Ross Steele and Keith Howes Release MY NAME IS ELIZABETH

MY NAME IS ELIZABETH is a book that celebrates 200 famous, infamous and unheralded Elizabeths in the world of beauty and fashion; love and passion; art, music and adventure; food and wine; politics and power; sport and movies, as well as its most recognisable face in this year of the Diamond Jubilee.

It takes the reader on a journey through the centuries to meet monarchs, matriarchs, mistresses, screen goddesses, bestselling authors, Olympians and trailblazers, all of whom carry the name Elizabeth or one of its formal or informal variations.

The history of the name Elizabeth which, with its variations, remains one of the most popular female names, reveals an extraordinary range of outstanding women, beginning with the Mother of John the Baptist in the Bible. The prestige of the name gathered momentum with Queen Elizabeth I and the glory of the Elizabethan Age. Last century, the “Queen Mother’s” role after the abdication of King Edward VIII, and the long and admired reign of the new Queen Elizabeth II, have extended the prestige of the name. The second name of the new star of the Royal Family, the Duchess of Cambridge, is Elizabeth.

For decades the Queen has been an international celebrity and is the most photographed woman in the world. Wherever she goes, she carries the name Elizabeth which she personally chose to keep as Queen. This year of her Diamond Jubilee is a unique opportunity to celebrate all Elizabeths and the women with a variation of that name.

Today the “Elizabeth” group of names belong to millions of women, connecting families, friends, and cultures across the globe and celebrating the timeless power of love, vision, dedication and beauty. How many "Elizabeths" do you know? You may know more than you think.

MY NAME IS ELIZABETH is written by Ross Steele AM, Officer de la Légon d’Honneur, and Keith Howes. Ross has written over thirty books and has a special interest in the history of names. Keith Howes is an English writer living in Australia, equally at home with popular culture and the natural world.

MY NAME IS ELIZABETH is available from bookshops or www.mynameiselizabeth.com.au.