Dive into British History

History matters.

This is something you know. What happened in the past holds lessons for today and tomorrow, if we just study the events and how they unfolded. History matters, even if it happened half a world away, so settle down and read these books about British history…

First, let’s take a giant step backward in time, with “The Six Loves of James I” by Gareth Russell (Atria, $32). What you learn will surprise you.

To rewind, James I was a distant cousin to Elizabeth I, who preceded him on the throne. As with many ascensions to the throne in that time, there was some minor contention – mostly from “the Church.” James went on to create his own reasons for controversy, one of which may or may not have been gossip about his sexuality, a matter that many historians ignore. That’s the basis of this lively, fascinating book.

Readers of rarely examined royal history will eat this one up.

History lovers know that Winston Churchill’s name floats up in American history in many places, but his influence on Great Britain and its people was the focus of his life’s work. In “Winston and the Windsors: How Churchill Shaped a Royal Dynasty” by Andrew Morton (Hanover Square Press, $32), you’ll see how the great statesman left his mark on the Royal Family in ways that still resonate today.

It’s a fact that Queen Elizabeth II respected Churchill greatly – he was someone she’d known nearly all her life - but in this book, you’ll see how he played a dual role in her monarchy: sometimes, he was a mentor with abundant wisdom, a trusted advisor, and a friend. Other times, though, he was a burr under the Royal saddle, an antagonist, and an irritation. This book looks at Churchill’s long relationship with the Windsor family, and it might make you wonder what Great Britain might’ve been like without his influence.

And speaking of what-iffing, what if Princess Diana had lived? Think about it, then read “Dianarama: Deception, Entrapment, Cover-up: The Betrayal of Princess Diana” by Andy Webb (Pegasus Books, $35), a book that’s as thrilling as any courtroom novel.

According to the author, who is a writer and filmmaker, the infamously thorny interview Diana did with Martin Bashir more than 30 years ago ultimately led to her death in a Paris tunnel in 1995. To explain, Webb, who was instrumental in fully uncovering everything that happened and the consequences from it, offers a story that starts with deception and its aftermath, then moves to a courtroom nearly two years ago, and his efforts to reveal the details of a tragedy that will be a subject of discussion for generations to come.

And if these great reads aren’t enough for Your Majesty’s interest, then head to your favorite library or bookstore and ask to be taken to the British History section. There, you’ll find old favorites and lots of new books to satisfy your interests.

And don’t forget these three excellent books because history matters more than ever.