Elizabeth the Queen
The Life of a Modern Monarch
Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch. 17 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 21½ hrs. Books on Tape. 2012. ISBN 9780307934192. $45; 17 CDs. retail ed. Random Audio; digital download. BIOG
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Smith, who has written several celebrity biographies, for example, of Pamela Harriman, the Clintons, and Princess Diana, is very sympathetic to Queen Elizabeth II. She carefully sets up the story to ensure that listeners understand how different the public queen is from the private person and reminds the listener that the she was quite young when her father died and she was forced onto the international stage. Smith's research on Princess Diana serves her well in describing family dynamics and expectations.
VERDICT Rosalyn Landor's tone matches the subject matter, creating a very fine listening experience. Recommended for all fans of the English monarchy and those interested in Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 8/15/11.—Ed.]
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