Prince of Pleasure: The Prince of Wales and the Making of the Regency

by Saul David

Described by the Duke of Wellington as 'the most extraordinary compound of talent, wit, buffoonery, obstinacy and good feeling that I ever saw in one character in my life', George Augustus Frederick, Prince of Wales, later George IV, was a highly controversial figure. He courted both Whigs and Tories in his attempts to establish the Regency during the 'madness' of his father, George III. Scandalous liaisons with prostitutes and duchesses, and his 'secret' marriage to the Catholic Mrs Fitzherbert, tested his duty - to nation and to family. Yet his support for overseas campaigns against Napoleon, culminating in such historic victories as Trafalgar and Waterloo, consolidated Britain's status as the pre-eminent world power amid the great social and economic upheavals of the Industrial Revolution. Drawing on a wealth of original accounts of life in Georgian Britain, Saul David has created a masterly portrait - of a flamboyant, opportunistic and influential figure, and of a nation in a time of great change.

Saul David is Professor of War Studies at the University of Buckingham and the author of several critically-acclaimed history books, including The Indian Mutiny: 1857 (shortlisted for the Westminster Medal for Military Literature), Zulu: The Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879 (a Waterstone's Military History Book of the Year) and, most recently, Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire.

Saul David also writes acclaimed historical fiction. Zulu Hart, the first in the George Hart series, was a bestseller in 2009, and the sequel, Hart of Empire, will be published in August 2010.

An experienced broadcaster, Saul David has presented and appeared in history programmes for all the major TV channels and is a regular contributor to Radio 4.

Praise for Saul's books:

'Filled with swashbuckling derring-do, the reek of blood and gunpowder, combined with shrewd analysis of power, war and psychology' (Simon Sebag Montefiore on ALL THE KINGS MEN)

'Those wishing to immerse themselves in this golden age of British military success will relish David's fine piece of history' (Sunday Times on ALL THE KINGS MEN )

'A first-rate historian, now a masterly story-teller' (Bernard Cornwell on ZULU HART )

'David is a popular historian with a rare talent . . . An unashamed crowd-pleaser with a compelling, sexy hero who could give Cornwell's Sharpe a run for his money.' (The Times on ZULU HART )

Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, British Literature, Royalty, 18th Century, Biography Memoir

510 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2012

About the author

SAUL DAVID was born in Monmouth in 1966 and educated at Ampleforth College and Edinburgh and Glasgow Universities (History MA and PhD).

An expert in the wars of the Victorian period, he began writing his first history book when he was twenty-five and has since completed eight more. They include: The Homicidal Earl: The Life of Lord Cardigan (1997), a critically-acclaimed biography of the man who led the Charge of the Light Brigade; The Indian Mutiny:1857 (2002), shortlisted for the Westminster Medal for Military Literature; Zulu: The Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879 (2004), a Waterstone's Military History Book of the Year; and the bestselling Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire (2006). In 2007 he signed a three book deal with Hodder & Stoughton to write a series of historical novels set in the late Victorian period. The first, Zulu Hart, was published on 5 March 2009 to critical acclaim with The Times describing it as a 'rattling good yarn' with 'a compelling, sexy hero who could give Cornwell's Sharpe a run for his money'. He is currently writing a history of the British Army.

Reviews

[Margaret Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the Audible version of this book and the narrator made all the difference. I would have enjoyed this work anyway, given my interest in Regency history, but Sam Devereaux's animated reading kept me hooked and engaged and made what some might find somewhat dry history come alive.

[Fern F · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read even a handful of Regency romances, you've come across mentions of Prinny, the much-ridiculed Prince Regent and future George IV, but he's never really a character in any book. I read Saul David's "Prince of Pleasure" primarily to learn more of this individual and, oh boy, David does not disappoint. Though George IV made some contributions to the arts and architecture in Britain, he was pretty unpopular and a good chunk of "Prince of Pleasure" is spent on discussions in parliament about whether or not to pay Prinny's debts and/or increase his "salary", and him getting married to Princess Caroline in order to increase his "salary". His treatment of Princess Caroline, his hypocrisy when it came to the subject of adultery, his decision to basically ignore his daughter, a strange episode where he tried to help someone essentially steal a young child, and of course his absurd spending and subsequent groveling for more money really make it clear why he was so unpopular at the time. He's just basically an asshole idiot. David does not hold back punches, though he sometimes tries to highlight Prinny's good sides (he was super knowledgeable about music!). Some chapters in the book are very inside politics, full of Lord X and Earl (and future Duke) Y, and these chapters are a bit of a drag, but the more gossip-y chapters (the one about the Milan Commission for instance) make up for them. Having finished the book, I need someone to write about Princess Caroline's "scandalous" travels, because she sounds like a hoot compared to Prince George IV.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a lovely story, detailed and well-researched, while remaining perfectly readable. I deducted one star because only about 25% of the book deals with the Prince Regent himself, the rest is the depiction of background events, major players and - especially - party politics and debates going on at the time. So the book is less about George IV as a person and royal and more about events during his lifetime.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could only give this three stars due to the fault f the subject, not the writer. What a vain, licentious person the prince regent was. Amazing that England won the Napoleonic wars under his realm, but then the credit for that goes to Wellington.

