Reading the 20th Century discussion

I know a few of us like Craig Brown and I noticed he has a new book out in August.

Q: A Voyage Around the Queen

From one of the funniest writers of our time, the award-winning and Sunday Times bestselling author of One Two Three Four and Ma'am Darling turns his attention to Queen Elizabeth II in an unforgettable and fascinating biography.

Virginia Woolf compared her to a caterpillar; Anne Frank kept pictures of her on the wall of her annex; Jimi Hendrix played her tune; Haile Selassie gave her a gold tiara; Dirk Bogarde watched Death in Venice with her; Andy Warhol envied her fame; Donald Trump offended her; E.M. Forster confessed he would have married her, if only she had been a boy.

Queen Elizabeth II was famous for longer than anyone who has ever lived. When people spoke of her, they spoke of themselves; when they dreamed of her, they dreamed of themselves. She mirrored their hopes and anxieties. To the optimist, she seemed an optimist; to the pessimist, a pessimist; to the awestruck, charismatic; and to the cynical, humdrum. Though by nature reserved and unassuming, her presence could fill presidents and rock gods with terror. For close to a century, she inhabited the psyche of a nation.

Combining biography, essays, cultural history, dream diaries, travelogue and satire, the bestselling and award-winning author of Ma'am Darling and One Two Three Four: The Beatles in Time presents a kaleidoscopic portrait of this most public yet private of sovereigns.

Looking forward to that one


Thanks Susan

I might need to re-read the Princess Margaret book first.

Mind you, I am glad I don't know too much about either her or the Queen. When I read the Beatles book I spotted all the inaccuracies, repeated incorrect stories, etc. I think his books are best if you don't know too much about the subjects.

Susan wrote: "I think his books are best if you don't know too much about the subjects."

Haha, there are quite a few books/authors who fall into that category, I think!

Agreed! Brown's books are fun, but best taken with a pinch of salt I think.

Craig Brown in conversation at Waterstones Piccadilly
London - Piccadilly
Tuesday 27th August 18:30

We’re delighted to host Craig Brown at Waterstones Piccadilly to celebrate publication of A Voyage Around the Queen.

Came across this in case anyone is interested.

Sounds wonderful

Just back from a very entertaining talk by Craig Brown at Waterstones Piccadilly. He was very funny and the new book looks great. Looking forward to it.

Great news

I think I will enjoy this more than the Beatles one, as I am less familiar with the Queen really. I mean, we all probably know more about her than we realise, but having read SO many books about the Beatles, I knew where he got all the source material. Plus, I loved the one about Princess Margaret.

The Princess Margaret one was an unexpected delight