Short Synopsis
Spanning 500 years of British history, Behind the Palace Doors is a revealing look at the secret lives of some great (and not-so-great) Britons, courtesy of one of the world's most engaging royal historians.

Full Synopsis
Beleaguered by scandal, betrayed by faithless spouses, bedeviled by ambitious children, the kings and queens of Great Britain have been many things, but they have never been dull. Some sacrificed everything for love, while others met a cruel fate at the edge of an axman's blade.

Behind the Palace Doors features stories covering every monarch, from randy Henry VIII to reserved Elizabeth II; debunks historical myths; serves up surprising anecdotes; and covers four family trees spanning every royal house, from the Tudors to the Windsors. From the truth behind the supposed madness of King George to Queen Victoria's surprisingly daring taste in sculpture, Behind the Palace Doors ventures beyond the rumors to tell the unvarnished history of Britain's monarchs, highlighting the unique mix of tragedy, comedy, romance, heroism, and incompetence that has made the British throne a seat of such unparalleled fascination.

"A palatable, lively rendition of the British imperial blues." ---Kirkus

"This is a well-researched popular retelling of some outrageous periods in the lives of perennially intriguing rulers. A good selection for lighter history reading on the lives of British monarchs and really good scandals." ---Library Journal

"Farquhar's style is a breezy pleasure thoughout." ---Publishers Weekly

"Narrator James Langton lends his Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama cachet to transport the listener seamlessly to the British Isles. . . . Fun for history buffs and those loving all things about the royals, especially the dirt." ---Library Journal Starred Audio Review

Library Journal Audio