What do you think?
Rate this book
Kings of Georgian Britain
For over a century of turmoil, upheaval and scandal, Great Britain was a Georgian land. From the day the German-speaking George I stepped off the boat from Hanover, to the night that George IV, bloated and diseased, breathed his last at Windsor, the four kings had presided over a changing nation.
Kings Georgian Britain offers a fresh perspective on the lives of the four Georges and the events that shaped their characters and reigns. From love affairs to family feuds, political wrangling and beyond, it is a chance to peer behind the pomp and follow these iconic figures from cradle to grave. As their very different lives will show, being a king isn't always about grand parties and jaw-dropping jewels, and sometimes following in a father's footsteps can be the hardest job around.
Take a step back in time and meet the wives, mistresses, friends and foes of these remarkable kings who shaped the nation, and find out what really went on behind closed palace doors. Whether dodging assassins, marrying for money, digging up their ancestors or sparking domestic disputes that echoed down the generations, the Georgian kings of Great Britain were never short on drama.
Kings Georgian Britain offers a fresh perspective on the lives of the four Georges and the events that shaped their characters and reigns. From love affairs to family feuds, political wrangling and beyond, it is a chance to peer behind the pomp and follow these iconic figures from cradle to grave. As their very different lives will show, being a king isn't always about grand parties and jaw-dropping jewels, and sometimes following in a father's footsteps can be the hardest job around.
Take a step back in time and meet the wives, mistresses, friends and foes of these remarkable kings who shaped the nation, and find out what really went on behind closed palace doors. Whether dodging assassins, marrying for money, digging up their ancestors or sparking domestic disputes that echoed down the generations, the Georgian kings of Great Britain were never short on drama.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2017
55 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Curzon
57 books190 followersCatherine Curzon writes books about old Hollywood and even older royals. She writes WW2 sagas for Orion as Ellie Curzon.
Catherine’s work has been featured on the official website of BBC History Magazine, and in publications such as The Daily Telegraph, All About History, Who Do You Think You Are?, and Jane Austen’s Regency World. Further afield, she has appeared in the pages of publications including The Washington Post, Town & Country, Elle Australia, Der Bund, La Vanguardia and Metrópole.
She has spoken at venues including Kenwood House, Wellington College, the Royal Pavilion, the National Maritime Museum and Dr Johnson’s House. Her first play, Being Mr Wickham, premiered to sell-out audiences in 2019. It was streamed worldwide in 2021, followed by a nationwide tour of the UK.
Catherine holds a Master’s degree in Film and when not dodging the furies of the guillotine, can be found by following the distant sound of Dino. She lives in Yorkshire atop a ludicrously steep hill with a rakish gent, a relaxed cat, and an excitable dog.
Catherine’s work has been featured on the official website of BBC History Magazine, and in publications such as The Daily Telegraph, All About History, Who Do You Think You Are?, and Jane Austen’s Regency World. Further afield, she has appeared in the pages of publications including The Washington Post, Town & Country, Elle Australia, Der Bund, La Vanguardia and Metrópole.
She has spoken at venues including Kenwood House, Wellington College, the Royal Pavilion, the National Maritime Museum and Dr Johnson’s House. Her first play, Being Mr Wickham, premiered to sell-out audiences in 2019. It was streamed worldwide in 2021, followed by a nationwide tour of the UK.
Catherine holds a Master’s degree in Film and when not dodging the furies of the guillotine, can be found by following the distant sound of Dino. She lives in Yorkshire atop a ludicrously steep hill with a rakish gent, a relaxed cat, and an excitable dog.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 25, 2021
Far from the media-managed, publicity friendly machine that is modern celebrity, where spin doctors and PR gurus ensure that the crowned heads of Europe are never less than squeaky clean; more than two centuries ago, there was really no such thing as too much or too far.
Biographies of the four Hanoverian kings who ruled the United Kingdom for a century and a half. Each worse than then one before. Sadly poor, crazy George III seems to have been the best of the lot. Talk about a low bar.
Though he abhorred the idea of marriage to Caroline the prince was a realist and, perhaps more importantly, a spoiled brat.
Serious history, footnotes and all, told in a breathless tabloid style.
[Charles] Fox told him, ‘I always thought your father the greatest liar in England, but now I see that you are.’
Biographies of the four Hanoverian kings who ruled the United Kingdom for a century and a half. Each worse than then one before. Sadly poor, crazy George III seems to have been the best of the lot. Talk about a low bar.
