Mortal Monarchs: 1000 Years of Royal Deaths

Product Information

A surprisingly fun little journey into the gruesome causes of death of the kings and queens of England since the 900s. Suzie Edge cleverly wrote about the demise of monarchs, explaining theories and going into the cringe-worthiness of it all. For those of you who are British monarchy fans and lovers (so he ginger whingies this is not for you), I recommend this for sure. This is witty, with a lot of in-jokes and references, chock full of accurate and engrossing medical detail, and reminds us that we are all mortal, whoever we are, and that our kings and queens exemplify the population in the range and indignity of their demises. The lady in question was Queen, but only for 9 days and apart from a small apologetic addendum at the end of some versions of the rhyme, Lady Jane Grey doesn't get a mention.

Mortal Monarchs - by Philippa Brewell - British History Mortal Monarchs - by Philippa Brewell - British History

I really enjoyed this, despite most of the information was something I knew before especially up to Tudors so there wasn't much new info there for me. Though I don't mind being told the same information mutiple times regarding my special interest (the period of history that starts with Plantagenets and ends with the Tudors, though I have been exploring history fiction and non fiction that don't fit this parameter this year, which have been interesting. Suzie Edge, who excellently reads her own book, takes each king from William I through George VI and explains in detail how they died - with some extras like Henry VIII’s wives thrown in. I have to admit skimming some of the medical details due to my personal ‘ick factor’, and that’s why I’ve given this three stars rather than four or five - it’s just my own sense of queasiness holding me back. This book was interesting at times, and did commit the cardinal historical sin of speculating on specific medical causes of death, but was enjoyable overall.This ability to engage an audience, as well as being an expert in traveling the historical sites of the UK, makes her your perfect guide.

Mortal Monarchs by Suzie Edge | Waterstones

Perhaps simplifying complex reigns is just a limitation of the format and shouldn't be held against the book.Informative and quick paced this was a really interesting book from Suzie Edge about the possible causes of death of the monarchs ranging from Edward the Confessor to George VI. Some causes of death are more obvious than others in the cases of murders or executions but Suzie Edge into great and gory detail about how each king, queen or indeed lord protector came to meet the end. I have already shown my copy to plenty of friends, and it's one I'll want to read again and er, re-digest.

Mortal Monarchs by Suzie Edge | Hachette UK

Well, it's nothing compared to 9 days in the Monarchy and as Charlie Higson discovers, her tale is a tragic one. Yes I need to move across the ocean, but that takes money, and I’m currently spending all of my on stitch fix don’t judge.Henry VIII's only legitimate son is crowned King at 9 years old and as Charlie Higson discovers, his should have been the perfect reign, but it will come as no surprise to find out that things didn't go according to plan.

Mortal Monarchs By Suzie Edge | Used | 9781472294227 - Wob Mortal Monarchs By Suzie Edge | Used | 9781472294227 - Wob

In this bonus episode, Charlie Higson welcomes Dr Suzie Edge, author of 'Mortal Monarchs - 1,000 Years of Royal Deaths' and 'Vital Organs - The History of the Worlds Most Famous Body Parts' to talk about her work studying the ways Monarchs died. Because Dr Edge only dedicates a few pages for each monarch, her historical analysis is perhaps unavoidably shallow, leaning quite heavily on historical cliches and myths.Suzie Edge walks the reader through the life and death of each British monarch from William the Conqueror to King George VI (this was published just before Elizabeth's passing). Always on the lookout for gory historical details, Suzie loves telling stories of how we have treated our human bodies in life and in death. both suitable for people who aren't health experts but interesting enough in manner that isn't too simplistic for doctors to learn.