Monarchy by David Starkey

Monarchy is a multi-episode documentary outlining the history of the English Monarchy. I was really excited to stumble onto this series of the Netflix, primarily because I had never seen a thorough presentation of this fascinating subject.

The show, however, is a mixed bag. While on the one hand it is certainly informative, outlining the rich history in vivid detail, it also got on my nerves. Maybe it is my American prejudices, but it seems weird to me that Monarchy should be introduced (as this series does) as government by consent of the people. It seems like most of English history involves a parade of random personalities who acquire power mostly through military prowess and occasionally display synergy with the people themselves.

As for the presentation, it is dead serious, pompous and completely humorless. David Starkey seems almost a cliché of the earnest English historian, and the camera angles have him frequently looking at a downward angle at the audience. I felt like I was being lectured by the old-fashioned English school master/tyrant.

Still, it is educational, and if you can stand the style (or at least are not bothered by it) it is worth a look.

I want to watch this series so badly because I want to know the history, but the production and narrating are so distracting, so sharp, like b-bees being spit at you continuously. The voice has a value system that is not mine, reverence for 'the heros' who were powerful, violent war lords and is much more patriarchal in view than my own belief system. But the history - it is so full and the details here are good. I've read a lot of British Isles and European history via 100+ tab internet research, and from the one episode I watched before I decided I can't sit through the sharp delivery (which followed in the font/style of subtitling as well when I tested with no sound), there were many things I learned that I was surprised I'd never heard before, new information, mixed in with stories I already knew.

This is by far the best documentary series on the British monarchy I have had the pleasure of watching. It is well produced, very informative and not full of bluster and bull. Starkey presents the material very well. It is a must have for any fan of history or Anglophile. My only complaint is that the episodes were too short for my taste. I could easily sit through hour and half long episodes. I have watched the series time and time again. As a fan and student of history I highly recommend this series. Sadly however I have only seen the series on Netflix, and they do not as yet have the 3rd and final season of the series. I look forward to them getting it or someone buying the series for me;-)

Highly interesting, and comprising of the emotional as well as the factual, 'Monarchy with David Starkey' is a deep, meaningful and thought provoking insight into the life of nobility and the effect on their families and counsels.

David Starkey is a phenomenal historian, who takes life seriously and gives the material he covers the deepest respect. When the speaks he uses his eyes to communicate as a king would.

Complimenting him is fantastic editing, wonderful enchanting music, and an array of actors/actress portraying the figures. The location work is incredible and really captivates you into the world of greatness and grandeur.

I have been watching this series for three years already. Watched many chapters twice or three times. I find David Starkey to be a superb narrator, eloquent, dramatic, a voice one must listen to. It's incalculable how much I have learned. I am not British yet as a fan of History and documentaries, I am extremely impressed with these series. The visuals and the music are excellent, but Starkey's narration is often enough to hold my attention.