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How could the monarchy end? Peter Preston's new novel imagines the last days of the House of Windsor as a young girl - bright but totally unprepared - is thrust on the throne after the death of her uncle. As the Court becomes delirious with intrigueand the hacks of Fleet Street wait at the gate, a nearly new Labour PM determines to control her. BESS is a terrific page-turner: a romance that builds to a funny and unexpected climax, a scurrilous satire, and a political insider's vision of the last days of monarchy. "Like all good satirists Preston wants us to laugh first - and think second" Independent on Sunday
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Review:
It's oddly reassuring to know that after 20 years spent editing The Guardian Peter Preston is incapable of separating fact from fiction--or indeed, past from present from future. His second novel, Bess, following the successful 51st State, takes its lead from the 1990s premier soap opera, the Royal Family, and mischievously spins its web into the next century. The results are riveting.
About the Author:
Much is the same. "New" Labour holds the reins and is squeezing tight on what's left of the royals' privileges. But when the king dies and young Bess, third in line to the throne, is swept to power in a backstage coup, it all goes wrong. With Elizabeth III in place, no longer can the government be sure that the Windsors will lie down and take it, pouting with the stiffest of upper lips. Preston is a skilful writer, forcing the reader to be drawn into his complex plot before letting on what's going on--by the time you're on top of it, you're hooked, and dragged inexorably towards the cataclysmic climax. And hardly hidden by the maelstrom of his witty, pacy creation, there is at heart a serious pondering of the vexed relationship of government to crown, by one of the most informed cultural spectators of his generation. --Alan Stewart
Peter Preston was Editor of the Guardian for many years. He remains a member of the Scott Trust which owns the paper. His first novel 51ST STATE was published by Viking in 1998. He has four grown-up children, and lives with his wife in Camberwell, south London.
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- PublisherViking
- Publication date1999
- ISBN 10 067088765X
- ISBN 13 9780670887651
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages320
- Rating
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Bess
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Viking 26/08/1999
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9780670887651
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Published by
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(1999)
ISBN 10: 067088765X
ISBN 13: 9780670887651
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780670887651
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Bess (SCARCE HARDBACK FIRST EDITION, FIRST PRINTING SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR)
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Viking, London
(1999)
ISBN 10: 067088765X
ISBN 13: 9780670887651
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Book Description Hardback. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good Plus. First Edition, First Printing. NrF/VG+. First edition, first printing in d/w not price clipped. SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR, on title-page without dedication or inscription. A novel about Bess - a sweet-natured teenager. How could the British Monarchy end? Bess is thrust on the throne after the death of her uncle. As the court becomes delirious with intrigue and the hacks of Fleet Street wait at the gate, a Labour Prime Minister determines to control her. Some light spotting to top-edge; else a near fine copy, in a very good plus d/w, of a SCARCE first edition, first printing SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR. Signed by Author. Seller Inventory # 14049
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ISBN 10: 067088765X
ISBN 13: 9780670887651
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Book Description Navy Blue Cloth. Condition: NEAR FINE (NEAR NEW). Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good (AVERAGE). Not Illustrated (illustrator). First Edition. NO EXTRA POSTAGE BEYOND OUR STANDARD RATES (UK ONLY). Please Email for further details. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾". Not Signed or Inscribed. HARDBACK. Seller Inventory # 566657
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