Queen Victoria

by Dorothy Thompson

Examines the impact of one woman on the British monarchy, the ups and downs of Victoria's public image, and the turbulent politics of the time

Genres: History, Nonfiction

167 pages, Hardcover

First published August 29, 1990

About the author

Dorothy Thompson was an American journalist and radio broadcaster, who was noted by Time magazine in 1939 as one of the two most influential women in America, the other being Eleanor Roosevelt.

She is notable as the first American journalist to be expelled from Nazi Germany (in 1934), one of the few women news commentators on radio during the 1930s, and as the inspiration for Katharine Hepburn's character "Tess Harding" in the film Woman of the Year (1942).

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Reviews

[Rusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because so much has been written about Queen Victoria the author chose to focus on key issues and events that she felt solidified the reputation and rule of this monarch. Who was in line for the throne and how did the populace feel about the kings who preceded her reign? Because she was female the reputation of the kings did not smear Victoria. In addition, there were three princesses who could take the throne but Victoria through a series of accidents ascended the throne when she became of age. Therefor, no regent would be present to guide the young queen.

Many stories surrounded the "wicked uncles," a term Victoria herself called her uncles. No doubt the stories were conflicting, some true, some embellished with untruths and some simply fabrications. However, Victoria chose to rely on an honest and forthright counselor rather than her family. When it came time to choose a spouse there were much advice but Victoria made the final decision. She chose Albert. He was handsome, honest, serious and most important Victoria was deeply in love with him. They made a good leading couple for Britain. Even though he was German and accused of wanting to usurp the throne, Albert earned the respect and love of the English through his actions and good works. He was skillful with business issues and handled those items for the family and Britain alike.

Politics also played a role during Victoria's reign, too. However, with the rise and fall of the monarchy in other European countries, the queen of Britain was highly respected and loved. Yes, there was scandal particularly with respect to John Brown to whom she turned after Albert's death. Victoria needed a confidante. Whether there was more to this relationship one may never know but she was devastated when he died.

Much has been written about the change in women's roles in the country. However, Victoria herself viewed a woman's place traditionally, primarily as mother and decision maker for family. On the other hand, she made no distinction among race and class particulary when choosing people for roles in the castle.

There is much more more that could be written here but let others choose this book for details. Yes, I enjoyed reading about Victoria, the longest reigning monarch in Britan's history, in this light. I believe that others will too.

[Katie O’Reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a mishmash of a biography, with the chapter topics almost chosen at random, with very unsatisfactory transitions! But still a very interesting, brief introduction, and I read the John Brown (her longtime servant and probably LOVER) chapter with rapt attention.

[Goldie · Rating 5 out of 5]

170 pages look into speculations alongside evidence surrounding a past monarch interesting and informative, thought provoking, I particularly enjoyed seeing the mini prints of historical posters and documents amongst the descriptive text ...I am going to continue my learning journey from here and make non fiction a higher priority

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent little book. I noticed the one other review ripping it because it was not well put together as a biography, however, if you read the introduction chapter it clearly states it is NOT a biography! It is a look at specific moments in Queen Victoria's reign when her being female either helped or hindered events. That is what the entire book is about. It is not as in depth is some areas as one might wish but it is certainly filled with thought and carefully selected scholarship. Well worth the read for anyone trying to understand the time period or the monarchy of the time or the politics and social mores.

Here is an example of something that happened simply because she was female. Who ever knew before that her taking the title "Empress of India" was simply because of two other monarchs demanding that they outranked a queen at dinners and political events simply because she was a woman and they were Emperors! They pointed out that a queen, to them, was lower than a king would be and this ticked off the Prime Minister at the time so he put it to the House of Lords. Once they passed it then it went to the Queen.

SO well worth the read for anyone with historian tendencies on gender issues or on Victorian times.

[Helen Birkbeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting evaluation of the importance of Victoria's gender for her role in public life, rather than a straightforward biography. Clearly well researched but let down by a number of printing errors.