Customer Reviews

The Life and Times of Victoria (Kings and Queens of England Series)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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This book is an easy-to-read, enjoyable introduction to Queen Victoria, and the changes occurring in Great Britain during her long reign (1837-1901).

The author explores: (1) the dynastic politics and court intrigue that preceded Queen Victoria's ascension to the English throne in 1837; (2) her successes and failures as a new Queen; (3) the events leading up to her marriage to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha; (4) the complex relationship she had with Prince Albert (who was her beloved husband, but who could not rule as King); (5) her need to balance her responsibilities as Queen of England with her family responsibilities as a wife and mother of nine children; (6) her life and reign after the death of Prince Albert in 1861; and (7) the marriages of her nine children to various members of European nobility. Throughout the book, the author provides an interesting look at the personal, social, and political aspects of Queen Victoria's life and reign, and gives the reader some insight into the difficulties Queen Victoria faced in acting within the constraints of Great Britain's constitutional monarchy during a period of great economic, social, and political change.

Anyone interested in Queen Victoria, Victorian England, or the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain should consider reading this book.

Queen Victoria was perhaps the world's first career woman: a devoted wife and mother that also worked. That job just happened to be helping to run a country. This fascinating, passionate and emotional, yet Victorian, woman reigned a growing empire during the industrial revolution, during one of history's greatest period of change. With her passionate devotion to her family and husband, the Prince Consort Albert, her interest in the sciences, arts, and laboring movements, she defined the era that bears her name. A well-written biography of her life--both personal and professional--and her times, this book's one weakness is its brevity. Grade: A-

Marshall puts together a comprehensive view of the life of Queen Victoria. She illustrates the book with many photos, newspaper clippings, and other publications of the time. Queen Victoria's life is covered completely, from her humble beginings and then throughout her long reign. Through reading this book you will see what made Queen Victoria so special in the lives of her countrymen.

One of the qualities of this book in addition to good solid writing is the amount of pictures, paintings, and publications that are in this book. She includes not only formal well known publications, but also satire of the day. I believe that with this comprehensive view of Victoria you get a well rounded picture of her reign and how her subjects felt about her.

The book is comprehensive as it covers her whole life. Her very humble beginings, being ruled by her mother until she took the throne. Influential people are discussed thoroughly. Marshell writes with an even hand discussing both the good qualities and the negative qualities of Victoria, and all of those who touched her life.

Throughout the book you get the sense that Victor worked very hard for her country, and did the best that she could. She loved fully, her love for her husband, her children, and her country was boundless. She showed her love of her family and friends openly, even if at times there may have been reason not to demonstrate this love so fully.

This is an excellent book to read, and gather a sense of the life and times of Queen Victoria. The book is packed with paintings, pictures, and timely newspaper articles. Marshall discusses her life, and the lives of the people around her very openly. I feel that reading this book you with gather a definate sense of who Queen Victoria was and what made her so special.