- Publisher: William Collins
- Year: 2022
- Format: Hardback
- Pages: 448pp
- Illustrated: Yes
- Dimensions: 240x160mm
- Condition: New - Very Good
- Weight: 0.8kg
- ISBN: 9780008550066
- Product code: 545741
Coronation
A History of the British Monarchy
Roy Strong New Hardback Illustrated
Postscript summary
Published in the lead up to the crowning of Charles III and written by former V&A director and High Bailiff and Searcher of the Sanctuary of Westminster Abbey, this comprehensive examination of coronation ceremonies through English history begins with Edgar in 973. In addition to explaining how the pageantry, ceremony and adornments have developed, it celebrates the enduring contributions of artists, poets and composers such as Purcell, Handel and Elgar. Slightly off-mint.
Product information
Full publisher description
The definitive history of coronations and the Royal Family, from acclaimed writer Roy Strong.
'What is the finest sight in the world? A Coronation.
What do people talk most about? A Coronation.
What is delightful to have passed? A Coronation.'
Horace Walpole, 1761
As a boy of sixteen, Roy Strong watched the grand procession carrying Queen Elizabeth II to her coronation. The spectacle was considered the greatest public event of the century. But now, so many years later, many people have little notion of what a coronation is and are unaware of the rich resonances of the ritual, or its deep significance in terms of the committal of monarch to people.
This book is the first of its kind - a comprehensive history that sets each coronation into its political, social, religious and cultural context. The story is one of constant re-invention as the service has had to respond to all the changes in fortune of the monarchy or the country: everything from legitimising usurpers to reconciling a Catholic rite to the tenets of Protestantism. It even had to be recreated from scratch after the Restoration of Charles II in 1660. In this way, Strong tells the story of the British monarchy since the tenth century, and looks forward to the coronation of King Charles III. The musical history alone is one of extraordinary richness - involving Henry Purcell, Handel, Edward Elgar, William Walton - plus the celebratory poetry, the art and the spectacular engravings published at coronations are all explored, as is the more recent role of photographers. The book particularly concentrates on post-1603 developments, including the incredible story of the Stuarts, when the crown jewels used for hundreds of years at coronations were melted down as symbols of the hated Divine Right of Kings.
As Charles III succeeds to the throne and preparations are made for his coronation, Strong speculates as to the revisions now called for to its ritual and pageantry to meet the changes in the role of the monarchy in the twenty-first century.
'What is the finest sight in the world? A Coronation.
What do people talk most about? A Coronation.
What is delightful to have passed? A Coronation.'
Horace Walpole, 1761
As a boy of sixteen, Roy Strong watched the grand procession carrying Queen Elizabeth II to her coronation. The spectacle was considered the greatest public event of the century. But now, so many years later, many people have little notion of what a coronation is and are unaware of the rich resonances of the ritual, or its deep significance in terms of the committal of monarch to people.
This book is the first of its kind - a comprehensive history that sets each coronation into its political, social, religious and cultural context. The story is one of constant re-invention as the service has had to respond to all the changes in fortune of the monarchy or the country: everything from legitimising usurpers to reconciling a Catholic rite to the tenets of Protestantism. It even had to be recreated from scratch after the Restoration of Charles II in 1660. In this way, Strong tells the story of the British monarchy since the tenth century, and looks forward to the coronation of King Charles III. The musical history alone is one of extraordinary richness - involving Henry Purcell, Handel, Edward Elgar, William Walton - plus the celebratory poetry, the art and the spectacular engravings published at coronations are all explored, as is the more recent role of photographers. The book particularly concentrates on post-1603 developments, including the incredible story of the Stuarts, when the crown jewels used for hundreds of years at coronations were melted down as symbols of the hated Divine Right of Kings.
As Charles III succeeds to the throne and preparations are made for his coronation, Strong speculates as to the revisions now called for to its ritual and pageantry to meet the changes in the role of the monarchy in the twenty-first century.
Reasons to shop at Postscript
Independent bookseller
Established in 1987, we’ve been sharing reading recommendations for decades.
Books you won’t find elsewhere
Discover new authors among our frequently changing bookshelves, along with almost-forgotten gems and a wealth of unusual titles you won’t find elsewhere.
Eco-friendly packaging
Orders are carefully packed in recyclable cardboard boxes, eco-friendly bubble wrap and solvent-free labels, paper and tape.
Condition and price
All our books are new, unused and unread, and they’re all up to 75% off RRP.
FREE monthly catalogue
Featuring over 400 handpicked titles, our unique catalogue is carefully curated and includes new and unusual titles, special features and exclusive collections.
Email newsletters
Our tailored newsletters are written by our booksellers, and we always highlight the books that we have talked about most in the Postscript office.
Footnotes blog
Some books spark ideas and conversations that our catalogue can’t contain – our Footnotes blog offers a deeper dive into a wealth of topics to inspire further reading.
Aftercare
We are all serious book people and we understand the value of reading. This is why we package our books so carefully and employ a helpful in-house customer services team to promptly resolve any queries you may have.
Delivery information
UK
Free UK standard delivery on all online orders over £25
Unlimited books in one delivery charge:
- • Standard: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
- • Click & Collect: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
- • Next Day (orders must be placed before 1pm, Monday–Friday): £4.50
- • Royal Mail Tracked48: £5.50 (2-4 working days)
Highlands and Islands delivery: standard delivery only (5-7 working days)
Overseas
All orders: delivery costs for orders outside the UK are based on country of destination and product weight.
You can view your overseas delivery cost using the Summary section within the Basket.
For more information on delivery/overseas orders please refer to our Delivery Information.
Browse more:
product
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/coronation
545741
Coronation
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/545741_media-0.jpg
12.99
12.99
GBP
InStock
/History/Categories/General History
Published in the lead up to the crowning of Charles III and written by former V&A director and High Bailiff and Searcher of the Sanctuary of Westminster Abbey, this comprehensive examination of coronation ceremonies through English history begins with Edgar in 973. In addition to explaining how the pageantry, ceremony and adornments have developed, it celebrates the enduring contributions of artists, poets and composers such as Purcell, Handel and Elgar. <i>Slightly off-mint.</i>
Hardback
0
0
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/545741_media-1.jpg
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/545741_media-2.jpg
add-to-cart
rrp_info:£25.00
productId:182608
bic_code:BGH, BGR, HBAH, HBG, HBJD1, HBTB, JFCA, JPR
BGH, BGR, HBAH, HBG, HBJD1, HBTB, JFCA, JPR
£25.00
Roy Strong
General
240x160mm
William Collins
No
Hardback
Historiography