Though he abhorred the idea of marriage to Caroline the prince was a realist and, perhaps more importantly, a spoiled brat.
Serious history, footnotes and all, told in a breathless tabloid style.
[Charles] Fox told him, ‘I always thought your father the greatest liar in England, but now I see that you are.’
February 17, 2017
I would describe Kings of Georgian England as an introductory text. In the small page count, there is only a limited amount of space in which Curzon can describe each of the four kings' personalities and reigns, but she manages to include some fun facts and enticing details, all written in a readable, straightforward prose that never feels too stodgy. For me, this is a great book to turn to if you are relatively unfamiliar with the period and looking for a quick overview. This work won't tell you everything, but it provides a good place to start and includes an extensive bibliography for further reading. The Georgian era is one I love, so most of the information in Kings of Georgian England was familiar to me. However, there were a few little side stories I'd not come across before, and the book certainly reigniting my enthusiasm for further reading about the period. If you are a scholar of the 18th century, this book may not have much to offer. Nonetheless, I am awarding it four stars because it is perfect for the novice historian coming to era for the first time.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley.
April 29, 2017
I have just finished reading this exquisite book and can’t recommend it enough! I’m sure it will delight both the history aficionado and the toe-dipper. The book is a wealth of information presented in the most engaging manner. Catherine Curzon writes with verve, affection, humour and a great deal of charm about the four kings of Georgian Britain and the significant personages at their courts and in their lives. A century and a quarter scrolls past the reader’s eager eyes, and all the notable dates are there – the births, marriages, deaths, accessions, turning points and battles – yet this is not a solemn walk through history, but a captivating account of several lives. Catherine Curzon introduces the Four Georges to the reader not as haughty figures on their respective pedestals, nor as flattering and imposing portraits in the halls of history, but as real, flesh-and-blood people. Real people with their touches of genius as well as their deep flaws, with their moments of greatness and those of pettiness, absurdity and downright cruelty. And the reader gets to know them as people, with everything that made them who they were. Demonstrating the author’s detailed knowledge of the era as well as her profound love for it, Catherine Curzon’s ‘Kings of Georgian Britain’ informs and entertains in a delightful manner seldom found in books of the genre – if ever. I hope you’ll read it soon, and find it as enjoyable as I did!
November 10, 2017
Kings of Georgian Britain follows the lives of George I, II, III and IV. This book examines the entirety of each King’s reign as well as the events that unfold and bring them to power. The book is divided into four acts and It’s laced with scandal and political intrigues. In other words, it’s just begging to made into a Netflix show. Really...this would be awesome.
While these people’s lives are depressing regardless of their privilege, they certainly led a colorful life. The entire narrative is woven with some really lovely little anecdotal stories that both demonstrate the current temperament of the people and how they saw their kings.
There is also many solidly confirmed stories I just loved. During George I there is a story about the first time Hadel performed his piece water music. It was apparently performed on a barge alongside the king’s barge. Anyone with a boat was allowed to follow and listen in. After reading this I went to listen to it. I have heard this piece before, but it has a whole new dimension to me now. I will always have this scene in my head when I hear it. The second story was about George IV and his pseudo Indiana Jones adventure opening the tomb of previous kings. How awesome is that.
Really engaging and a fast read. Very good.
While these people’s lives are depressing regardless of their privilege, they certainly led a colorful life. The entire narrative is woven with some really lovely little anecdotal stories that both demonstrate the current temperament of the people and how they saw their kings.
There is also many solidly confirmed stories I just loved. During George I there is a story about the first time Hadel performed his piece water music. It was apparently performed on a barge alongside the king’s barge. Anyone with a boat was allowed to follow and listen in. After reading this I went to listen to it. I have heard this piece before, but it has a whole new dimension to me now. I will always have this scene in my head when I hear it. The second story was about George IV and his pseudo Indiana Jones adventure opening the tomb of previous kings. How awesome is that.
Really engaging and a fast read. Very good.
February 21, 2017
4 stars
This book is just full of tidbits that I did not know. First off was that the four kings of Georgian Britain were German. They hardly ever set foot in England and refused to speak English. Oh wow!
This book is a good introduction to the era. It talks about each of the four Georges and their families, friends, enemies and of course, the Georges themselves. It has interesting little factoids interspersed here and there.
