Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee

An Epically Short History of Our Kings and Queens

Charlie Higson, Jim Moir

$37.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

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English

HARPER360
01 October 2025

Biography: royalty; History; European history; Medieval history; Genealogy, heraldry, names & honours; Humour collections & anthologies

The first non-fiction book from the comedy legend – an irresistible, family-friendly deep dive into the murky lives of the British monarchy

Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee, Harry, Dick, John, Harry three. One, two, three Neds, Richard Two, Henries, four, five, six, then who? Charlie Higson has always been interested in the story of the fabled English monarchy: from the b
*stardly to the benevolent, brilliant to the brutal. In this wonderful new book, with the famous rhyme he learned at school as his trusty guide, Charlie takes the plunge into the storied history of this most treasured of institutions – introducing readers to every single ruler since poor Harold was shot in the eye at the Battle of Hastings. Bloody treachery? Check. Unruly incest? Check. Short parliaments? Check. A couple of Cromwells? Check.

A rip-roaring journey that takes in the Normans, Stuarts and Tudors, not to mention the infamous Blois (how can we forget them?), Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee is an utterly engrossing and grossly entertaining primer on who ruled when and why.

By: Charlie Higson
Illustrated by: Jim Moir
Imprint: HARPER360
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 153mm, Spine: 27mm
Weight: 270g
ISBN: 9780008741068
ISBN 10: 0008741069
Pages: 464
Publication Date: 01 October 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Charlie Higson is an actor, author and comedian. He was actor and co-writer on The Fast Show alongside Paul Whitehouse, before finding literary success with his bestselling series of Young Bond novels (published by Puffin). This is his first non-fiction book.

Reviews for Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee: An Epically Short History of Our Kings and Queens

'A load of complete and utter brilliance: real history, yet really funny.’ James Hawes, bestselling author of The Shortest History of England ‘The perfect refresher for someone who just about remembers which King came after which Queen, and for those that don’t, the ideal starting point. Charlie Higson has made the world’s longest running and most famous family soap opera fresh again. As long as he stays away from World War Two it’s five stars from me.’ Al Murray, podcaster and bestselling author of Arnhem: Black Tuesday ‘Charlie Higson isn’t just a born storyteller and a very funny man; turns out he’s a sharp-eyed historian too. I’d rail against the injustice of it all if I weren’t so busy reading this riotous rollcall of kings, queens and wannabes, from the great and the good to the hopeless and horrendous. Highly recommended.’ Helen Castor, historian and author of The Eagle and the Hart ‘I suppose I’ll have to read it … or at least gaze upon Jim Moir’s brilliant illustrations.’ Paul Whitehouse