Derrik Mercer

Chronicle of the Royal Family is a unique and compelling record of the longest-surviving and best-loved royal family in the world. From Alfred the Great to Elizabeth II, kings and queens have shaped the destiny of the British Isles. This book recaptures the full, thrilling drama in the distinctive Chronicle style that brings history to life as never before. Lavishly illustrated throughout, this book reports events of the past as though they had just happened. It is a saga not simply of power struggles, political intrigues and the rise and fall of empire, but also of personal joy and tragedy, heroism and scandal. It is also right up to date, highlighting the private and public lives of today's royal family ... Special features of this book are a gazetteer detailing the principle palaces and royal residences, past and present, and a wallchart depicting the royal family trees of Great Britain from 840 to the present day. This book is a lively and authoritative work of reference for people of all ages. It rekindles memories of great events and serves as a lasting celebration of one thousand years of royalty.--Book jacket.… (lisätietoja)

If you remember 'The year book 19XX : a record of the events, developments and personalities of 19..' Published up until the mid seventies by Grolier. Then this is a very similar product, albeit in a much slimmer format (the Grolier volumes were built like old telephone directories or Church Bibles!). However, the meat of what happened during 1989 is still there! I even found a couple of news worthy articles that I took part in (now long since forgotten); so, that was quite amazing!

I have to give this 4.5 stars because, I could not find much that was not included - even if only as a foot-note. The missing 1/2 star was only because not much could beat the old Grolier Year Books for content value.

Sadly, by putting everything from here on, on-line as digital content; we are inadvertently assuring that in a thousand years all this data will be lost, and all future generations will know about who we were will end when the last of books like this one were published. A grim thought that nothing which we do now will be remembered by our great, great grandchildren. But, that's progress for you I guess.… (lisätietoja)