Q - A Voyage Around the Queen BY Craig Brown

In Q, acclaimed author Craig Brown presents a refreshingly original and humorous portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, delving into the complexities of her life as the most famous woman in the world. First appearing on the cover of Time magazine at just three years old, the Queen's image has been replicated more than any since Jesus, gracing stamps, coins, and currency across the globe. Over her ninety-six years, she likely met more people than anyone in history—well over half a million—but left most with only vague impressions of her "radiance" and "sense of duty."

Brown challenges the conventional biographical approach that often overlooks the intriguing in favor of the mundane. Instead, he employs a kaleidoscopic lens, using interlocking prisms to explore the Queen’s multifaceted life. With wit and wisdom, he reveals the contradictions of a woman so closely observed yet so elusive. While many remember what they said to her, few can recall her responses, highlighting the enigmatic nature of her public persona.

Through a series of anecdotes and reflections, Brown captures the essence of the Queen: a figure marked by duty, yet surrounded by layers of untold stories. Q offers readers a fantastically funny and insightful exploration of the omnipresent yet guarded monarch, inviting us to reconsider what it means to be both a public icon and a private individual in a world obsessed with celebrity. This remarkable work illuminates the intricate dance between public perception and personal reality, leaving a lasting impression on all who read it.