Sally Bedell Smith is a superb historian-cum-biographer. Her newest book is George VI and Elizabeth, which is meticulously researched. The late Queen Elizabeth II granted Bedell Smith access to her parents' diaries and correspondence and the papers of friends and family
This access allowed Bedell Smith to write a truly authoritative book about the lives of Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Prince Albert, Duke of York, who married in 1923. Theirs was the "The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy," the book's understated subtitle.
It was this marriage of a king who overcame his insecurities, supported by the confident woman he loved, the mother of his two beloved daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. The Duke of York emerged from the ashes of his brother's abdication to lead the nation and the Empire throughout the Second World War.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth breathed new life into the British monarchy. George's reign would not be long, however, as "heavy cigarette smoking" was responsible for the lung cancer that ended his life on February 6, 1952. George Vu was only 56 years old when he died. He was succeeded by his elder daughter, Elizabeth.
This dual biography is a monumental achievement that will provide insight and guidance to future historians.
George VI and Elizabeth was published in the US by Random House. The UK publisher is Michael Joseph.
Acclaimed royal biographer Hugo Vickers was in his pram when his parents watched Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation in June 1953. He would later study the Coronation in "great detail," and his research led to the publication of his book, Coronation in 2013.
This book, Coronation The Crowning of Elizabeth II, is an updated edition of the 2013 version.
Hugo divided into three sections: Accession, Preparation, and Coronation Day, Hugo's research and insight are impeccable. Yes, there are footnotes with superb sources.
Coronation The Crowning of Elizabeth II was published in a paperback edition by Dovecote Press.
Amazon (US) does not have the 2023 edition but you can order the original book.
Here is the link for Dovecote Press. You can contact the company for postage costs outside the UK.
https://www.dovecotepress.com/authors/hugo-vickers/
I recommend adding this gem of a book to your royal book collections.
