Victoria: Portrait of a Queen

Reef, Catherine. Victoria: Portrait of a Queen. 2017. 246p. ISBN 0-544-71614-0. Available as an eBook from Overdrive.

One of the youngest queens in Britain’s history, Victoria had a miserable childhood sequestered with her mother. At her birth, Victoria stood far removed from the throne, but royal deaths in rapid succession meant that by the age of eighteen and on the passing of her uncle, she ascended the throne. For the next sixty-three years, Victoria would guide Britain through profound changes that would undermine the very idea of monarchy, and her name would become synonymous with the era.

Victoria had nine children with her husband, Prince Albert of Germany, before his untimely death. Her children all married European royalty, weaving a tapestry of bonds between the various ruling houses of the continent. During her long reign Victoria served many Prime Ministers, and often found herself at odds with their national and international policies. Several intrigues and scandals marred her reign, threatening the fate of the monarchy, but she managed to retain her importance and significance and left a better royal house.

During her reign, the second longest for a British monarch, Victoria witnessed the arrival of the steam engine, the development of modern weapons and warships, the unification of Germany and Italy in national states, the extension of the voting franchise to more British males, and the expansion of Britain’s colonial empire. As a figure, she represented the country and carried on her royal duties effectively. Fans of history will appreciate Victoria’s skills in navigating a changing world and remaining relevant.