Benjamin Soames narrates this short history of the British monarchy at an even, measured pace. He effectively uses vocal expression to help keep young listeners focused. Still, this brief work covers a thousand years of history, so most listeners will miss some details. Even those who get lost amid the names and dates will find the flow again when Soames slows down for the meatier moments – a description of drawing and quartering, for instance, or an account of the probable murder of two child princes. Providing more than facts, both Green and Soames convey the personalities of various rulers.

Jen Green, English editor and author of over 250 books, most for children ages 5–15, has condensed about 1,000 years of English history into two audio discs. Fifty-eight rulers include dynasties from 871 to the present. These dynasties are: Saxon, Normans, Plantagenets (both Lancastrians and Yorkists), Tudors, Stuarts, Hanoverians and finally Windsors. Scandals, murders, incompetence, insanity, illegitimacy and overeating are included. England was first ruled by Alfred of Wessex in 871; foreigners included a Viking, Canute, from Denmark in 1016 and a Norman (who was really a Viking), William the Bastard, in 1066; Henry II, the first Plantagenet in 1154, founded a dynasty which lasted 330 years and boasted 14 kings; Henry VIII, famous for his six wives; Elizabeth I, the last Tudor, who reigned for 45 years; Charles I, the second Stuart monarch, famously beheaded and replaced by the interregnum of Oliver Cromwell; William of Orange, from the German House of Hanover, was invited to rule England in 1714; George I, II, and III, who lost the American colonies, were not very bright; Victoria became queen in 1837 and ruled until her death in 1901; Edward VIII gave up the throne for the woman he loved; and finally Elizabeth II was crowned on television in 1953. There is mention of Charles and Diana, Diana’s death, and the marriage of William and Kate Middleton. Green includes wars, royal popularity, politics, religion and tidbits such as the queen who was so fat she had to be hoisted onto the throne. Benjamin Soames narrates, adding accents and individualising voices. Soames, who trained at the London Academy for Dramatic Arts, is a capable and convincing reader. He even manages to get through the mnemonic poem that includes the names of each of the rulers. Appropriate for junior and senior high students.