizabeth's ascension to the throne.
Queen: A Life in Pictures
by Victoria Murphy
More than 300 extraordinary photographs, along with insightful commentary by royal journalist Victoria Murphy, showcase the most historic moments of the Queen’s life—as well as more intimate occasions—first as a young princess and then as the longest-reigning British monarch.
The Last Queen: Elizabeth II's Seventy Year Battle to Save the House of Windsor
by Clive Irving
A timely and revelatory new biography of Queen Elizabeth II and her family exploring how the Windsors have adapted as the modern world has changed around them.
Princess: The Early Life of Queen Elizabeth II
by Jane Dismore
Dismore examines the early life of the future queen, including her happy childhood, relations with her younger sister Margaret, wartime experiences as a teenager, her marriage to Prince Philip, and her ascension to the throne at the age of 25.
Young Elizabeth: The Making of the Queen
by Kate Williams
Williams chronicles the early life of Queen Elizabeth II, who, after her accession to the throne at the age of 25, carved out a lasting role for herself amid the changes of the 20th and 21st centuries.
My Husband and I: The Inside Story of the Royal Marriage
by Ingrid Seward
A revealing insight into the marriage of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who made a formidable partnership throughout her record-breaking reign.
Summaries provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.