Synopses & Reviews
Born in 1819, Victoria was the daughter of Edward, Duke of Kent. Left fatherless at the age of eight months, her early years were difficult, brought up by her German mother in an atmosphere of family feuds and jealousy. Succeeding to the throne at 18, however, she began a triumphant reign.
Synopsis
The young Victoria was an engaging creature, warmly affectionate, high-spirited, and eager to be "amused". But her early years were difficult ones, and often unhappy. The "little Queen", who succeeded to the throne a month after her eighteenth birthday, scored an immediate success, and her youthful modesty, dignity, and self-possession were greeted by a unanimous chorus of praise and admiration. Guided by her "excellent Lord Melbourne", she plunged joyfully into the exciting business of reigning. "I will delight in this work", she wrote. Her marriage, "the happiest day of her life", at the age of twenty, to her cousin Albert, marked the end of childhood. Originally published by Stein and Day in 1981, Plowden's many fans are sure to be pleased with this reissue.