Sally Bedell Smith's has written an expertly crafted exhaustive biography about the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. It was published in 2012 and its narrative is up to the wedding of William and Kate (2011). I enjoyed the book on CD as it was beautifully read by Rosalyn Landor. The book is full or information, opinion and analysis. It is rich in detail, but is not dry. Without having a cheap tabloid feel at all the information provided is very interesting with a very personal and intimate flavour. Although the author clearly admires the Queen whole heartedly; she has not written a sycophantic ode. The author convinces us that the Queen has evolved and responded to changing circumstances and times over the course of her reign while still being a beacon of tradition. This book was clearly well researched.
I did not love everything about the biography. I personally could have done with far less detail about the Queen's interest in horse breeding and racing. The author’s flippant tone of acceptance of Prince Charles's adultery is disturbing.
I would highly recommend this biography. It is definitely a must for anyone who is enjoying the current Netflix production "The Crown".

Excellent. This is an extremely readable account of Queen Elizabeth's life from childhood to present, written in an even-handed style, and although it covers so much ground and such an enormous amount of history, the author has maintained an almost conversational style that keeps the reader interested.

Biased, but beautifully written. I did not know much about Queen Elizabeth prior to reading this biography. She is NOT a boring person!

Well researched and very detailed, though it gets a little syncophantic in the last chapters summarizing the 2000s.

Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch is a very lovingly offered biography from an obviously biased author. Elizabeth the II has been reigning throughout a period of enormous change to the Commonwealth, to Britain and to the world, yet, for the most part this book dwells on the insignificant and trivial details of her life. That these details are well researched is important to note, but there was always a feeling that she was striving for the Queen’s approval in her final product.

Smith?s book is a touching tribute to the Queen and her years of service to the Commonwealth along with stories of her family and her passion for horses and horse racing.

This author is kinder to Prince Phillip than most writers about the royal family. I didn?t learn a lot new?being a long-time royal watcher--except about the horse racing and horse breeding. It?s hard not to admire her.

really dry and kind of boring. thought the queens life would warrant a better read than this.

will recommend to my book club
As head of state the Queen has done invaluable diplomatic wonders not only for her own country but also for the world through her influence with the Commonwealth leaders.

Although she has been written about hundreds of times during her long 60-year reign, Elizabeth the Queen is an excellent overview of the life of Elizabeth. Since the author had access to materials and was able to spend time with the Queen and Prince Philip, Ms. Smith was able to introduce information never before published. She also highlights Elizabeth's great devotion to the crown, Great-Britain and the Commonwealth while giving the reader an honest look at the not always positive effect on her children. She does show, however, that Elizabeth has learned from past mistakes by being more human and flexible with her grand-children. Highly recommended in this year of her Jubilee.

This book was marvelous. Its hard to imagine anyone, male or female who has been in the same job for as many years as the Queen has been. The book really opened my eyes to her diversity and courage. I hold such respect for this woman.