A compact and informative guide to the monarchs of the British Isles and Ireland. With over 200 colour and black & white illustrations supporting a clear and informative text, Collins Need to Know? - Kings and Queens: is the essential reference guide to the lives and times of the monarchs of the British Isles and Ireland. Containing biographies and historical background to rulers from pre-Saxon times through all the subsequent dynasties to Elizabeth II, it is the perfect book for revision, fact-checking, or indeed as a general family reference book. Included in the book are: details of birth, parents, accession to the throne, coronation, authority, personal status, death date, and burial place; an overview of his or her reign, outlining the major events and personal tragedies, the wars, celebrations, and conspiracies; and a survey of each dynasty and its impact on British history.