Edward VII (Penguin Monarchs)
The Cosmopolitan King
Part of the Penguin Monarchs series: short, fresh, expert accounts of England's rulers in a collectible format
Like his mother Queen Victoria, Edward VII defined an era. Both reflected the personalties of their central figures: hers grand, imperial and pretty stiff; his no less grand, but much more relaxed and enjoyable. This book conveys Edward's distinct personality and significant influences. To the despair of his parents, he rebelled as a young man, conducting many affairs and living a life of pleasure. But as king he made a distinct contribution to European diplomacy and - which is little known - to London, laying out the Mall and Admiralty Arch. Richard Davenport-Hines's book is as enjoyable as its subject and the age he made.
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About the author
Richard Davenport-Hines was born in 1953 and lives in London. His first book was awarded the Wolfson Prize for History and Biography in 1985. He is the author of Auden, Sex, Death and Punishment, The Macmillans, Gothic and The Pursuit of Oblivion.