All Hail the Queen: Read All About Queen Elizabeth II at the Library

As of February 6, 2012 Queen Elizabeth II will have been Queen for sixty years. While the Jubilee celebrations won’t take place until the Spring, publishers have been starting to release new biographies of the Queen. Check out some of the biographies the holds as well as see the Queen on camera.

The newest arrivals

The Real Elizabeth by Andrew Marr.

Not just about the reign of Queen Elizabeth, this works also explores the British Monarchy throughout the twentieth century. The twentieth century saw many changes to both the power and scope of the monarchy. It was a time when British royals had a fare share of all too human scandals. A more serious look at the monarch- those looking for a good gossipy read might want to look elsewhere.

Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith.

While Queen Elizabeth herself never gives personal interviews, author Bedell-Smith was able to interview over 200 of her close friends and associates to get a better picture of Queen Elizabeth II. As a young woman who was passionate about horses and her beloved corgis, she was thrown into the role of queen after the early death of her father. She has been far from perfect as both a mother and queen, and this biography does not gloss over her mistakes. Queen Elizabeth may be a queen, but she is still human and this book reminds readers of that fact.

Additional Works for your reading pleasure

Queen Elizabeth II: A Woman Who Is Not Amused by Nick Davies.

The Queen: A Revealing Look at the Private Life of Elizabeth II by Douglas Keay.

The Queen: The Life of Elizabeth II by Elizabeth Longford.

Queen and County: The Fifty Year Reign of Elizabeth II by William Shawcross

The Queen on film

The King’s Speech

While her role in this film is rather small, the young Princess Elizabeth appears along with her sister Princess Margaret in this Oscar winning film all about her father King George VI. The Queen is rumored to have approved of the portrayal of her father.

Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work

Offering an unprecedented look at the Royal Family, this documentary follows them for an entire year of official engagements from the opening of Parliament to school visits. The Queen occasionally offers commentary on the activities, and viewers can get a brief glimpse of the woman behind the crown.

The Queen

Helen Mirren takes on the role of Queen Elizabeth II. The film is set during the events following the death of Princess Diana. The Queen’s world has been turned upside down. She must deal with the impact of Diana’s death and also has to cope with a new Prime Minster, Tony Blair. Mirren won an Oscar, and she more than earned it with this performance.