The Quest for Queen Mary

By: James Pope-Hennessy, Hugo Vickers - editor

Narrated by: Tim Bentinck, Gareth Armstrong

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

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)

Pure gold

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

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

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.

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.

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.