Farewell in Splendor: The Passing of Queen Victoria and Her Age

by Jerrold M. Packard

Offers an analysis of the British Empire following the death of its longest reigning monarch

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Victorian

294 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[J.M. Marie Merillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a huge fan of non-fiction generally, but I found Farewell in Splendor to be written in a such a way that one forgets it's not pure fantasy. The book looks at the last days of Queen Victoria and the dramas surrounding her and her family. It was interesting to discover not only the other-worldly way in which this legendary figure lived, but also the sorrow that surrounded such a great family. Jerrold M. Packard masterfully weaves in and out of accountable circumstances and light inference of the queen's last days, and what she and those around her might have been thinking. The details surrounding the final rites of the queen were both unthinkably extravagant and full of reverent nationalism. The only parts I found tedious were the seemingly unending lists of family members and royal residences, but even then I saw the necessity of illustrating how grand the legacy of Queen Victoria was.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting, but I had recently reread Victoria’s Daughters by the same author, and a lot of the information in the first part of the book was repeated. The last third, following the death of Victoria was of more interest to me.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay at best read. In fairness when you write a book that lapses over such a short time period you are going to have wordy detail that is seemingly unimportant to the story - so much blah blah blah. But kept enough interest that I finished the book

[Olivia Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

While you may get strange looks from reading a detailed account of the death of a sovereign, it is well worth it.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for a little more history of her reign worked into the narrative but the author did accomplish what he set out to do.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

this read was part of my family research, most helpful. Thank you Jerrold.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farewell in Splendor describes the last days of the life of Britain's long - reigning Queen Victoria and her funeral.It is far from a morbid book; it is rather a portrait of the world at what were the waning moments of height of European royalty.
The book is incredibly interesting, very well composed and written, not to mention extremely interesting, even fascinating.
The book begins with the Queens last days, days of quickly dealing health which the attending doctors could do little to arrest. All that could be done was to make her comfortable. The family, called to her bedside was alarmed and stunned at the coming loss of the woman who had guided the Empire for over 60 years. Her funeral , they knew would be a world event.
Victoria had written down in meticulous, voluminous detail her orders for her lying in state and her funeral, from the clothes in which she would interred , to those who would be allowed to view her remains. All these rules must be followed precisely by those she entrusted with the task, overseen by her son, the Prince of Wales, who was himself a stickler for precedence.

How it was done, the financial cost ( and no cost was spared) , the strain on those in charge who strove for perfection in every flower, candle and jewel are stories that simple amazed this reader.
If you have viewed a period drama, like Downton Abbey, you have noticed probably with amusement, the footmen measuring the distance between table settings. Multiply this 10 squared and you get the idea of all that went on to carry off the magnificent funeral cortège and interment of Queen Victoria.
The world shut down to honor her passing. Perhaps everyone suspected that an entire world was passing away with her.
The book was published in 1995: if you can get it, read it and be rewarded.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non-fiction book about the last few days of Queen Victoria's life (1901) and the details of her elaborate funeral. The sun never set on the Empire of Queen Victoria and she is one of the most interesting historical figures to read about...having outlived all 9 of her bridesmaids, 32 years seperated her 1st grandchild from her last of which there were 40 total; and an incredible 115 years from the 1st one of them to die until the last. Her death was the 1st time the United States (ordered by President McKinley) had our flag flown at half-mast for a foreign monarch...remember that our nation gained it's independence during the reign of her grandfather. Had she still been alive at the beginning of WWI, she could have called her Grandson, Kaiser Bill and told him to knock it off!

[Lisa of Hopewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting really sick of his smart-ass clever schoolboy tone. A few silly mistakes--"Prince Eddy" was Prince Albert VICTOR. His father was Albert Edward. And, to my knowledge (which appears to be far greater on this subject than that of the author! How's that for pompous certainty??) Prince Leopold was never, ever called "Prince Leo!"

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed account of Queen Victoria's death & funeral that manages to be packed with character details, historical context, and plenty of background information without ever threatening to overload the reader with too much information. It helps to have a small amound of foreknowledge, but there is more than enough here to set the scene for newcomers to Victoria & her era.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very detailed look at what may have been the only gathering of all European royalty. Victoria's presence was felt after her death in the many detailed instructions she wanted carried out after her death. Whether you admire her or not, this was truly the end of an era.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the description of final days of QV, also learning some family tidbits. Though the book was sometimes a little too "prosy", I found it easier to follow than the average reader would due to a previous knowledge of QV's family.

[Elaine Cougler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Farewell in Splendor by Jerrold M. Packard is an enlightening look at the life of Queen Victoria during her final days, and of the two weeks after her death. The book is detailed and personal, a probing account. Yet it is one with taste and affection for the late, great Victoria.

[Sue Jonson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you can believe it, this is an entire book about the death and funeral of Queen Victoria. All the fanciness and protocol perfectly depict the Victorian age. Very interesting.

[Rick Schoen]

Absolutely love this book. Have read it three times already and am sure to read it again.

[Michele Kallio · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent insight into the last days of Queen Victoria and her age.

[Annleemel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book. I especially enjoyed the description of Victoria's autopsy (Cause I'm weird like that!!) But it was a really good book for Royal history lovers!

[Ann Beall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating approach to covering the events in the British Empire at the end of Victoria's reign.