Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential Reading for any Serious Student of Royalty,
By Andrew S. Rogers (Stamford, Connecticut) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE) (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Symbol and Privilege: The Ritual Context of British Royalty (Anthropology of Form & Meaning) (Hardcover)
There are lots of books about the British Royal Family out there. Many are blatantly pro- or anti- this or that Royal, or insider 'exposés' from former valets or aides. This book isn't like that, and that makes it all the more worth reading.Author Ilse Hayden looks at the Royal Family and the insititution of the British monarchy from the standpoint of a social anthropologist. She argues convincingly that the Sovereign's influence over government and society is both greater and more direct than is usually recognized. Much of that influence is camouflaged by ritual that seems to be ancient, but is really, for the most part, surprisingly modern. Hayden takes a comprehensive view of Royal ritual, from big events like coronations and funerals, through Trooping the Colour, to bread-and-butter events like Royal visits and investitures. She also addresses questions like why The Queen carries a purse when she never uses cash, and what's up with the hats and white gloves. She also analyzes how the aristocracy both enhances and draws from the lustre of the Monarchy. It's no exaggeration to say this book changed my view of the British Monarchy entirely. Whether you're monarchist, republican, or agnostic, you'll find valuable insights here. For anyone interested in moving beyond quick-and-dirty biographies to substantive analysis of what the Monarchy is really all about, you'll find true food for thought here.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating and insightful,
By
This review is from: Symbol and Privilege: The Ritual Context of British Royalty (Anthropology of Form & Meaning) (Hardcover)
This thought-provoking work of social anthropology is a revision of the author's doctoral dissertation, but is nevertheless highly readable for the non-specialist. Taking as her theme the idea that "the queen is what the queen does," Hayden proposes that the Sovereign -- or at least this Sovereign -- has far more influence, both politically and socially, than might generally be thought or that the English constitution might envision. She does it both by distancing herself, personally and ceremonially, from her subjects, but also by drawing in the aristocracy (the closest people available who resemble herself) for close support. This mechanism can be seen in action every time the royal family poses on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, and by noting the long list of things the queen simply does not do, such as attend the funerals of non-royals, give anything away (ever), or permit anyone else to initiate a conversation in her presence. This puts her on a higher plane than ordinary mortals. Moreover, much of what is regarded as "ancient" ritual dates only from the early 20th century; Victoria was a very different sort of monarch, and a much less astute one. Hayden does an excellent job of explaining the royal system as it operates in Britain, and her insights also help to explain later events -- such as the Royal Family's ham-handed confusion at the outpouring of popular grief on the death of Princess Diana.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
Tag this product(What's this?)Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organize and find favorite items. |
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
