Happy Saturday Everyone! The Festivity Posts for Queen Victoria continue here on EBJ! For those of you who have just joined us today, you`re not too late! This event (which began yesterday), will go on until Monday the 24th- Queen Victoria`s Birthday! Here in Canada, it`s a long 4-day weekend in celebration of our past grand monarch. Please join us for days of reviews, posts and more- where you are most welcome to join in and post your links as well:)
BOOK REVIEW:
I recently was given the privilege of borrowing a very old but beautiful copy of : QUEEN VICTORIA. HER GIRLHOOD AND WOMANHOOD, BY GRACE GREENWOOD
. After reading it with the utmost care (seriously, because it wasn’t mine, I feared if anything should happen to it- yep- that precious and antique!)- only after did I discover that I could have actually read it on the Gutenberg Project! See Here.
. After reading it with the utmost care (seriously, because it wasn’t mine, I feared if anything should happen to it- yep- that precious and antique!)- only after did I discover that I could have actually read it on the Gutenberg Project! See Here. This beautifully written biography tells the story of Queen Victoria, her family, her life, studies, love of the arts, the famous people she met, the politics, her endless love for Albert (reciprocated of course;)...It is an absolutely divine read.
I think what I loved most was reading the descriptions of the Queen as a young child all the way through to young adulthood. She had the kindest disposition and was such a caring person. It seems that everyone adored her. Reading about her affinity for the arts and her love of animals reflected her gentle character. I loved reading about her mannerisms and the way she dealt with others. Of course, her relationship with Prince Albert was the kind that fairy tales are made of- and that suited me just fine as well.
There’s even a part where she entertains Napoleon III and his wife, Empress Eugenie (whom I happen to adore). The Queen and the Empress really seemed to hit it off- both with such endearing personalities, I could really picture the two of them together. When in turn the English Royal Couple visited their French counterparts, it is said that they had a grand time; they enjoyed eachother’s company so much that the Empress cried when parted.
The book ties in the history in such a splendid way by sweeping us through the lives of this royal branch (from George III and on). I loved reading little anecdotes on the family dynamics and peculiarities of these historical royals.
But the saddest part was certainly Albert’s death- and with this the part where Victoria, with such sorrow, realizes “There will be no one to ever call me Victoria again”.
If you get the chance read this splendid history book on Queen Victoria- you will love it.
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8 comments:
I will have to look for this book. I checked my shelves and don't have it. You would be surprised what I do have (I am). I love old books and have been buying them for years. I have quite a few boxes that have not yet been unpacked, so I am hopeful. I much prefer to read books in their print form. I spend too much time at the computer as it is. I did find a reprint of the 1921 book QUEEN VICTORIA by Lytton Strachey. Have not yet read it.
Just a note to your interest in the Bonapartes. I found a 1926 edition of NAPOLEON by Emil Ludwig and NAPOLEON'S FAMILY: The Notorious Bonapartes and Their Ascent to the Thrones of Europe by Desmond Seward, 1986. They all look interesting.
Hi Librarypat- How interesting! that Napoleon book sounds precious. Whenever you get around to reading it, you will have to let me know how it is. Like you, I too love old books and collect them as well- and I hate reading online (only if there`s no other choice). As for the one on Napoleon`s Family- I`ve read it (but alas do not have a copy of it)..I remember it being really good. Thanks!
Albert's death was so sad, indeed:(
This is great, Lucy! I just re-sent you my links to the three posts I've had that were Victoria-related. Sadly, I've not read up too much on Victoria, though I somehow knew a lot of her history prior to watching the movie (must be all the great posts I've read over the years in the HF blogosphere). I really loved Leslie's chapter on her in Notorious Royal Marriages. It'll be exciting to see everyone's posts all together here!
She wasn't that kind or caring, though. Did the biography you read mention anything about Flora Hastings?
Hi Lucy,
The book sounds delicious!!
I had a Victoria inspired week in London last week. I even watched the movie The Young Victoria on the plane for the second time to put me in the mood.
Happy weekend!
I've got several books on Victoria (fiction and non) but not that one. I really do want to read more about her. The only one I have read so far is Victoria in the Wings by Plaidy.
Wow, thanks so much to the link for it on Gutenberg Project! I'm going to get it for my new Kobo, e-reader.
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