Royal Treatment

Victoria: Portrait of a Queen by Catherine Reef

She reigned by sheer force of character...
Lord Salisbury

British Royalty in 2017

Fascination with the British royalty continues to dominate the news. The royal fervor is fueled by recent events: seventieth wedding anniversary of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, announced engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and the anticipated birth of a third child for Prince William and Kate Middleton. Photos and information about the British monarchy is omnipresent via news outlets, tabloids and social media.

Queen Elizabeth II and Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh married 1947

Prince George, Prince William Duke of Cambridge, Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte

Prince Harry of Wales and Meghan Markle

Before all the public scrutiny of this royal family, there have been numerous historical accounts of House of Windsor dynasty. Queen Elizabeth II is the daughter of King George VI and granddaughter of King George V. Her paternal great grandfather is King Edward II and her great-great grandmother is Queen Victoria. Until recently, Victoria was the longest-reigning queen in England. However, Elizabeth II has recently surpassed this record, becoming the longest-reigning British monarch on 9 September 2015. On 6 February 2017 she became the first British monarch to celebrate a Sapphire Jubilee, commemorating 65 years on the throne.

The Victorian Era 1819 - 1901

Never in her life could she be confused with anyone else, nor will she be in history.
Henry Ponsonby, Queen Victoria's private secretary

Victoria: Portrait of a Queen by Catherine Reef gives young readers insight into the life and times of Queen Victoria, who served as Britain's reigning monarch for over sixty-three years.  This chronological account delves into the personal life of Victoria beginning with her overprotected childhood, her marriage to Prince Albert, and the birth of her nine children. Reef does not shy away from detailing Victoria's willful and stubborn temperament, her deep anguish on the death of her husband, and her unusual relationship with servants John Brown and Abdul Karim.  
The biography is also excellent source material regarding these significant historical events: decline of the Ottoman Empire and the conflicts between Muslims and Christians, Crimean War, Zulu War, governance of India, and the question of independence for Ireland.

The detailed descriptions of Queen Victoria's ongoing relationships with two prime ministers is fascinating. Reef offers riveting details about both men, their philosophy and style of governance. The Queen enjoyed a lasting friendship with Benjamin Disraeli. He slyly commented on his technique for working with Her Majesty. "Everyone likes flattery, and, when you come to royalty, you should lay it on with a trowel." In contrast, working with William Gladstone was constantly contentious for both the Queen and the prime minister. Of him she said, "He was a clever man, full of talent, but he never tried to keep up the honour and prestige of Great Britain."

Rich and extensive back matter is a treasure trove of additional information.  Included are: an explanation of Great Britain's limited monarchy, chronological listing of British monarchs beginning with Egbert's reign from 802 - 839 to the present Queen Elizabeth II reign commencing in 1952, Queen Victoria's family tree, chapter notes, bibliography, photo credits, additional captions, and an index.
​Short chapters with clear concise narrative and a fascinating subject make this an excellent historical volume for students.  Stellar resource for student research projects.

Illustration Fit for a Queen

The text is lavishly illustrated with copies of primary sources, including gorgeous art. Most of the work is in full color and often spans full page spreads. Here is a sample of illustrations which accompany this handsome volume.