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Edward VII
Most people have a preconceived image of Edward a short, stocky man with a distinctive beard and gutteral voice. More noted for his lascivious disposition and passion for sports than diplomatic gestures, his reputation derives from his long decades as Prince of Wales rather than his brief years as king.
Like most caricatures, the picture bears an element of truth, yet Edward VII was a far more important and successful king than is generally acknowledged. He assumed the throne at a time when the British Empire was showing early signs of fragmenting. Europe was moving inexorably towards war, and England was becoming a popular democracy. In nine years he applied his restless and hitherto unchannelled energy to moulding the monarchy into a institution that could not only keep up with but also claim relevance in the rapidly changing society of the twentieth century.
Drawing on much previously unpublished material from a number of archive sources. George Plumptre goes beyond the myth to give a new and incisive portrait of Edward VII, public and private, king and family man. Coverage of his years as Prince of Wales, the strictly regimented upbringing instituted by his parents, the death of Prince Albert and the many scandals resulting from his private affairs, leads naturally into extensive coverage of his years as king. While the book looks at aspects of Edward VII's constitutional life as king, it is primarily a study of the man whose personal impact on society was of paramount importance in the establishing of an era - notably the only era, this century, to be named after the reigning monarch. His marriage to the beautiful and highly-influential Alexandra is shown to have tenaciously survived threats from his various liaisons. Of these, the only one of consequence was his friendship with Alice Keppel which is shown in a new light. The golden age of the country-house party, sporting celebrations and diplomatic pursuits are captured in pioneering photographs, many of which have not been released before.
Like most caricatures, the picture bears an element of truth, yet Edward VII was a far more important and successful king than is generally acknowledged. He assumed the throne at a time when the British Empire was showing early signs of fragmenting. Europe was moving inexorably towards war, and England was becoming a popular democracy. In nine years he applied his restless and hitherto unchannelled energy to moulding the monarchy into a institution that could not only keep up with but also claim relevance in the rapidly changing society of the twentieth century.
Drawing on much previously unpublished material from a number of archive sources. George Plumptre goes beyond the myth to give a new and incisive portrait of Edward VII, public and private, king and family man. Coverage of his years as Prince of Wales, the strictly regimented upbringing instituted by his parents, the death of Prince Albert and the many scandals resulting from his private affairs, leads naturally into extensive coverage of his years as king. While the book looks at aspects of Edward VII's constitutional life as king, it is primarily a study of the man whose personal impact on society was of paramount importance in the establishing of an era - notably the only era, this century, to be named after the reigning monarch. His marriage to the beautiful and highly-influential Alexandra is shown to have tenaciously survived threats from his various liaisons. Of these, the only one of consequence was his friendship with Alice Keppel which is shown in a new light. The golden age of the country-house party, sporting celebrations and diplomatic pursuits are captured in pioneering photographs, many of which have not been released before.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1995
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