Typical questions

Where to look

Printed sources

Cannon, J. and Griffiths, R. (2000) Oxford illustrated history of the British monarchy, 2nd rev edn, Oxford University Press

This covers the history of the period from c.400 to the present day and lists all the monarchs.

For rulers worldwide, Guinness have produced the useful:

Carpenter, C. (1978) Guinness book of kings, rulers and statesmen throughout the world, from 300 BC to the present day, Guinness Publications

A more recent addition is:

Arnold, J. (2002) The royal houses of Europe, Patricia Arnold Separate volume for Great Britain. Consists mainly of genealogical tables.

There are also many biographies available on both the current royal family and kings and queens of the past. Check your shelves for availability. Encyclopedias are generally good on royalty and heads of state.

Electronic sources

There is a useful website listing all heads of state and rulers from around the world, both past and present:

www.info-regenten.de/regent/regent-e

You could also try:

www.rulers.org

www.worldstatesmen.org

www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/

For the history of the UK monarchy, try the official site:

www.royal.gov.uk