Because we are dedicated to honest customer opinions David Starkey's Monarchy - Series 2 (DVD) (Monarchy) (DVD), we have also included Amazon's customer reviews for this item (of which 5 are displayed below). Amazon customers have given David Starkey's Monarchy - Series 2 (DVD) (Monarchy) an average rating of 4.0/5.
Top Amazon Review
An interesting look at two centuries of turmoil that shaped English monarchy.. `Monarchy: Season Two' covers the altering state of monarchy in the Early Modern period; so the Tudor dynasty, the reigns of the Stuart monarchs, James I and Charles I, the English civil war followed by the military dictatorship of Oliver Cromwell and the restoration of monarchy.
Since the season is concerned with Early Modern English history, an area of which Starkey specialises in, it is perhaps the strongest season of this interesting documentary into British monarchy. Starkey is able to convey how Henry Tudor, whose claim to the throne was not superior, managed to become king in 1485 and was able to reign until his death. He examines the differences in the style of monarchy between Henry VII and his son, Henry VIII and the achievements and tyrannical actions undertaken by Henry VIII in order to increase his authority within his realm.
A central issue that Starkey examines is the issue of church and state, and during this period, how the monarch came to exert his or her authority over both. As such a whole episode is dedicated to Henry's break from Rome in the 1530s and the monarch's ascendancy to the title of `Supreme Head of the Church of England'. Starkey manages to convey the whole episode rather well, and throughout refers to documents and other various primary sources connected to the events.
Another interesting aspect of the production is the examination of the reigns of Henry's children; Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I. As Starkey notes, all three monarchs had different religious view points which contrasted radically with one another. Their religious preferences were implements in law and in the case of all three, this roused deep resentment from various groups. In the case of Elizabeth I, a moderate line was attempted to be reached in regards to religion, yet nevertheless, as Starkey points out, there were radicals on either side who were not happy with either the Protestant aspects within the Church of England or the remaining `popish' elements.
Starkey throughout the season examines the relationship between Protestantism and monarchy and how Protestants viewed the role and power of monarchs. He highlights the increase in dissenter groups, dissatisfied with aspects of the Church of England and their role in later events under Charles I. Oliver Cromwell is covered well, and his extraordinary powers are examined and contrasted with English monarchs.
Overall `Monarchy: Season Two' is perhaps the best season of the series due to Starkey's in-depth knowledge and specialisation in this period of English history. This is not supposed to be a set of biographies on each English monarch; instead it is an examination of the institution of monarchy and how it has affected Britain and how the institution has itself changed. By examining the years c.1457 - c.1660, Starkey is probably in his element, due to the diversity and pattern of extraordinary events that saw the monarchy ascend to such momentous powers and then, little over a hundred years later, it was attacked and then abolished only to be restored. If you enjoyed the first season of these series, then I would really recommend purchasing this one. The DVD however does not come with special features but this is compensated by the quality of the episodes themselves. It is also a good guide to the book `Monarchy: England and Her Rulers from the Tudors to the Windsors' and I would recommend anyone who has watched the series to also read the book.
Customer Review 1
If only History was taught as well at school. The DVD quality is excellent, providing a very clean clear image just looking at the pictures made me want to go and see those rooms for myself.
Starkey teaches history making it far more interesting than I thought possible from all those horrible school day lessons.
Customer Review 2
From the wars of the roses to the civil war. This second season of Monarchy by the historian David Starkey continues to detail the history of the kings and queens of England with the majority of this season detailing the Tudor dynasty but also dealing with those monarchs who came immediately before and after them. The series is very well put together and David Starkey is a great presenter, both interesting and informative. If the series has a flaw, it is that it tries to cover so much that it inevitably leaves the odd thing out here and there but when this does happen it is usually only things that most people would know already so does not distract from an otherwise brilliant program.
Customer Review 3
Robust history at its best. David Starkey's views may not appeal to everyone, but he is certainly entertaining. ALL historians have a bias of some sort - Antonia Fraser comes to mind - and Simon Schama is another. Both Starkey and Schama are both entertaining in their own way, but I particularly enjoy Starkey's view of Tudor history. In the present series of Monarchy, a certain antipathy towards France comes through, although culturally England and France were poles apart in the 17th century despite Charles II's familial link to Louis XIV. Benevolent despotism has never been tolerated in England, although dictatorship is quite another thing !
Starkey is highly watchable and his programmes, above all, entertain. I hope further programmes are as entertaining as the current one.
Customer Review 4
'Whig history' at its best. Excellent entertainment, shame about the blurring of the facts and the constant pushing of his OWN VIEWS - focus on French absolutism, 'moderate' i.e. undecided Anglicanism. Plus the English 'middle-way' on all things, and above all tarring historical figures with sodomy, incest etc ... He is unarguably right in most cases, however, he continually gives MORALITY a prominence it should not have in serious historical work. Also, the idea that we now sit at the pinnacle of English/British history is implicit throughout.
All in all, a good avenue for the unconverted to real history, but far from that ideal itself.
To breakdown the review further, 4 stars for entertainment value and 2 for historic content.
