Obscure Book of the Day: The Pictorial History of Buckingham Palace

This book by the Pitkin Publishing, entitled, “The Pictorial History of Buckingham Palace: The Queen’s London Home” is part of the “British Heritage” series that was published in conjunction with the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Marguerite D. Peacocke, author and historian, offers brilliantly concise text that gives a brief history of the palace that was first officially occupied by Queen Victoria upon her accession in 1837. Most importantly, Peacocke’s text supports the hundreds of stunning images of Buckingham Palace that were collected by the editors. These pictures give a unique look at the Palace as it developed from a London retreat for a bored Queen Charlotte who wanted distance from her insane husband to the official London home of the Monarch.

Let’s take a look inside…

Sometimes one enjoys sitting on one's throne in one's throne room, waiting for tea sandwiches.

One's throne room also has space for an intimate dinner.

The Principal Corridor--just what it sounds like.

Seen from the air.

The famous balcony where appearances are made.

The three historical facades of the Palace.

"Come on, doggie, let's call the Prime Minister."

Queen Mary (pictured at the bottom left) with the whole Royal gang, was not thrilled when it was her turn to move into Buckingham Palace.  First of all, her mother-in-law, Queen Alexandra, was taking her sweet time moving out after the death of her husband, Edward VII.  It was months before Mary and George V could move in.  Later, after the death of her own husband, Mary finally understood why her mother-in-law was so slow to leave.  The idea of leaving the palace was very troubling.  But, leave she did to make room for her son and daughter-in-law, George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. 

Nothing imposing about that staircase at all.

Queen Mary took a great deal of time in preserving the palace's reception rooms while adding her own touches.

The Picture Gallery which holds much of the Royal Collection.