This book gives thumbnail sketches of the kings and queens of England, from William the Conqueror to the current Elizabeth II. If you're looking for a book to teach you about English history through the lives of the monarchs, you should look elsewhere. Although the important events of each reign are mentioned, this book is really about the monarchs themselves. What Erickson does best is make them all human. Whether they've been vilified (i.e., King John of Robin Hood fame and Richard II) or lionized (Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria), kings and queens tend to seem larger-than-life. But Erickson gives insights into both there talents and their flaws. It's really their flaws that make them more interesting; and also make you wonder how the country wasn't run into the ground with some of the people who were in charge of it.

Another interesting aspect is how each royal line has it's own strengths and flaws that seem to haunt each generation. The Plantagenet's weren't deemed successful if they weren't skilled at war, the Tudors generally had brilliant minds, the Stuarts were rather conceited and ineffective and the Hanovers were usually rather horrid parents that tended to hate their heirs (and, sadly, were rarely as smart as the Tudors).

Each monarch gets about 10-15 pages, which makes it a good book to pick up at bedtime and read a few chapters. It's too confusing if you try to read it straight through; it really is better to read about a couple monarchs and then come back to it later and read about the next couple.

I have a decent background in English history, which certainly helps me to keep track of what is happening. You probably want at least a grasp of the basic history of England before you attempt this. I found it fascinating and it inspired me to learn more, especially about monarchs I hadn't thought about much.