We get to know their personalities fairly well. They were both colorful and detestable in some cases. As Ms. Curzon states in her introduction, the four Georges were “sometimes passionate, sometimes shocking, but never, ever dull.”
I want to send a thank you to Netgalley and Pen & Sword/Pen & Sword History for forwarding to me a copy of this most interesting book for me to read.
This book is just full of tidbits that I did not know. First off was that the four kings of Georgian Britain were German. They hardly ever set foot in England and refused to speak English. Oh wow!
This book is a good introduction to the era. It talks about each of the four Georges and their families, friends, enemies and of course, the Georges themselves. It has interesting little factoids interspersed here and there.
We get to know their personalities fairly well. They were both colorful and detestable in some cases. As Ms. Curzon states in her introduction, the four Georges were “sometimes passionate, sometimes shocking, but never, ever dull.”
I want to send a thank you to Netgalley and Pen & Sword/Pen & Sword History for forwarding to me a copy of this most interesting book for me to read.
April 23, 2017
I didn't know much about the Georgian era except what I learned from Horrible Histories songs, so this book was quite interesting for me! The author makes it very engaging and I learned a lot, although there are occasions where I got confused as there were large skips of time.
But I recommend this book anyway. It's really interesting!
Thanks to Netgalley for the read.
But I recommend this book anyway. It's really interesting!
Thanks to Netgalley for the read.
April 2, 2017
I wish that history books like this one had been around when I was at school! I might have rushed to history classes instead of finding ways to avoid them! Found this to be a really fascinating insight into 4 extremely interesting, but totally different, Kings over a fascinating period in British history.
The author presents the 4 Kings in a really clever way, taking each in turn and looking at where they came from, their personalities, the changing face of Britain and how they were as rulers in the soap opera that is the Royal Family!
From George I, The German King, through to George II, the last British monarch to lead troops into battle, to George III, better known as The Mad King and to George IV who seemed to be the King of spending!
Each King has such a turbulent life from childhood onwards, and this book was an amazing wealth of knowledge for me. I have found that some history books focus on just the dates but this one really gets behind each King and flags up the most interesting things that happened in their lifetimes Have to say I enjoyed the chapter on George III the most as he seemed the most caring, despite his later mental illness, and the methods they used to treat him were horrifying to say the least.
There are also some fasinating accompanying illustrations and paintings that were a welcome bonus and added to a wonderful read!
Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this advanced copy!
The author presents the 4 Kings in a really clever way, taking each in turn and looking at where they came from, their personalities, the changing face of Britain and how they were as rulers in the soap opera that is the Royal Family!
From George I, The German King, through to George II, the last British monarch to lead troops into battle, to George III, better known as The Mad King and to George IV who seemed to be the King of spending!
Each King has such a turbulent life from childhood onwards, and this book was an amazing wealth of knowledge for me. I have found that some history books focus on just the dates but this one really gets behind each King and flags up the most interesting things that happened in their lifetimes Have to say I enjoyed the chapter on George III the most as he seemed the most caring, despite his later mental illness, and the methods they used to treat him were horrifying to say the least.
There are also some fasinating accompanying illustrations and paintings that were a welcome bonus and added to a wonderful read!
Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this advanced copy!
July 4, 2019
Great research source. Easy to Follow and well organized. Easy to recommend.
September 8, 2017
Full review can be found on my blog: https://wheretheresinktherespaper.wor...
January 12, 2022
Over the years, my interest in the Georgian era has been steadily increasing. While searching through the lists of books on this period I came across several by Historian Catherine Curzon. Curzon has a range of books that focus on the Georgian era, all of which sounded fascinating. I decided to make my first venture into the Georgian era with Curzon’s 2017 release, Kings of Georgian Britain.
Kings of Georgian Britain is split into four sections, or as Curzon refers to them, four Acts. Each Act is dedicated to each of the Georgian kings; namely King George I, King George II, King George III, and King George IV. Before reading this book, my knowledge of the Georgian Kings was extremely limited – other than the recent portrayal of King George III in the hit musical Hamilton. Kings of Georgian Britain explores the life and reign of each Georgian king in detail.
