George IV was the son of George III (who went insane and inspired "The Madness of King George") and was the founder of the prestigious King's College in London.
He had to deal with dissenting subjects and Members of Parliament and kept the Empire together with his rule.
This was the man Wellington described as ‘the most extraordinary compound of talent, wit, buffoonery, obstinacy and good feeling — in short a medley of the most opposite qualities, with a great preponderance of good — that I ever saw in any character in my life.’
But what was it about George IV that made private friends, as well as political adversaries, so quick to see the weaknesses of the man and to ignore his qualities?
This biography aims to reveal the truth behind the public opinion surrounding King George IV.
The historian Christopher Hibbert delivers a superbly detailed picture of the life and times of George IV including his exorbitant spending on his homes, his clothes, and his women; his patronage of the arts and his "illegal" marriage to Catholic Mrs Fitzherbert.
He also explores lesser known facts such as his generous charity donations and his witty one-liners, including one he uttered when he met his bride-to-be (Caroline of Brunswick) for the first time: "Harris, I am not well, fetch me a brandy."
A biography initially published in two volumes, this edition cover all four main parts of the monarch’s life. This is a detailed and precise account of an often forgotten monarch sandwiched between the two long-serving rulers, which is worth a read.
‘What was it about George IV that made private friends, as well as political adversaries, so quick to see the weaknesses of the man and to ignore his qualities? This excellent biography by Christopher Hibbert provides all the clues.’ Observer
‘One of the most satisfying biographies of an English king: it is ample, convincing and well written…[Hibbert] catches hold of the King’s personality and refuses to let go. He does not attempt to teach or instruct but leaves us to form our own judgments’ — The Times Literary Supplement
‘A delight to read, an enormously enjoyable and skilful portrait’ – Spectator
Christopher Hibbert (1924-2008) was educated at Radley and Oriel College, Oxford. He served as an infantry officer during the war, was twice wounded and was awarded the Military Cross in 1945. His many highly acclaimed books include the following titles: The Destruction of Lord Raglan (which won the Heinemann Award for Literature in 1962); London: The Biography of a City; The Rise and Fall of the House of Medici; The Great Mutiny: India 1857; Rome: The Biography of a City; Elizabeth I: A Personal History of the Virgin Queen; and George III: A Personal History.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
He had to deal with dissenting subjects and Members of Parliament and kept the Empire together with his rule.
This was the man Wellington described as ‘the most extraordinary compound of talent, wit, buffoonery, obstinacy and good feeling — in short a medley of the most opposite qualities, with a great preponderance of good — that I ever saw in any character in my life.’
But what was it about George IV that made private friends, as well as political adversaries, so quick to see the weaknesses of the man and to ignore his qualities?
This biography aims to reveal the truth behind the public opinion surrounding King George IV.
The historian Christopher Hibbert delivers a superbly detailed picture of the life and times of George IV including his exorbitant spending on his homes, his clothes, and his women; his patronage of the arts and his "illegal" marriage to Catholic Mrs Fitzherbert.
He also explores lesser known facts such as his generous charity donations and his witty one-liners, including one he uttered when he met his bride-to-be (Caroline of Brunswick) for the first time: "Harris, I am not well, fetch me a brandy."
A biography initially published in two volumes, this edition cover all four main parts of the monarch’s life. This is a detailed and precise account of an often forgotten monarch sandwiched between the two long-serving rulers, which is worth a read.
‘What was it about George IV that made private friends, as well as political adversaries, so quick to see the weaknesses of the man and to ignore his qualities? This excellent biography by Christopher Hibbert provides all the clues.’ Observer
‘One of the most satisfying biographies of an English king: it is ample, convincing and well written…[Hibbert] catches hold of the King’s personality and refuses to let go. He does not attempt to teach or instruct but leaves us to form our own judgments’ — The Times Literary Supplement
‘A delight to read, an enormously enjoyable and skilful portrait’ – Spectator
Christopher Hibbert (1924-2008) was educated at Radley and Oriel College, Oxford. He served as an infantry officer during the war, was twice wounded and was awarded the Military Cross in 1945. His many highly acclaimed books include the following titles: The Destruction of Lord Raglan (which won the Heinemann Award for Literature in 1962); London: The Biography of a City; The Rise and Fall of the House of Medici; The Great Mutiny: India 1857; Rome: The Biography of a City; Elizabeth I: A Personal History of the Virgin Queen; and George III: A Personal History.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
