Royal Coronations

Description

An exploration of coronations from before the time of William the Conqueror through to Elizabeth II's glorious coronation in 1953. The monarchy has made many concessions to the modern age, but the affirming rituals of the coronation - the pageantry, the theatre and the symbolism - are centuries old. Looking at the British coronation from its beginnings, Lucinda Gosling takes the reader on a thematic journey through the history and meaning of these elaborate ceremonies. She reveals the finely tuned planning involved, explains the symbolism of the regalia, and reminds us that past coronations did not always go according to plan. She also looks at the increasing public involvement in the coronations of the twentieth century, from street parties to the advent of television, showing how the event evolved into the glorious global celebration of 1953 and became an internationally recognised expression of Britain's heritage and national identity.

Lucinda Gosling studied history at the University of Liverpool and has worked in the picture library industry since 1993, currently at historical specialist, Mary Evans Picture Library, and formerly as manager of the Illustrated London News archive. Her interests and areas of specialisation include illustration, royalty and World War I. She has written articles on a wide range of subjects for magazines such as History Today, Illustration, Handmade Living and BBC News Online and is a regular contributor of features on royal history to Majesty magazine. She recently authored the successful Illustrated Royal Weddings by Haymarket and ILN Ltd and is currently working on a Diamond Jubilee title for the same publishers. Her book, Brushes & Bayonets, an exploration of the First World War through the cartoons and drawings in the Illustrated London News archive, was published by Osprey in 2008.