CHARLES II (PENGUIN MONARCHS PB)

Charles II has always been one of the most instantly recognisable British kings - both in his physical appearance, and in his complicated mix of lasciviousness, cynicism and luxury. He lived through some of the most striking events in the national history - from the Civil Wars to the Great Plague, from the Fire of London to the wars with the Dutch. Clare Jackson's marvellous book takes full advantage of its irrepressible subject.