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The Quest for Queen Mary

By: James Pope-Hennessy, Hugo Vickers - editor
Narrated by: Tim Bentinck, Gareth Armstrong
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Publisher's summary

The highly acclaimed unexpurgated notes taken by James Pope-Hennessy for his official biography of Queen Mary, the present Queen's grandmother. Published in full for the first time and edited by much-admired royal biographer Hugo Vickers.

When James Pope-Hennessy began his work on Queen Mary's official biography, it opened the door to meetings with royalty, court members and retainers around Europe. The series of candid observations, secrets and indiscretions contained in his notes were to be kept private for 50 years. Now published in full for the first time and edited by the highly admired royal biographer Hugo Vickers, this is a riveting, often hilarious portrait of the eccentric aristocracy of a bygone age.

Giving much greater insight into Queen Mary than the official version, and including sharply observed encounters with, among others, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the Duke of Gloucester, and a young Queen Elizabeth, The Quest for Queen Mary is set to be a classic of royal publishing.

©2018 Hugo Vickers (P)2018 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
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Critic reviews

"A scary portrait of put-upon servants and potty aristos...this is arguably the most riotously funny volume published this year." (Max Hastings, Sunday Times)

"One of the funniest, most eccentric books of the year." (Craig Brown, Mail on Sunday)

What listeners say about The Quest for Queen Mary

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Pure gold

This was such a wild book. From the gossip to the writing, it’s an enjoyable listen. Loved it.

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obscure but poor gold

this is an amazing book, pope-hennessey was an amazing writer. if you are a fan of English history of this era, this is the ultimate

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17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

The quest for Oueen Mary

Interesting book The funny part the narrator does not know that Baltimore Maryland does not have Southern accents. Made the Ducess sound like Georgia belle. Recommend but stuffy and slightly boring. Carolyn C.

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3 people found this helpful

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Totally enjoyed this book!

Hated for it to end. I enjoyed everything about it- narrator was very good and the story was quite interesting.

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2 people found this helpful

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Did not want this to end!

Absolutely loved this book. Extremely interesting yet also funny, read so well by the narrators, loved listening to every minute of it! Wish there was another one!!!

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2 people found this helpful

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Very informative and entertaining

I learned things from this book that I never knew and the story was interesting, colorful, intelligent, and funny. I truly enjoyed it. The narrator was superb.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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4 people found this helpful

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Meh

Not particually engaging although there were a few funny anecdotes. The most annoying thing was the perpetual insertion of dates. Destroyed the flow of the narrative.

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Quite possibly the best biography ever!

It so refreshing that palace insiders refrained from railing overt the Duke and his curious consort.

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1 person found this helpful

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Very interesting

It wasn't what I expected but I enjoyed it. The reading was excellent and, at times, quite funny.

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Truly unique and worthy of a listen!

This fantastic piece of well-researched literature deserves to be heard. It provides insight into what the author was thinking, as well as behind-the-scenes information published in the original manuscript. It lets you into the world of the author end of the subject of the biography. With multiple narrators, one never gets bored listening.

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