Monarchy: Series 1-3 (Boxset)
Over the course of three years, British historian David Starkey presented three series outlining the history of the English monarchy.
His direct, emphatic to-camera presentation and clipped British voiceover have become familiar to people with an interest in British history, his particular area of expertise.
Starkey is known for historical documentaries in which actors portraying key figures stare into the camera as he discusses aspects of their lives. There's something about this approach and his in-depth research and knowledge, that bring these characters alive (though in the third series, the actors are dropped in favour of relying solely on portraits, artworks, and location shots).
This expansive collection chronicles the origins of the British nation state, from the Dark Ages, right up to the cusp of the twentieth century.
Where did the crown come from? What was the original role of a king? What forms of social unrest lead to the execution of Charles the First? What were the British religious allegiances during the Reformation that swept Europe in the 1500's?
Republicans would be advised not to overlook Monarchy: it is as much a history of the culture of British Emprire and its relationship to other countries in Europe, as it is an examination of the personalities, political, cultural and religious predispositions of the heads of state, that influenced the direction of the British Empire.
Those who are familiar with British history may pick up on occasional debatable interpretations: Starkey has certainly courted controversy in the past with his version of historical events.
Nevertheless, Monarchy is a fascinating, comprehensive history of British politics and culture. The advantage of having it on DVD, aside from allowing you to view it in your own time, is that you can watch it numerous times. You may have to, to retain the facts that are salient in the first series, but the memory of which, after viewing the third series, will no doubt have been diluted with the plethora of detail in between.