
A riveting biography that vividly captures the life and times of the last Victorian king.To his mother, Queen Victoria, he was "poor Bertie," to his wife he was "my dear little man," while the President of France called him "a great English king," and the German Kaiser condemned him as "an old peacock." King Edward VII was all these things and more, as Hibbert reveals in this captivating biography. Shedding new light on the scandals that peppered his life, Hibbert reveals Edward's dismal early years under Victoria's iron rule, his terror of boredom that led to a lively social life at home and abroad, and his eventual ascent to the throne at age 59. Edward is best remembered as the last Victorian king, the monarch who installed the office of Prime Minister.
This biography investigates the complex personal and political life of King Edward VII, examining how his upbringing under Queen Victoria shaped his reign and public perception. Christopher Hibbert, a renowned historian, utilizes primary source documents and contemporary accounts to construct a comprehensive portrait of the monarch. The book argues that Edward's reputation as a hedonistic socialite masked a sophisticated political operator who navigated the transition from the Victorian era to the modern age. By analyzing his relationships with family and foreign leaders, Hibbert provides a nuanced view of a king often reduced to caricature.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Historians and readers frequently cite this work as a balanced and accessible entry point for understanding the Edwardian transition. Experts highlight Hibbert's ability to synthesize personal anecdotes with broader political context, making it a standard reference for those interested in the British royal family.
Page Count:
352
Publication Date:
1982-01-01
Publisher:
Penguin
ISBN-10:
0140050914
ISBN-13:
9780140050912
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