A Voyage Around the Queen

Forster admitted that had she been a male, he would have considered marrying her. Queen Elizabeth II's renown surpassed that of any other individual in history. Conversations about her often revealed more about the speakers themselves, as reflections on her seemed to mirror personal hopes and fears. She represented optimism to the hopeful and pessimism to the doubtful; her charisma captivated some, while others saw mundanity. Despite her naturally reserved character, her mere presence could unnerve both presidents and renowned musicians. For nearly a hundred years, she dominated the national consciousness. In a unique blend of biography, essays, cultural history, dream journals, travel writing, and satire, the award-winning author of "Ma'am Darling" and "One Two Three Four: The Beatles in Time" crafts a vibrant portrayal of this deeply public yet intensely private monarch. It is an unusual tribute, capturing nearly a century of social history intertwined with anecdotes of royal eccentricities, featuring everything from amusing tales of corgis and bodily noises to interactions with figures like Paul McCartney and poet laureates.