The Crown Jewels Hardcover – October 24, 2011

I was happy to buy from Goodwill, but you might want to re-think using FedEx. It took about 9 days to get here, mostly because FedEx uses the Postal Service to ship locally, and the package just lies around a distribution center. Just use USPS from the beginning.That said, it's a gorgeous book, with incredible close-ups of the royal jewels.

Beautiful crowns, sceptres, and orbs---absolutely! There's lots more in this wonderful book, though. I actually most enjoyed the chapter devoted to "Splendours of the Table," where plates, cups, and salt-cellars are amazing works of golden art. All the photos in this book are beautifully rendered, with extreme close ups on many pieces to showcase their detail.The historical details in each section are great as well: shocking to realize how often these things have been pawned, sold, or even melted down. A summary index in the back shows thumbnail photos with information for each, very handy resource. This won't be the only book I buy on the Crown Jewels!

This magnificent volume on the "crown jewels", is the best ever produced, due to the stunning, dramatic photos, published on heavy, glossy paper. The historical information was not wholly relevant to the subject, as the author writes from a cultural anthropological standpoint, overall her efforts were to be applauded, in this unique book on the glittering, jaw dropping gems of the "royals". I have seen them, and the "Imperial State Crown" and "Royal Scepter" with the Star of Africa I and II, being simply awe inspiring. The Hope Diamond was a visual treat, but when viewing the Cullinan Diamonds, set in their regal housing, it looks like merely impressive. Though blue diamonds are the rarest in the world. Buy the book, own it for life and enjoy the other great photos of the majestic Koh-I-Noor and the Stewart Sapphire.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I learned many things I did not previously know about the crown jewels. Beautiful pictures and written in a concise manner, lacking the nonsensical blithering to merely fill up a page that I have seen so many times. I have been a collector of Royal Family books for 25 years and this one will enhance my collection nicely. I recommend this book to anyone whose interests involve the crown jewels. I would love to see Anna Keay do a feature book on the crown jewels of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Spain.

I've visited the Jewel Tower more than several times and this book told me more than I learned on several lengthy guided tours.If you enjoy History AND jewelry, this book is for you. The book itself arrived wrapped like a Crown Jewel with purple and scarlet velvet ribbon !The photography is spectacular. The text is inclusive without being too scholarly.I can't afford a trip to London this year, but this book is a good substitute.

For most readers, this book is absolutely terrific. The photos are great, and the history provided is incredibly informative. The only quibble that I have with this book is that I would have liked more of a stylistic comparison of the jewels with other non-royal jewels made at the same time. This quibble is minor, however, and is a reflection of the fact that I am an avid antique-jewelry lover.

This lovely book contained closeups of the Crown Jewels which allowed one to see details of each piece. I would have liked a more detailed description of the lesser gems and their origins. A more complete history of the jewels that survived would have provided more interest into what the photographs portrayed, rather than the emphasis being made on the diamonds.

I purchased this book for a close friend and have not as yet read it myself so I am submiting my review on her behalf; she tells me it is an excellent read - very rich in history - and has promised to loan it to me when next we meet! Looking forward to that.

Considering how much this cost, very disappointed it had no front cover. This is a Christmas present. Should have been advised as no cover

Beautiful, beautiful book. I bought it as a 90th birthday present for my aunt, but had a sneaky peak before parting with it. Aunty loved it too. The book has amazing photos but plenty of written detail too. What we all like about it is how you can pick it up, have a glance and set it down or, sit for an hour and read fascinating details. Birth scenarios give equal pleasure.

lovely images,

This is my third time purchasing a second hand book. ThE description was spot on. It looks brand new and at £32 cheer than retail it is a real bargain. Champion.

Some one when ask what would you like as a present, jokingly said the crown jewels. so this is what they got, and as it happened they where very pleased.