In the witty and insightful 'Unruly,' David Mitchell offers a colorful retelling of England's royal lineage. From the myth of King Arthur to the reign of Elizabeth I, Mitchell uncovers the absurdities and quirks of monarchs often perceived as powerful and dignified. With his characteristic humor and a critical eye, he illuminates the plight of England as it transformed from a land of agrarian subjects under brutish rule to a nation bowing to divinely approved sovereigns. Through tales of narcissism, rebellion, and political evolution, Mitchell contextualizes the peculiar history that shapes modern Britain. 'Unruly' demystifies historical narratives, proving that the truth behind England's past rulers is far richer, sillier, and more human than the solemn portraits that hang in galleries.