The British monarchy stretches back into the dim past of recorded history, and a dictionary covering the subject would by necessity be lengthy. Indeed, this dictionary is exactly that, but every detail, entry, and page deserve the space accorded them because the author's goal is comprehensiveness, which he most assuredly reaches. Cogency, partnered with thorough coverage, is the calling card here. Expectedly, every sovereign in the history of both the English and Scottish monarchies is given a biographical treatment, from one or two paragraphs-such as for King Eadwig (ca. 941-959) and King Ceawlin (ca. 536-593)-to, as in the cases of King Henry VIII and Queen Victoria, for instance, a two-page presentation. Lesser members of the various royal dynasties earn an entry if, as with the current House of Windsor, they have contemporary interest or, with older dynasties (Tudor, Stuart, etc.), have left some mark on history. In these portraits, the author cites important information about the individual's life, and in most instances, he interjects a kernel of insight into character and personal significance. Of course, events and places affiliated with monarchical history occupy much space; the 1701 Act of Settlement, for instance, is cited for its immediate and long-lasting effects, as is Linlithgow Palace, in Scotland, placed in its historical context. Likewise, readers will find an incisive explanation of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 as well as a historical view of Westminster Abbey. Most helpful after all is said and done is the inclusion of "theoretical" concepts associated with the monarchy: such terms as Civil list, Heir (or heiress) presumptive, and Princess Royal. The author's Familiarity with these terms, definitions of which are not as clearly explained in other sources, contributes to a greatly impressive understanding of the British monarchy's practices and principles. Recommended for academic and large public libraries. Booklist The pomp, circumstance, and silly hats of the recent Royal Wedding put the UK monarchy back in the public eye, setting the stage for Panton's (emeritus, Univ. of Southern Mississippi) fourth historical UK-history themed dictionary for Scarecrow Press. Largely focusing on the people who make up the historical British monarchy, this covers 495 C.E. to the present. More than 600 alphabetical entries comprise the bulk of the volume, including, e.g., Robert II (1316-90) and James I of Scotland (1394-1437). Other entries discuss items, acts, events, and places key to the monarchy, such as the Crown Estate. Articles average about a half to one page in length and are heavily cross-referenced. The volume also includes a chronology, bibliography, and family trees specifically highlighting Britain's kings and queens, as well as the line of succession to the British throne, sure to be a persistent point of curiosity. A 14-page introduction provides a helpful overview of the subject. BOTTOM LINE Perfect for a brief biographical snapshot of a member of the British monarchy...Recommended for larger public and academic libraries where there is demand. Library Journal This remarkable continuity explains why the Historical Dictionary of the British Monarchy is comprising 660 entries, about three-quarters of which refer to persons or families, the others covering places, events, titles, institutions and constitutional documents significant in the history of the monarchy, together with a few miscellaneous entries such as Crown Jewels...The breadth of the author's knowledge is extensive; not only does he chronicle the careers of such little known dignitaries as Baldwin of Boulogne and Octreda of Northumbria, but also he can tell us that the capital of the tiny and remote colony of Tristan da Cunha is called Edinburgh" after Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, and he knows Prince Andrew's golf handicap. I was astonished to find that American genealogists assert that President Obama is a direct descendant of William the Lion, King of Scots (died 1214). Reference Reviews Features include a chronology of Britain's monarchs, genealogies/family trees showing the links between the dynasties, a list of the 24 individuals in the line of succession behind Prince Charles, and an extensive bibliography. American Reference Books Annual The main aim of the book appears to be to provide biographical details for every king, queen, or child of a monarch in the direct line of the present royal family, both in England and in Scotland. The breadth of the author's knowledge is extensive. I was astonished to find that American genealogists assert that President Obama is a direct descendant of William the Lion, King of Scots (died 1214). However, as another author has recently pointed out, simple arithmetic suggests that everyone of British origin is probably descended from one of the monarchs of 1,000 years ago, if only they could prove it. That hypothesis might add still more to the large potential readership of this wide-ranging dictionary. Reference Reviews
