Mary Queen of Scots; Queen Victoria

The aim of this new series is to examine the most important events in the public and personal lives of British kings and queens and, apart from the few occasions when a little more information would have proved both interesting and illuminating (as, for example, that protocol decreed that Victoria propose to Albert) these titles serve as compact and readable introductions.

In his synopsis of the longest reign in English history, Richard Wood also reveals many of Victoria's more endearing attributes including her kind nature, sense of humour and 'sudden and charming smile'. It's good to see this side of her personality underscored rather than the dour figure for which she's more commonly remembered. His text is accompanied by an equally revealing selection of illustrations which perfectly encapsulate aspects of her life as both matriach and monarch.

Sheila Watson has ostensibly the more difficult task in conveying the main twists and turns in the troubled life of Mary Queen of Scots, but she's succeeded in simplifying a complicated scenario with her admirably straightforward and lucid portrayal.