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Queen Victoria: a Life as King and Woman

(uk) Lucy Worsley

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24 life moments in the Queen's diary that changed history. She defined an era, but spent her whole life defining herself. A loving work by Lucy Worsley, chief curator of the British Historic Royal Palaces and popular BBC history host. Editor's recommendation ◆ Unique writing style. In just 24 days, Queen Victoria's life spanning 82 years was written, which is very unique among historical biographies. Whether it is political issues such as monarchy and colonial expansion, or social issues such as women's reproductive burden, the views are well-founded and to the point, interspersed with British dry humor, both solemn and humorous, and fascinating. ◆ Historical rigor. Start with original materials such as diaries and letters, which are detailed and reliable. The author has a good academic background, pays special attention to identifying the authenticity of historical materials, and adopts a neutral attitude. It is of great reference value for readers who want to understand British history and the monarchy. ◆ Literary interest. Overall, it has a strong sense of storytelling and imagery, using suspense and foreshadowing, and the plot has ups and downs. There is also a lack of delicate psychological descriptions, which make historical figures full of "human touch". As a biography of a historical figure, it gives readers a novel-like reading experience. Content Introduction ◆ This book is divided into 24 chapters, using the crucial 24 days to skillfully outline the life of Queen Victoria. Birth, coronation, wedding, birth of her first child, widowhood, diamond jubilee celebrations, and at the same time, on the axis of history, correspond to the collapse of the Whig government, the colonial rule of India, the Crimean War... In the calendar of Queen Victoria's life, we have never been closer to the monarch who made Britain unprecedentedly prosperous, and the era in which she lived. ◆ Based on Queen Victoria's diaries, letters and other original materials, starting from minute details, it depicts the magnificent social picture of the Victorian era. There are also Nightingale, Mendelssohn, Dickens, Mark Twain and others. As witnesses of that era, they recorded their own experiences and showed us the historical figures of the Victorian era. ◆ As the monarch of the British Empire, she was also a willful daughter, a competent wife, and a silent widow... How did Queen Victoria eagerly break away from her mother's shackles when she was young? How to face the heavy burden brought by nine births? How to find a more confident self after experiencing the pain of losing your husband? The decades of rule by this female monarch changed the situation of other women in subtle ways. About the author Lucy Worsley is a British historian, writer, curator and television presenter. Graduated from Oxford University, majoring in history; PhD in art history from the University of Sussex. She has worked successively for English Heritage (responsible for the management of more than 400 historical places such as Stonehenge and British Iron Bridge) and Historic Royal Palaces (responsible for the management of six royal palaces including the Tower of London, Hampton Palace and Kensington Palace). She also serves as the presenter of the BBC History Program and has written several best-selling books, such as "Jane Austen at Home: A Biography" and "The Art of the English Murder". Currently living in London, UK.