The Glorious Revolution of 1688 is a story of intrigue, plot and counter-plot, religious rivalry and nationalist fervour. It tells of the stubborn and bigoted king, James II, in conflict with his subjects – a conflict in which he was finally forced to put aside his crown, making way for his daughter, Mary, and her husband William of Orange. Less than thirty years after Charles II had been restored to the throne, a king was once more deposed (although this time with rather less bloodshed),effectively creating the form of government that we have today. After the Revolution it was no longer possible for British monarchs to ride roughshod over the wishes of their people or to impose religion upon them. Yet, as well as creating a constitutional monarchy, the Revolution also led in time to such events as the Jacobite Rebellions in Scotland and the Orange Order marches in Northern Ireland. This book tells the story of those momentous days and sets them against the turbulent backdrop of seventeenth-century life.

God save our queen! Queen Elizabeth II is a symbol of strength and stability to her people and one of the most revered figures in modern history. This book is packed full of fascinating facts and studded with trivia on Her Majesty's remarkable life, pursuits and pleasures. Inside you will discover such gems as: The story behind the would-be queen's adorable childhood nickname The true significance of the crown jewels and other royal regalia The Queen's second language The impressive extent of her royal duties And many other intimate details of an extraordinary life in one of the most important diplomatic roles of all time. This book is also an acknowledgement of the Queen's triumphs, from becoming the UK's longest-reigning monarch and ruling the country through enormous social and political change to nurturing its bond with nations near and far. Celebrate the life of this remarkable woman who has a special place in the hearts and minds of people in Britain and across the world.

Queens have two birthdays, one on the day they were born and one on the day it would have been most convenient for them to have been born on. It is the convenient one that counts. This Queen is not a happy little Queen. It's her unofficial birthday and no one had brought her a present. Not the Prime Minister, not the Treasurer, and not even her lazy Ladies-in-Waiting. All she wants is one small, one very cheap, present. Just because it has four legs and a tail and isn't very easy to wrap up. Shouldn't put anyone off...