2002 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Elizabeth II's accession to the throne, a golden jubilee that this book, written by BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond, commemorates. On February 6, 1952, Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh, became Queen on the death of her father, King George VI. The reign that was to see major changes both in the country and Commonwealth and in the role of the monarchy began far away from Britain in a game reserve in Kenya. Elizabeth: Fifty Glorious Years, looks at this remarkable period in the history of Britain's monarchy in lavish and fascinating detail, featuring over 160 photographs. The personal life of Elizabeth, as princess and Queen, wife and mother, has been constantly under scrutiny ever since she took the throne. This book presents a balanced and absorbing account of the Queen's life and of her role as the head of state in a country and a world that have changed almost beyond recognition in the fifty years since she inherited the throne.

Beware; there will be plenty of these this year, large format glossy books celebrating the 50th anniversary of Elizabeth II's accession to the throne. There has been much talk of celebrations being muted, certainly less extravagant than the Silver Jubilee, but don't believe a word of it. Still, you can't go wrong with Jennie Bond, the BBC's own Royal Correspondent, a job that she has had since 1988. This is neither heavyweight history nor a disposable magazine supplement in hard covers but a souvenir volume that manages to be both interesting and entertaining. Jennie Bond writes well too, with directness, humour and respect for her subject matter that is very much in keeping with her customary delivery to camera outside Buckingham Palace on the evening news.

Jennie Bond's career at the BBC started with Radio News, progressed to producer of current affairs programmes, including Woman's Hour, and then to presenting such programmes as Today. She moved to television in 1988 and is one of the most familiar faces on BBC news. She was appointed the BBC's royal reporter in 1988.