Two Mini History Book Reviews

First of all I would like to thank Rosie at Pen and Sword for being so kind and sending me both of these books in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Daughters of George III: Sisters and Princesses by Catherine Curzon:

The Daughters of George III: Sisters and Princesses by Catherine Curzon centres on (official blurb): “In the dying years of the 18th century, the corridors of Windsor echoed to the footsteps of six princesses. They were Charlotte, Augusta, Elizabeth, Mary, Sophia, and Amelia, the daughters of King George III and Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Though more than fifteen years divided the births of the eldest sister from the youngest, these princesses all shared a longing for escape. Faced with their father’s illness and their mother’s dominance, for all but one a life away from the seclusion of the royal household seemed like an unobtainable dream. The six daughters of George III were raised to be young ladies and each in her time was one of the most eligible women in the world. Tutored in the arts of royal womanhood, they were trained from infancy in the skills vial to a regal wife but as the king’s illness ravaged him, husbands and opportunities slipped away. Yet even in isolation, the lives of the princesses were filled with incident. From secret romances to dashing equerries, rumors of pregnancy, clandestine marriage and even a run-in with Napoleon, each princess was the leading lady in her own story, whether tragic or inspirational. In The Royal Nunnery: Daughters of George III, take a wander through the hallways of the royal palaces, where the king’s endless ravings echo deep into the night and his daughters strive to be recognized not just as princesses, but as women too.”

First of all The Daughters of George III was well-written, well-researched and informative read. This book examines the lives of the Daughters of George III that at times are largely forgotten. Yet these women were just as important in there own right as George III sons.

This book was such a brilliant introduction and overview into George III’s daughters. It covers the six daughters of George III: Charlotte, Augusta, Elizabeth, Mary, Sophia and Amelia. Each of the six princesses and their lives, families and reigns are presented by Catherine Curzon in a really clever way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the fact that Catherine uses her lively and chatty style to relate the lives of the six princesses which also makes this book extremely enjoyable and fun to read.

Empress Alexandra: The Special Relationship Between Russia’s Last Tsarina and Queen Victoria by Melanie Clegg:

Empress Alexandra: The Special Relationship Between Russia’s Last Tsarina and Queen Victoria by Melanie Clegg centres on (official blurb): “When Queen Victoria’s second daughter Princess Alice married the Prince Louis of Hesse and Rhine in 1862 even her own mother described the ceremony as ‘more of a funeral than a wedding’ thanks to the fact that it took place shortly after the death of Alice’s beloved father Prince Albert. Sadly, the young princess’ misfortunes didn’t end there and when she also died prematurely, her four motherless daughters were taken under the wing of their formidable grandmother, Victoria. Alix, the youngest of Alice’s daughters and allegedly one of the most beautiful princesses in Europe, was a special favorite of the elderly queen, who hoped that she would marry her cousin Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and one day reign beside him as Queen. However, the spirited and stubborn Alix had other ideas…”

First of all I would just like to say that Empress Alexandra by Melanie Clegg is a brilliant biography on a woman who unfortunately overlooked at times when it comes too British History as well as the Romanovs. This biography and the period of history that it covers and discussed are both utterly fascinating. Empress Alexandra was a well-written, well-researched, thoroughly compelling and completely engrossing read that I just didn’t want to put down.

I was extremely impressed with this book especially the work that was done by Melanie. This biography had everything in it that I could possibly wish for. It is very clear to see that Alexandra is unfortunately another much underrated and extraordinary woman in British and Russian history.