During Queen Victoria’s long reign ten men held the British premiership, from Melbourne (whom she found ‘very kind in his manner’) to Salisbury (who praised her ‘sheer force of character'). Featuring much previously unpublished material from the Royal Archives and prime ministerial papers, this book forms a detailed study of Victoria’s involvement in state affairs and the highs and lows of her close relationships with the leaders of her government.
A Daily Mail Best History Book of the Year; A Spectator Best Book of the Year
It is generally accepted that Queen Victoria reigned but did not rule. This couldn't be more wrong.
In Queen Victoria and Her Prime Ministers, Anne Somerset masterfully traces Victoria's political evolution, from headstrong teenager to seasoned octogenarian. This book demonstrates her passionate involvement in state affairs, and casts fresh light on her relationships with her ten prime ministers.
Victoria herself acknowledged that when it came to 'likes and dislikes' of her prime ministers, 'she had them very strongly'. She showed girlish adoration for her first Prime Minister, the worldly-wise Lord Melbourne, whose delightful conversation and kindly guidance enchanted her. Later in her reign, Benjamin Disraeli - who flattered her shamelessly, tirelessly praising her sagacity and judgement and filling her life with 'poetry, romance and chivalry' - became her favourite.
While she developed a powerful bond with several of her Prime Ministers, in other cases the relationship fell little short of mutual detestation. Victoria's keenest antipathy was reserved for Disraeli's great rival, the Liberal William Gladstone. When he became prime minister for a fourth time at the age of 82, Victoria declared it 'a bad joke' that this 'dangerous old fanatic' should be 'thrust down her throat'.
Queen Victoria and Her Prime Ministers charts the bitter clashes and affectionate interactions Victoria had with her ten premiers in often hilarious detail. Drawing extensively on unpublished sources such as material from the Royal Archives and never-before-seen prime ministerial papers, it casts a fresh and highly illuminating perspective not just on Victoria, but on the exceptionally able politicians who served her in government.
Reasons to shop at Postscript
Independent bookseller Established in 1987, we’ve been sharing reading recommendations for decades.
Books you won’t find elsewhere Discover new authors among our frequently changing bookshelves, along with almost-forgotten gems and a wealth of unusual titles you won’t find elsewhere.
Eco-friendly packaging Orders are carefully packed in recyclable cardboard boxes, eco-friendly bubble wrap and solvent-free labels, paper and tape.
Condition and price All our books are new, unused and unread, and they’re all up to 75% off RRP.
FREE monthly catalogue Featuring over 400 handpicked titles, our unique catalogue is carefully curated and includes new and unusual titles, special features and exclusive collections.
Email newsletters Our tailored newsletters are written by our booksellers, and we always highlight the books that we have talked about most in the Postscript office.
Footnotes blog Some books spark ideas and conversations that our catalogue can’t contain – our Footnotes blog offers a deeper dive into a wealth of topics to inspire further reading.
Aftercare We are all serious book people and we understand the value of reading. This is why we package our books so carefully and employ a helpful in-house customer services team to promptly resolve any queries you may have.
Delivery information
UK
Free UK standard delivery on all online orders over £25
Unlimited books in one delivery charge:
• Standard: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
• Click & Collect: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
• Next Day (orders must be placed before 1pm, Monday–Friday): £4.50
• Royal Mail Tracked48: £5.50 (2-4 working days)
Highlands and Islands delivery: standard delivery only (5-7 working days)
Overseas
All orders: delivery costs for orders outside the UK are based on country of destination and product weight.
You can view your overseas delivery cost using the Summary section within the Basket.
For more information on delivery/overseas orders please refer to our Delivery Information.
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/queen-victoria-and-her-prime-ministers541731Queen Victoria and Her Prime Ministershttps://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/541731_media-0.jpg15.9915.99GBPInStock/History/Categories/Modern History/Non-Fiction/Categories/Biography & Memoirs/Non-Fiction/Categories/Biography & Memoirs/Biographies/Non-Fiction/Categories/Biography & Memoirs/Biographies/Historical BiographiesDuring Queen Victoria’s long reign ten men held the British premiership, from Melbourne (whom she found ‘very kind in his manner’) to Salisbury (who praised her ‘sheer force of character'). Featuring much previously unpublished material from the Royal Archives and prime ministerial papers, this book forms a detailed study of Victoria’s involvement in state affairs and the highs and lows of her close relationships with the leaders of her government.Hardback00https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/541731_media-1.jpghttps://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/541731_media-2.jpgadd-to-cartrrp_info:£30.00productId:171514bic_code:BGH, BGR, HBJD1, HBLL, JPHL, JPVBGH, BGR, HBJD1, HBLL, JPHL, JPV£30.00Anne SomersetGeneral240x160mmWilliam CollinsNoHardbackBritish & Irish