The last Stuart monarch, Queen Anne, died in 1714. With no surviving heirs to the throne, the crown passed to the closest living Protestant family member. This happened to be the Hanoverian George Louis. The accession of King George I saw the start of the Georgian era. King George I suffered a stroke in 1727 and died in the days following. His son, George Augustus, succeeded his father, and became King George II. He married Caroline of Ansbach and took Henrietta Howard as his mistress. In 1737, Caroline of Ansbach died under horrific circumstances. Fourteen years later, in 1751, King George II’s son, Fred, died. The death of Fred left his son, George, to inherit the throne from his grandfather. Following the death of King George II, George William Frederick became King George III. To many, George III is commonly referred to as Mad King George. King George III suffered from periods of prolonged illness, and as a result, was forced to endure horrendous “treatments.” After the loss of his daughter in 1810, King George III’s illness returned. From 1811, until his death in 1820, King George III handed over the reigns of government to his son. The last of the Georgian Kings, King George IV, reigned from 1820-1830 and was known for his exorbitant spending. The death of King George IV signalled the end of the Georgian era.
Kings of Georgian Britain was the perfect introduction to this period in history. I loved Curzon’s writing style. It drew me into the story of the Georgian kings. It introduced other historical figures, which I will no doubt read about in her other books. The story of each king wove into the story of the next, which was really enjoyable and easy to follow. If you are interested in this period of history, I recommend reading Kings of Georgian Britain. I cannot wait to read more books by Catherine Curzon.
Kings of Georgian Britain is split into four sections, or as Curzon refers to them, four Acts. Each Act is dedicated to each of the Georgian kings; namely King George I, King George II, King George III, and King George IV. Before reading this book, my knowledge of the Georgian Kings was extremely limited – other than the recent portrayal of King George III in the hit musical Hamilton. Kings of Georgian Britain explores the life and reign of each Georgian king in detail.
The last Stuart monarch, Queen Anne, died in 1714. With no surviving heirs to the throne, the crown passed to the closest living Protestant family member. This happened to be the Hanoverian George Louis. The accession of King George I saw the start of the Georgian era. King George I suffered a stroke in 1727 and died in the days following. His son, George Augustus, succeeded his father, and became King George II. He married Caroline of Ansbach and took Henrietta Howard as his mistress. In 1737, Caroline of Ansbach died under horrific circumstances. Fourteen years later, in 1751, King George II’s son, Fred, died. The death of Fred left his son, George, to inherit the throne from his grandfather. Following the death of King George II, George William Frederick became King George III. To many, George III is commonly referred to as Mad King George. King George III suffered from periods of prolonged illness, and as a result, was forced to endure horrendous “treatments.” After the loss of his daughter in 1810, King George III’s illness returned. From 1811, until his death in 1820, King George III handed over the reigns of government to his son. The last of the Georgian Kings, King George IV, reigned from 1820-1830 and was known for his exorbitant spending. The death of King George IV signalled the end of the Georgian era.
Kings of Georgian Britain was the perfect introduction to this period in history. I loved Curzon’s writing style. It drew me into the story of the Georgian kings. It introduced other historical figures, which I will no doubt read about in her other books. The story of each king wove into the story of the next, which was really enjoyable and easy to follow. If you are interested in this period of history, I recommend reading Kings of Georgian Britain. I cannot wait to read more books by Catherine Curzon.
January 11, 2018
Who knew that reading history could be fun! Catherine Curzon takes the reader on a journey through the lives and reigns of the four Kings George and she does it with a sense of humor. This is not your stereotypical dry history narrative. The book is broken down into sections, one for each King and tells their story starting with their birth and ending with their death. She will see what they’re their childhoods were like, who had the strongest influence on them, what kind of fathers and husbands they were, and the politics of their respective monarchies.
As you can probably guess, I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t sure I would because the British monarchy is so complicated, there are tons of players, and I’m an American, so I was delighted that this was such a great read. George the First’s story was a little confusing at first but only because there were so many women named Sophia in his life. I recently received the companion book “The Queens of Georgian Britain” and I’m very excited to read it after enjoying this one so much. For American readers the section on George III would be very interesting as he was the king during the War for Independence. The author really made these men come alive and in a reader-friendly way. I highly recommend this one.
As you can probably guess, I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t sure I would because the British monarchy is so complicated, there are tons of players, and I’m an American, so I was delighted that this was such a great read. George the First’s story was a little confusing at first but only because there were so many women named Sophia in his life. I recently received the companion book “The Queens of Georgian Britain” and I’m very excited to read it after enjoying this one so much. For American readers the section on George III would be very interesting as he was the king during the War for Independence. The author really made these men come alive and in a reader-friendly way. I highly recommend this one.
