Jane Ridley (1) (1953–)

Apparently George & his consort, Mary, almost never had a bad thought. Even when their actions suggest otherwise. If that’s your taste in biographies, this is for you.

Very enjoyable biography of Bertie. I am pretty sketchy on the English monarchy so it was like fitting a puzzle piece that makes a picture come clearer. Queen Victoria emerges as a cranky old lady who was an awful mother and a neglectful queen, favoring a life of mourning for Albert over duties of state. Bertie was inauspicious to begin but eventually, for all his flaws and philandering ways, emerges with a degree of dignity--and ultimately beloved of his people. Not to say, that the whole show more royal family wasn't a pampered, indolent lot. It's almost comical--their yachts, their taking the cure, their house parties, their vast appetites.

Bertie died just a few years before WWI. But the clouds were gathering and the book provides glimpses Nicky the hapless Czar and William, Bertie's nephew, who becomes Kaiser Wilhelm--a villain if ever there was one.

Like most books that I really like, this story was vivid and easy to inhabit for the duration--a tribute to Jane Ridley's writing and organization of the material. show less

This is an engaging biography, easy to read but properly researched and referenced. It is highly sympathetic to its subject, but does not hide Edward's failings. Some bias is detectable, especially against Queen Victoria, Prince Leopold, Lillie Langtry, Lord Salisbury and particularly Princess Alicky of Hesse (later the last Czarina).

A biography of Edward is in some ways quite difficult for the years between 1861 and 1901 given his lack of purposeful activity, but this is overcome with lot show more of detail about the social side of the prince's life. Some of the new revelations in the book are not very significant, even if they are interesting. In the section dealing with Edward's years as king (quite short compared with the rest, given its relative importance), Ridley makes a convincing case for the effectiveness of Edward's 'soft' diplomacy in European affairs, while noting the differing views on this issue.

There is a useful appendix dealing with the history of the King's papers and early biographical efforts. Professor Ridley teaches a course in biography and is an expert in this general area. show less

To be honest, most Englishmen cannot really remember the kings and queens between Victoria and Elizabeth. The 20th century was all about war and politics and for much of it the monarchy, if not irrelevant, was at best just a spectator and definitely not a player. This magnificent biography of Edward VII, Victoria's firstborn son and immediate successor, shows how much we may have missed. A misspent youth (and manhood - Victoria lived a long time) suggested he would never be the serious sober show more monarch required by 19th century convention. But Bertie was crowned in the 20th century and became a key player in holding Europe together, staving off war until 1914 and after his death. Without his personal intervention and monarchic interventions the Great War may well have been fought much earlier than it was.

Bertie was a playboy who loved manly sports and pursuits, including women. He was dismissed as a wastrel but ultimately showed he had inherited the family skills of devotion to country and relationship politics on a grand scale. An echo of his life sits well with his queen, Alexandra. Initially an unwanted arranged marriage and a fish-out-of-water in the future that was England, she grew into her role and became feted as beautiful, talented and strong-willed. Both Bertie and Alexandra put real effort into charitable and good works and did as much to lay the foundations of the modern monarchy as Victoria and Albert.

Ridley uses sources well and provides quotes that enlighten and drive the historical narrative forwards. She has recognised that Bertie's life was exciting and was driving upwards to a climax when he became king and that he was not always a nice person with some not nice habits. show less