Long Live the Queen

September 7, 2020
Kozlowski (The Jane Austen Diet) takes a fresh and fascinating look at how Queen Elizabeth II has stayed healthy and vital over her nearly 70 years on the throne. He identifies 23 “rules,” or lifestyle choices, that have contributed to her longevity, beginning with “don’t be a drama-food queen,” based on the queen’s preference for a simple, no-frills diet. Kozlowski also explores the queen’s attitude toward exercise (a brisk walk with the corgis) and alcohol (she shows how to “drink like you reign it,” partaking of a cocktail or two occasionally, but never to excess). In each chapter, Kozlowski digs into why the “rules”work. To pick two, the queen models the dictum that “sovereign is as servant does” with her devotion to the British public, and has shown why it’s fulfilling to “defend the faith which defends you” with her public advocacy for her Christian faith, which the queen incorporates into her life with weekly churchgoing and nightly prayers before bed—both service and faith, research indicates, promote health and longevity. Kozlowski’s clever and informative book will be embraced by her majesty’s many admirers, as well as by readers hoping to pick up some tips for living a long and rewarding life.

September 25, 2020

In April 2019, Queen Elizabeth II (b. 1926) became the longest-reigning British monarch and the longest-living monarch in the world, having begun her reign in 1952 at age 26. Her tips for success and rules for living are analyzed and described here by journalist Kozlowski (The Jane Austen Diet). Among the topics covered are the queen's practices of royal etiquette; how her upbringing prepared her for the throne; her pledge to a life of service; her work ethic and daily schedule; her enjoyment of hobbies and sports, including her love of horse racing; and aging gracefully. Anecdotes illustrate her personality and attitude toward life--and her relationships with her parents, husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as her stoicism in the face of adversity. The main drawback is that the author takes liberties when assessing Princess Diana and to a lesser degree Margaret Thatcher, inserting himself into the narrative instead of always relying on the factual record. Bibliographical references helpfully facilitate further reading. VERDICT Overall, this fitting but flawed tribute to Queen Elizabeth will be an optional read for those interested in royal self-help advice and the history of the British monarch.--Lucy Heckman, St. John's Univ. Lib., Queens Village, NY

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