Queen Anne

by Herbert Woodfield Paul

Have you loved watching the Oscar-winning The Favourite? Do you want to find out more about the reign of Queen Anne? Herbert Paul’s brilliant history of the early eighteenth century British queen is the perfect place to start. In exquisite detail Paul uncovers the political turmoil that shook this period as Whigs clashed with Tories over the course of her twelve years in power. Paul explores the true relationship between the Queen and her two favourites, Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, and Abigail Hill, later known as Lady Masham. What was only alluded to in the film, such as the great victories of the Duke of Marlborough in the War of the Spanish Succession, are explained at length as well as their impact on British politics. Yet, rather than just giving an overview of court, Paul also provides the reader with insight into what life like during the early eighteenth century in Britain. Through the course of book he also explores the literary explosion that occurred during this period as writers like Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift wrote their greatest works. Queen Anne by Herbert Paul is a brilliant overview of the life of this frequently forgotten monarch and the society over which she reigned. Herbert Paul was an English writer and Liberal MP. He wrote a number of works, including a biography of Gladstone, a five volume history of England, as well as much more. His book Queen Anne was first published in 1912 and Paul passed away in 1935.

Genres: History

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 24, 2011

About the author

Herbert Woodfield Paul (1853–1935) was an English writer and Liberal MP.

Paul was the eldest son of George Woodfield Paul, Vicar of Finedon, and Jessie Philippa Mackworth. He was educated at Eton College and Corpus Christi College, Oxford, where he became President of the Oxford Union. He was called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn in 1878. He was a leader-writer on the Daily News. In 1883 he married Elinor Budworth, daughter of the Hon. William Ritchie, Legal member of the Viceregal Council at Calcutta.]

In 1892 he became MP for Edinburgh South. He lost his seat in 1895, but returned to the House of Commons as MP for Northampton from 1906 to January 1910. From 1909 to 1918 he was the Second Civil Service Commissioner.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very detailed look at the politics and social mores of the 14 years of Queen Anne's reign. This was an excellent explanation of how she became Queen and the Act of Settlement which secured succession of George I. The religious tenor of the times dominated the political parties and many of the decisions made.

The Duke of Marlborough and Godolphin dominated the leadership of the country during the Wars of Spanish Succession, but gave way to the Tories in 1712.

The book was divided into sections; the War of Spanish Succession, Politics, Literature, and Society and Manners.

It was not a favorable look at Anne herself, but pointed out the lasting impact of her reign, including military victory, the Act of Settlement, the dominance of the Church of England, The Act of Union and the advance of Literature.