September 9, 2021
My first foray into Georgian #Britain in book form - absolutely enjoyed it! @penswordbooks
I was inspired to read this after watching ‘Horrible Histories’ song about the Four Georges ‘Born 2 Rule’ and several podcast episodes from @HistoricRoyalPalaces on the first Georgian kings.
I was delighted ‘to meet’ these four in/famous kings that gave their name to an age: the ‘Sad’ one, the ‘Bad’ one, the ‘Mad’ one and the ‘Fat’ one (borrowing the ‘Horrible Histories' terminology). Of course, the ‘real’ Georges are more than that and are presented as real people who weren’t just melancholy or evil or insane or overweight. 👑Forget the Tudors and the soap opera with the six wives. The amorous intrigues, the governmental stalemates, the colonial calamities, the extravagance and the dynastic crisis are just a tip of the dramatic iceberg that was the Georgian court.
I was inspired to read this after watching ‘Horrible Histories’ song about the Four Georges ‘Born 2 Rule’ and several podcast episodes from @HistoricRoyalPalaces on the first Georgian kings.
I was delighted ‘to meet’ these four in/famous kings that gave their name to an age: the ‘Sad’ one, the ‘Bad’ one, the ‘Mad’ one and the ‘Fat’ one (borrowing the ‘Horrible Histories' terminology). Of course, the ‘real’ Georges are more than that and are presented as real people who weren’t just melancholy or evil or insane or overweight. 👑Forget the Tudors and the soap opera with the six wives. The amorous intrigues, the governmental stalemates, the colonial calamities, the extravagance and the dynastic crisis are just a tip of the dramatic iceberg that was the Georgian court.
June 7, 2019
This book offers a wealth of information about the kings during this time period.
While informative, the book is somewhat dry, and I was left wanting to know more about the men who ruled.
There is a lot of straight up facts, but I would like to know more about the scandals, loves, personalities, etc... that made these men who they were. Curzon does offer some of this information; I, personally, was left wanting more.
All in all, this is a good book, solidly written, and the author did her research. I'll read more by her. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
While informative, the book is somewhat dry, and I was left wanting to know more about the men who ruled.
There is a lot of straight up facts, but I would like to know more about the scandals, loves, personalities, etc... that made these men who they were. Curzon does offer some of this information; I, personally, was left wanting more.
All in all, this is a good book, solidly written, and the author did her research. I'll read more by her. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
June 17, 2020
Kept getting better
If you love history, this book gives you a front row seat through to the Georgian period as the Georgian kings, “eat their young.” Sometimes facts are better than any soap ever made and this era is no exception. It also manages to give you an insight into these men who sacrificed for their country that lets you see them as humans who mess up or step up. Loved it!
If you love history, this book gives you a front row seat through to the Georgian period as the Georgian kings, “eat their young.” Sometimes facts are better than any soap ever made and this era is no exception. It also manages to give you an insight into these men who sacrificed for their country that lets you see them as humans who mess up or step up. Loved it!
April 6, 2019
Quite an easy read and a good introduction to the 4 kings but not a lot of detail , very condensed.
Want to read
April 1, 2020$1.99
July 8, 2020
Kings of Georgian Britain
Loved it from the first word to the last which was not the least. Thank you, Miss Curzon.😅😚😘Hope to read more of your works.
Loved it from the first word to the last which was not the least. Thank you, Miss Curzon.😅😚😘Hope to read more of your works.
August 2, 2020
Fast paced but fascinating
History isn’t, and doesn’t have to be, dreary. This book was excellently written and I’m looking forward to reading more by the author.
History isn’t, and doesn’t have to be, dreary. This book was excellently written and I’m looking forward to reading more by the author.
September 12, 2021
I liked this book but I didn't love it. There is far too much repetition for my liking. This is due to the fact that much of the preceding kings tale is often told for the first time in his father's story.
For example in the case of George II much of his life, his mother's imprisonment, his feud with his father etc etc had already been covered in the section on George I and I feel that the author could have dealt with things a little differently. So an enjoyable book but not her best.
For example in the case of George II much of his life, his mother's imprisonment, his feud with his father etc etc had already been covered in the section on George I and I feel that the author could have dealt with things a little differently. So an enjoyable book but not her best.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews