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Queen Victoria
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1915
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 31, 2017
This book is not a biography so much as a tribute. I came here looking for some brief background to give context to the Masterpiece miniseries, and this was good enough for that purpose. It is, indeed, brief. However, the book does not give a good record of the queen's accomplishments or activities. It's kind of a "life and times" book as opposed to an actual retracing of her steps. With full chapters on Albert, other political figures, and writers, one misses glimpses into the queen's life itself.
Don't read this book for a balanced view, you'll be disappointed. It is not a critical account. Instead, read it to get a feel for British sentiment for the monarchy. There's a tone here that says Victoria led a golden age. The Chartists and imperial wars were there, but not so important as the queen's grace and poise throughout. It is not a modern view. It is more condescending, more patriotic, less concerned with the outsized and grand. But that's ok. Once you account for the sentimentality of the writing, you can discern some important landmarks in Victoria's reign, and the book is too short to be a burden.
Don't read this book for a balanced view, you'll be disappointed. It is not a critical account. Instead, read it to get a feel for British sentiment for the monarchy. There's a tone here that says Victoria led a golden age. The Chartists and imperial wars were there, but not so important as the queen's grace and poise throughout. It is not a modern view. It is more condescending, more patriotic, less concerned with the outsized and grand. But that's ok. Once you account for the sentimentality of the writing, you can discern some important landmarks in Victoria's reign, and the book is too short to be a burden.
January 27, 2019
Partly it is the subject, but also the time when it was written, which I believe was 1915. The language was different and to read it is quite refreshing, considering the modern day way we communicate.
With regard to the subject. Really quite interesting, if a little light. But just a pleasant reminder of what was learnt at school.
With regard to the subject. Really quite interesting, if a little light. But just a pleasant reminder of what was learnt at school.
March 20, 2018
More prose than history, but an enjoyable read.
If you seek a historic account, you'll be disappointed. This is more of a tribute to the queen, as documented in her correspondence and observations of those who knew her. Easy read and good prose.
If you seek a historic account, you'll be disappointed. This is more of a tribute to the queen, as documented in her correspondence and observations of those who knew her. Easy read and good prose.
March 1, 2021
Listen to librivox.org audio. Not bad but reader has bad microphone. Intonations were good.
December 5, 2012
Slightly dry at points, but very interesting and good Quiz Bowl material.
June 18, 2013
Dry, boring, does not go into much detail.
December 13, 2011
Terrific book with some great insight to the times by historians of the times.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews