SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

Opinion

November’s new royal books

Are you a royal aficionado? Is History an interest of yours? Do you like reading? If so, you will enjoy these books about royal history, all due to be released in November.

After the Sheikhs, Christopher M. Davidson –  Release Date: November 11, 2013

Often overshadowed by the more famous British and European monarchies are the extremely affluent Gulf monarchies – Saudi Arabia, the U. A. E, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. These countries have been under autocratic rule for a long time and, despite conflicts, an increase in population and globalisation interfering with their conservative way of life, the traditional monarchies continue to thrive. But British academic Christopher Davidson predicts the inevitable collapse of the Kings, Sultans and Emirs who were resilient in the face of adversity. He cites revolutionary movements in North Africa, Syria and Yemen as indirect catalysts to the impeding fall of the Gulf monarchies. Mr. Davidson was able to foresee the economic turmoil that affected Dubai in 2009, and has a knack for predicting political and social changes in the Gulf countries. His book ‘After the Sheikhs’ has already received acclaim from The Guardian and The Independent.

Henry VIII: The Life and Rule of England’s Nero, John Matusiak – Release Date: November 1, 2013

Arguably the most written-about king England has ever had, King Henry VIII is the subject of yet another publication, this one by Tudor historian, John Matusiak. This study portrays the King as an incredibly flawed individual, who was not only a bad person but also a bad ruler. His worst qualities – his personality, his relationships, his beliefs, follies and hollow triumphs – are all exposed by the author, who deems him completely unfit to have ruled a nation. The book delves into Henry VIII’s past, where it becomes clear that his troubles are largely caused by his own doings. Neither his all-consuming need for a male heir nor his decision to sever ties with Rome were necessary and the paths he chose were not the only ones available. This groundbreaking study of the notorious King, who not just failed to achieve his own goals but jeopardised the reigns of his successors, changes everything you thought you knew about King Henry VIII.

Owain Glyndwr: The Story of the Last Prince of Wales, Terry Beverton – Release Date: November 28, 2013

This is the tale of Owain Glyndwr, one of the greatest warriors of his time, who stirred Wales in war, making it the oldest surviving nation in Europe. His heroic struggle that lasted 15 years is a defining point in Welsh history. He and his army of brave volunteers defended Wales six times when enemies invaded. But he vanished, along with his family and children, never to be seen again. He did not desire the brutal public death of Braveheart, just hope and freedom for his beloved nation. Terry Beverton tells the story of Owain Glyndwr, the last Prince of Wales, and his war for independence that set the foundation for the victory of the Welsh army at Bosworth Field, nearly seventy years later. This book has much to offer to all its readers, and will leave no one disappointed.

Berenice II and the Golden Age of Ptolemaic Egypt, Dee L. Clayman – Release Date: November 8, 2013 

Dee Clayman’s ‘Berenice II and the Golden Age of Ptolemaic Egypt’ offers an insightful portrait of a woman who was both powerful and fascinating. Despite arriving in Ptolemaic Alexandria friendless and shrouded with mystery, Berenice, the daughter of King Magas of Cyrene and the wife of Ptomely III, went on to become perhaps the most powerful queen of Macedonia. She associated with exceptional poets, such as Callimachus, who wrote poems praising her charisma and accomplishments. Even so, this descendant of the successors of Alexander the Great is virtually unknown. Berenice II was wealthy and ambitious and used her access to the rich cultures of Egypt and Greece to her advantage. She went on to embody the ideals of the Ptolemaic Empire and to acquire honours that were almost equal to the King’s. This release provides knowledge to students and scholars alike.

John of Brienne, Guy Perry – Release Date: November 30, 2013

He was a mid-ranking knight who rose to become the King of Jerusalem and Latin Emperor of Constantinople. Guy Perry’s new book traces one of the most remarkable careers in medieval history; that of John of Brienne. Set in the Age of the Crusades, it tells the story of John’s intriguing life and how family, dynasticism, politics, war and religion shaped this major player in history. John of Brienne had an immensely important role in the 1200s, and it was his connection with the Papacy, Italy, Germany and France that sheds light on the prime of the crusading movements. A fascinating read about the world in the early thirteenth century and an Emperor’s rise to power.

The Congress of Vienna and Its Legacy: War and Great Power Diplomacy After Napoleon, Mark Jarrett – Release Date: November 26, 2013

American lawyer Mark Jarrett brings us a book that provides insight into an important but often forgotten period in history. This latest release travels back to the 19th century, when Europe’s leaders convened in Vienna to reconstruct a damaged land, the effect of the Napoleonic Wars. Powerful statesmen such as Castlereagh, Metternich, Talleyrand, Hardenberg and Emperor Alexander of Russia make important decisions and play an unforgettable role. This subplot is followed by the story of the introduction of the ‘Congress System’ in Vienna, a bold experiment in international cooperation and counter-revolution. The Congress of Vienna would eventually be a turning point in the attempts to maintain international order and bring peace to Europe. The book stresses upon the fact that it was the European Congresses that brought about what is now our modern era, and had a great impact upon the course of developments.

Princesses Behaving Badly, Linda Rodriguez McRobbie – Release Date: November 19, 2013

When most people think of princesses, they think of Disney characters. Lovely women, endowed with grace, charm, poise and a happily ever after. But with a few real life princesses, this could not be further from the truth. In this new release, comprising of the mini biographies of dozens of princesses, freelance journalist Linda Rodriguez McRobbie exposes the fascinating truth about their ruthless quests for power. The Austria-Hungarian Princess Stephanie, who developed close relations with Hitler, turned spy for the Nazis during the Second World War. Princess Olga of Kiev killed thousands by burning them to death and burying them alive. Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary wore a mask lined with raw veal when she slept. When she was widowed, Rani Lakshmibai led an army, charging the battlefield with her young son strapped to her back. Princesses Behaving Badly tells the stories of these princesses who didn’t get their happy ending. A must read for everyone who enjoys a good story about a princess… with a twist.

Most of these books are available in both e-book and print versions. They can be purchased at leading bookstores as well as online. The release dates are subject to change.

photo credit: lisby1 via photopin cc, carolemadge1 via photopin cc and Mesq via photopin cc