[Karen (Living Unabridged) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Occasionally fascinating but does occasionally get bogged down into 18th and early 19th century English politics. (I have a long standing historical crush on William Pitt the younger, though, so that bore me through some muddy water.) Very well researched and foot-noted. Wannabe Regency authors, take note: this probably should be on your reference shelf, although he occasionally indulges in speculation (particularly in what Queen Caroline was or was not guilty of).

Definitely recommend if you're interested in Austen, Regency life and times, royals in general, George III & Queen Charlotte in specific, etc. If you're not interested in those topics or times you probably won't be interested in this title.

[Jill H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an in-depth profile of George IV from childhood through his Regency to his attainment of the throne. And "in-depth" explains it pretty well.........there is a plethora of information regarding the in-fighting among the Whigs, Tories, and the Monarchy and it drags down the narrative in several places. But that may just be my problem, since a biography necessarily must provide all the facts to fairly illustrate the life of the subject.
The author paints a clear picture of the man who would eventually be King George IV, especially his relationships with his myriad brothers (not much is said about his sisters) and his hated wife Caroline. His wife's trial for adultery is covered well and without prejudice as to the outcome. The majority of the book covers the Regency since the King only reigned for a short period of time and was in poor health. It's a book that interested me enough for me to seek out the author's book on the life of Lord Cardigan.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Augustus Frederick, Prince of Wales, was born at St. James's Palace in 1762 to King George III and Charlotte. During adulthood, he threw himself into shenanagins with reckless abandon. He was very fond of alcoholic drinks, but he was most fond of mistresses. Most notable of those was Maria Fitzherbert, the future grandmother of another famous mistress, Camilla Parker-Bowles. He spent amazing sums of money on clothes and furnishings for his home. He eventually became the Prince Regent when the mental health of George III took another decline, serving in that capacity from 1811 to 1820. Upon his father's death, he assumed the role of King, becoming George IV, with his Queen being Caroline.

I did not know that the Regency Period had anything to do with George IV, but apparently it did. I appreciated learning about that. This book went into great detail about his interreference in politics, specifically regarding the issue of Catholicism. It also went into detail about military appointments and strategies, which I found very interesting. As a side note, he got on well with the Duke of Wellington, and I just so happened to see his personal signet ring and some papers in his handwriting at a museum this past weekend. (Which is one reason I am late on updating my Goodreads.) This book was very well done, and contained a lot of information about George IV to only be one singular volume. I really learned a lot from this book and enjoyed it.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prinny, as the Prince of Wales, the Prince Regent, and King George IV was known as, is not exactly a royal to inspire admiration 100 years after his reign. He is often the subject (on the periphery) of many period pieces so he is known to many people mostly for his extravagant parties, building projects such as The Royal Pavilion at Brighton and creating Buckingham House into a Palace.

David does a good job covering the politics, culture/society and the personal (which were so closely tied with George with an example from Parliament negotiating for him to marry in order that his debts would be paid). Also a plus, is how David enmeshed in the good old days when authors put in extensive citations.

[Ivor Sheehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insight into the Regency period.

Enjoyed the picture painted of these outrageous times. Not a very flattering picture of George 4 or indeed of his wife/queen. I learned how Queen Victoria came to the throne - almost by accident. Will read more about the period leading up to George 4

[Marsilla Dewi-Baruch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m sorry for it” Queen Caroline said after refused to the coronation. The author digged into the very tiny fact of the chronicles with great eloquence. And the book gave justified closure on her immoral deportment after long abuse by George P.O.W. A book worth reading for anyone into understanding the life of George IV, the then P.O.W during the reign of George III.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the title makes it seem like the book would be salacious, its not. It is history, and since I like history I did enjoy it. It seems like the past is not so different from the present. People are much like they have always been and so is politics.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read

Really interesting biography of a figure I'd really only ever known as "Prince George" in Blackadder. I enjoyed learning about the real man and times behind the Regency period.

