I really wanted to read and review this book before the coronation of King Charles III. But, as I mentioned, moving into the house and dealing with all the initial problems sent me scurrying for fluffy comfort reading. So, without any consideration of the best timing, here is my review of book #10 of the 23 in 2023 challenge: The Crowning of the Sovereign by Dr Jocelyn Perkins.
A summary (fit for a king, of course)
This is nonfiction, detailing the history and symbolism behind the British coronation ceremony. It also includes a detailed order of service for the coronation towards the back of the book. Dr Perkins takes you through from the earliest known elements of the coronation, through to its state at the coronation of King George VI. I have the second edition of this book, which we found in the cutest little op shop in Foster, which was printed ahead of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953.
Informative and patriotic
Dr Perkins writes well and brings the history of the coronation to light in brisk prose. He does have a rather anti-catholic soupcon to his writing, particularly as he details the very, very Catholic origins of the ceremony. I chalk that up to old school Anglicanism and it doesn’t massively impede the reading of a very comprehensive book.
Today, the coronation and the royal family are controversial. There are the personal transgressions and family squabbles. But there is also a turning away from the role of the royalty and the deep spiritual connection between God, the sovereign and their people. In the lead up to the coronation of King Charles III, there was a lot of negativity. Reading this book was a little breath of positivity. Dr Perkins is deeply patriotic, and draws a picture of what a sovereign can be and how the connection to their subjects should be. For me, that was quite moving.
This isn’t a particularly emotional or flowery book. It is very factual. But I was still left with a feeling of loss as I turned the last page. There is such a depth of symbolism, mystery and beauty in these old traditions. Yet we lose more and more of them with every passing year. The most recent coronation cut much that was old and precious. I expect that the next coronation will be even more streamlined. Whether you are a passionate monarchist or not, I think we will all be the poorer for it.
If you can find a copy of this little book, I strongly recommend giving it a read. It’s good to know the stories of the past before they’re gone.
