This best-selling title is a handy-format, fully comprehensive guide to the rulers of the British nations and their chequered histories, from pre-Roman times to the present day. From King Kenneth I and Henry VIII through to Princess Diana, the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II, Kings and Queens: The Concise Guide reveals the lives and personalities of each monarch - the good, bad, lazy, greedy, downright wicked, sometimes mad and occasionally brilliant - and examines the ways in which they have shaped history. Including family trees, key facts and further details, as well as timelines to help place each monarch in their historical context, the book covers the major social, political and commercial events of each monarch's reign.The author also provides additional information on the spirit, traditions and innovations of the nation at the time, including politics, arts, architecture and fashions. It is a magnificent visual feast in an appealing format, which guarantees to bring history alive for readers of all ages, through exciting narrative, famous paintings and rare archive photographs.

Richard Cavendish is an author and historian who has written many books and contributed to hundreds of others. His work also appears regularly in History Today magazine. He lives in West London. Pip Leahy is a freelance writer and researcher. She was the chief researcher on Castles (D&C, 2005) and works at the University of Plymouth.