[Audiobook Accomplice (Gillian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

From whence all my beloved Regency romances came… The debauched yet kindly “Prinny”
My Full Review

[Niall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended

Fascinating and well written summary of a figure much depicted but not understood. The biography also shows much of life in the regency period.

[A.L. Butcher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meandering and very dry in places, with too much focus on politics.

There were a lot of typos and formatting issues in this book - at least every other page.

[Rob Markley · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a slight disconnect here that doesn't fully reconcile even with a differentiated society. The morality or at least easy morals of so much of upper society presented here doesn't fit with the reserved and chaste world of Jane Austen and the rest of literature from the time or the strong evidence of many platonic or non sexual relationships. Certainly there were affairs and mistresses aplenty but Saul David just assumes the worst and takes everything to excess, possibly because it seems to suit anti class inclinations.

Nevertheless this is a useful enough look at the rather uncouth world of Prince George. We get a fair enough picture of a selfish, self indulgent and petty man, ruined by his childhood, which is so in contrast to so many of his contemporaries... yet a low standard equally shared by his own set. These conclusions are largely drawn by the reader rather than expounded by the author. Rather Saul David seems to drop in a lot of quotes - many of them difficult to comprehend in today's English, interspersed with a narrative of events. It reads almost as if a researcher had given David a pile of information which he just dumped into a book. On the other hand with the narrative, most especially giving the political and world context he really sums up events economically and very succinctly.

In conclusion this gives a good picture of its subject and the narrative conclusions are most probably pretty accurate. However much of the best history of this period at least is told through biography of the leading figures and there is not really the deep critical analysis of a great biography here.

[Lyndsay Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually find the details of a biography a little boring at the beginning; the place of birth, the parents' background etc. but introducing this book with a Prologue with the tense and intriguing introduction between Prince George and his betrothed worked well. This really helped me to get into the book as I think that a good introduction is just one of many strong points throughout the book. The biography is clearly well researched with David getting his information from excellent sources and I found it refreshing in the way that it was told with enthusiasm and a genuine interest, which made it an easy read. Saul David provides a lot of detail throughout the book from culture to politics to the state of country in general and this delivers a well-informed and satisfying read.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this with a vague interest in the period and it over-delivered and then some. It perfectly describes the historical path of the Prince's life while constantly reflecting how the political environment influenced, and was influenced by his actions. It's a good history of Napoleonic history by itself.

It also displays the interaction of personality, power, and the social mores of the time worked in a monarchy in a way that most other histories just include with a dry statement.

It's pretty damn near perfect and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in Pregnancy England, British history, or biographies in general.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography of George IV. It was very readable, and did a nice of job covering both the social and political aspects of his life. David was also fair in his judgment of George as a person, freely pointing out his faults while still acknowledging his admirable qualities. This was especially appreciated in the chapters about Princess Caroline and her trial for adultery. The sections on the political jockeying between the Whigs and Tories were somewhat tedious, but perhaps that's to be expected.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography of King George IV took me forever to finish even as a Big Boring Bedtime Book. People of his time wrote voluminous letters even to people they saw frequently and the author of this book seems to want to quote all of them at length. I frequently lost the main lines of George’s life for all the letters to his mother or whomever. The politics of the time was also rather confusing and the issues are archaic from our timeline. Emancipation of Catholics, anyone? I always felt a gap in my knowledge of English history between George III and Victoria and now that gap is filled.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure if my rating is particularly fair because I was expecting more about the Prince's salacious history. I would have been interested to also learn more about his love of the arts and the part he played in improving the legacy of the arts in the country. However, a large part of the book deals with the political machinations of the day. From a typographical point of view both spelling and grammatical errors were minimal.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting to find out about Queen Victoria's family...George IV had enormous amount of brothers and sisters, it is hard to believe that Victoria became Queen by default because they did not have children.
at times too much detail about Whigs and Tories but overall a wonderful book

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lengthy tome took me a bit to get through, but I loved every minute of it. It was dry at parts, as biographies are wont to be, but it was nonetheless a lovely read. I learned a great deal and it's quite clear the author is well-versed in their subject.

[Kristopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great biography of the Prince Regent (George IV). Reads very quickly, and were these people not dead for 200 years would seem wicked and sensational. But then it was all the talk during the time.

[keereads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read

[Bruce Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent history about the life and loves and politics of George IV as Prince of Wales, Regent, and finally King. Quite a rascal but not as bad as I imagined him to be.