Albert, prince consort to Queen Victoria and social and cultural visionary in his own right, defined the culture and direction of nineteenth century Britain—a superpower at the zenith of its influence—more than any other British royal or politician. The role he played in shaping Victorian culture stands today as indisputable proof of the enduring legacy of a man who spent just two decades of his short life in England.
Though overshadowed in history by his adoring wife and at times even mocked by her subjects, it was arguably Albert who gave form and substance to the Victorian Age. From the outset, he strove to win “the respect, the love and the confidence of the Queen and of the nation,” pursuing an extraordinary social and cultural crusade that has become his greatest legacy. From the Great Exhibition and the construction of many of London’s great museums to his social campaigns against slavery and the Corn Laws, Albert’s achievements were truly remarkable—in fact, very few have made such a permanent mark on British society.
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About the Author
Jules Stewart is an author, historian, and former Reuters journalist. His previous books include On Afghanistan’s Plains: The Story of Britain’s Afghan Wars; Crimson Snow: Britain's First Disaster in Afghanistan; The Savage Border: The Story of the North-West Frontier; The Khyber Rifles: From British Raj to Al Qaeda; and Spying for the Raj: The Pundits and the Mapping of the Himalaya. He lives in London.
This book was a wonderful biography. The extraction of letters between Albert and his loved ones and also the diary of Queen Victoria make this book a useful document when discussing 19th century Britain and the rapidly changing economy due to the increase in industrialization. It specializes on Albert's reforms within the working-class and also his creation and completion of the great Exhibition of 1851. Prince Albert was clearly loved in the end despite the deep xenophobia at first. "There was hardly a corner of British society that remained untouched by Albert's enlightened hand" (pg 3). This is the type of book that makes you love it and not want to read about the main character passing away.
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