Sarah Bradford is an historian who has written well received biographies about a range of people, from Disraeli to Diana. In her latest book, timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s reign, she draws from archives and interviews to provide what is described as an “authoritative portrait of the Queen’s life …and reign”. She takes the reader from the Abdication to the marriage of William and Catherine.

Illustrated by photographs from childhood to the present day and references to personalities and events in the headlines, the book refers to the political and economic situation in each decade to demonstrate not just the monarch’s longevity but also her commitment, discretion and sense of duty.

This is not a deeply academic work about the role of the Head of State, nor is it a tabloid type exposé about the Royal family. Instead it is the story of a decent woman behaving decently (to paraphrase one of the quotes in the book).

Verdict: Having only a limited interest in the Royal family, I was surprised to enjoy this book as much as I did, largely because the level of detail was pitched just right (for me) and also because the author’s admiration for her subject is evident throughout. Overall, an interesting, well thought out and very readable book. ****