Elizabeth: 80 Glorious Years

When she ascended to the British throne on the death of her father, George VI, in 1952, Elizabeth II was just 25. In April 2006, she celebrates her 80th birthday, still serving the country to which she has dedicated her life. Elizabeth’s reign has seen profound change in the world, but her dedication to what, at times, must be a remarkably lonely job has never wavered. Now in her 6th decade as monarch, Elizabeth still commands respect and admiration throughout the world, as borne out by the unprecedented outpouring of affection during the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. Written by longtime BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond, this photo-filled volume celebrates the life of a remarkable woman, vividly capturing the highlights of her life and reign.