Christopher Brooke, historian, professor at the University of London, dedicated his book to the history of royal power in England. Observing the succession of kings on the throne, the author reports not only the dates of their reigns and battles, he gives an idea of what they were like: their tastes, interests and achievements. Why was King Æthelstan such an expert on “relics”, was William II an atheist, did Henry I participate in the murder of William II? Answering these questions, Brooke studies the nature of monarchical power, trying to free himself from modern prejudices and the opinions of those historians who saw in royal power only the source of tyranny. The book is equipped with illustrations, genealogical tables and maps.