The preface of the book "The Crown": the first truly honest portrait of George V and Mary, the grandparents of the Queen and creators of the modern monarchy. Nominated for the Elizabeth Longford Historical Biography Award and the History Reclaimed Book of the Year Award.

The enduring reputation of George V is that he was dull. However, during his reign, the monarchy faced a constitutional crisis, the First World War, the downfall of thirteen European monarchies, and the rise of Bolshevism. Suffragette Emily Davison threw herself under his horse at the Derby, he refused asylum to his cousin, Tsar Nicholas II, and facilitated the first Labour government.

How a supposedly limited man directed the Throne through so many adventures is a fascinating story. With unprecedented access to royal archives, Jane Ridley was able to re-examine the many myths associated with this dramatic period for the first time.

“Astonishing... There was never a dull paragraph” Ysenda Maxtone Graham, The Times

“Magnificent... A nostalgic and moving portrait of an unexpectedly impressive man” Philip Hensher, Spectator

“A great, beautiful monster of a book. Fair, detailed, and unexpectedly funny” Lucy Worsley

Pages: 576, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm