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Prince Rupert

Charles Spencer (Goodreads Author)

3.90 · Rating details · 199 ratings · 34 reviews

Prince Rupert is best known as the poster boy of the Royalist cause. He was the dynamic leader of Charles I's Cavaliers – the fearless champion of the King.

In this new exploration Charles Spencer follows the prince from his exile and three years a prisoner of war, to his exhilarating years in the Civil War.

After Royalist defeat Rupert served Louis XIV, before leading Charl ...more

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Paperback, 464 pages

Published May 29th 2008 by Phoenix (first published June 12th 2007)

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The World Turned Upside Down by Christopher Hill

The English Civil Wars 1640 - 1660

74 books — 28 voters

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Sep 14, 2017 Orsolya rated it liked it

Shelves: library-2, stuart-england, charles-i, charles-ii, history

The figure of Prince Rupert of the Rhine often hovers just off the center of Civil War/Restoration-era Stuart England history (almost quite literally as Rupert was 6’4” in height which was 9” above the average for that time). Yet, even though his name comes up time and time again; his life story and biography isn’t definitive and has notably been bypassed, in general. Charles Spencer aims to remedy this and introduce the princely nephew of King Charles I in, “Prince Rupert: The Last Cavalier”.

Sp The figure of Prince Rupert of the Rhine often hovers just off the center of Civil War/Restoration-era Stuart England history (almost quite literally as Rupert was 6’4” in height which was 9” above the average for that time). Yet, even though his name comes up time and time again; his life story and biography isn’t definitive and has notably been bypassed, in general. Charles Spencer aims to remedy this and introduce the princely nephew of King Charles I in, “Prince Rupert: The Last Cavalier”.

Spencer’s efforts to portray Prince Rupert and bring him the attention he rightfully deserves is somewhat missing its intended target. Rather than be a traditional biography, “Prince Rupert” is more of a political focus with the forefront showcasing military machinations during the civil wars that affected the Stuart family. Spencer’s writing is an academic prose absent with any biases or emotion in the text which can be off-putting for those readers seeking a more narrative feel to their history. “Prince Rupert” can lean towards being described as ‘dry’.

In fact, as a consequence, “Prince Rupert” is often not even really about Rupert at all except for his political role and therefore readers only experience a history recap rather than live with Rupert or get an insight into the man or his psyche. “Prince Rupert” is a fascinating piece if looking to learn about the events of the period but much is absent if hoping for an actual Rupert biography.

On the other hand, “Prince Rupert” is thoroughly researched with the inclusion of several primary-source documents. One can’t accuse Spencer of not having attention-to-detail. Readers even familiar with the subject will learn new facts, gain insight, and experience fresh angles. In this way, some of Rupert’s life does begin to shine, by default.

With all these complaints being said; “Prince Rupert” does, however, encompass a riveting strand with stories and tidbits not discussed elsewhere, a focus on Rupert’s relationship with his brother Prince Maurice, and alternate views to his role in relation to King Charles I and II. All of this material is compelling and worthy of merit therefore adding to layers and the strength of Spencer’s writing.

After “Prince Rupert” hits the 200-page mark, Spencer dives a bit more into the personal factions of Rupert’s life and brings a bit more of the social gossip to the center stage. However, this quickly fades and returns to the overall obsession with the political forays surrounding Rupert. Once again, Spencer does successfully highlight interesting factoids and/or unknown story angles but the main point is that Rupert gets lost in the fray when “Prince Rupert” is supposed to be his book. In this sense, “Prince Rupert” is a weak piece.

The conclusion of “Prince Rupert” is VERY abrupt and best described as ‘passed over’. Spencer describes Rupert’s death as equally nonchalantly as talking about a biscuit. The pages lack any emotional pull or memorable send-off again solidifying that “Prince Rupert” is hardly even about Rupert. Basically, “Prince Rupert” is wrapped-up in a poorly-executed fashion without any heavy meaning.

Spencer supplements “Prince Rupert” with two sections of color photo plates, a ‘Notes’ section (although not annotated), and a list of sources.

“Prince Rupert” is a heavily-researched, credible piece that takes a scholarly look at the environment surrounding Rupert and the Civil War-era of Stuart England. The main downfalls of Spencer’s writing are the dry tone, lack of focus, and the failure to truly highlight the Prince. “Prince Rupert” is not a casual text and is only recommended for those readers highly interested in Rupert and Stuart England. ...more

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Oct 13, 2011 Jill Hutchinson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: biography, military-history, world-history

An excellent biography of the last Cavalier, written by Charles, Earl Spencer. Prince Rupert fought for the Royalists as Charles I was being overthrown in the Civil War. He continued to be a supporter of the royal dynasty even after the King was executed. He came back to England when Charles II took the throne and was a respected advisor to the King. A very interesting man in a time of unrest and revolution in England. Recommended.

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Jul 28, 2011 Nic rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction, map-in-the-front, sils-book-club-selection

There isn't, technically, a map at the front, but there are several maps, and they serve the map-in-the-front purpose, so . . . so there. Also, not an actual selection of the SILS book club, but the club chose Biography/Memoir for this month's reading theme, and I picked this one because I remembered Prince Rupert of the Rhine as an intriguing figure in my awesome Stuart England class from undergrad.

Which memory, by the way, was spot-on. This exhaustively researched and well-cited book follows R There isn't, technically, a map at the front, but there are several maps, and they serve the map-in-the-front purpose, so . . . so there. Also, not an actual selection of the SILS book club, but the club chose Biography/Memoir for this month's reading theme, and I picked this one because I remembered Prince Rupert of the Rhine as an intriguing figure in my awesome Stuart England class from undergrad.

Which memory, by the way, was spot-on. This exhaustively researched and well-cited book follows Rupert through the sixty-two years of his life, in which he was not only the most renowned and glamorous Royalist officer of the English Civil War, but:
- a naval commander and a Royalist-sponsored privateer (as in PIRATE)
- a scientist who invented precursors to the revolver, the machine gun, and the torpedo
- an artist credited with the refinement of mezzotint engraving (possibly even its invention) and its introduction to England
- a husband and father
- one of the four best tennis players in Europe
And more!
(Also, and this was kind of a funny thing to keep in mind through the book, at 6'4", Rupert was nine inches taller than the average man of the time. Especially funny that one time when he wanted to accompany the king on a secret undercover mission, and the king was like, "Um, no.")

The book is pretty academic, not going to lie, but it isn't dry. Plus, it has some amazing - and sometimes hilarious - stuff drawn directly from letters, diaries, and pamphlets of contemporaries. Excerpts from some of the outrageously demonizing pamphlets about Rupert, for example (and the word of contemporaries on both sides of the Civil War indicating that his reputation as a plunderer, let alone a devil, was undeserved - one enemy commander who had been forced to surrender to the prince actually sent a letter asking that the pamphleteers be stopped from spreading lies about Rupert after the prince forcibly stopped his men from looting the defeated soldiers, then apologized sincerely for their efforts to do so).

Like the Stuart England class that inspired me to read it, this book takes time when a significant figure appears to describe that person's background, reputation, and (where interesting) appearance - as with one commander under whom Rupert served in France who had sixty war wounds and was missing an arm, a leg, an eye, and an ear. This all makes things waaay more interesting. Plus, there are nice photos of portraits of some of the people, and let me tell you, Prince Rupert (pre-mustache) was all KINDS of hot.

I like that the author resolves from the beginning not to spend more than a third of the book on Rupert's Civil War years - as he points out, that's only four years out of sixty-two, and Rupert did a lot of other things. And the fun citations continue, including a diary entry from Rupert's sister on the over-the-top love quadrangle into which Rupert totally unwittingly stumbled while staying with his brother and sister-in-law, and in which his intention was at one point given away by his violent blushing. (Later, when he met the woman who would become his wife - an actress with no rank or wealth and who had a somewhat scandalous past - Rupert, by this time a grizzled commander whom everyone seemed to find somewhat scary, provided vast entertainment for the court by becoming totally love-stricken and, as the biographer here describes him, "skittish." All together now: awwww.)

Okay, seriously, I pretty much just want to list all the awesome things that happen in this book, but there are too many. So, if you like biographies, you know, read it. ...more

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May 14, 2018 Elizabeth Bailey rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I'm afraid I abandoned this one. It was rather dry, though interesting and I didn't find Rupert as interesting a character as I had thought he would be. I was intrigued as I had always thought of him as a rather dashing individual, but he didn't come across that way. I was probably more disappointed in the character than in the book. Don't let it put you off. ...more

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Sep 30, 2019 Manol Glishev rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

It would be dull and inexpressive to say that the book is a comprehensive biography. In fact, it's a moving account of the life of a largely unsuccessful general, a rather lucky survivor, a man of honour, and an accomplished artist and inventor. There are many biographies of Prince Rupert but this one deserves a calm, attentive reading. It's so good that it's almost a novel. ...more

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Apr 10, 2014 Just A. Bean rated it liked it

Shelves: history, non-fiction

The book certainly gave a nice look at the wider politics of the time, and where Rupert fit into them, which I appreciated, and Rupert himself led such a varied and interesting life that that had to hold one's attention.

However, the book spent too much time on the Civil War years, which dragged, and the author got, at times, very defensive of Rupert and went to great lengths to excuse his flaws and bad behaviour and make his rivals look bad. I get the urge to side with your guy, as it were, but ...more

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May 20, 2016 Doris rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: history, biography, z-2016-challenge

I haven't read much about the English Civil War or Restoration, so I hadn't heard of Prince Rupert before. An engaging biography, albeit a little heavy (necessarily so, but still...) on military history for my taste.

Favorite line (speaking of Charles II's childless wife, Catharine of Braganza): "Catharine's physician encouraged dancing, believing it would jiggle the queen's reproductive system and help her to conceive." (Alas, it didn't.) ...more

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Nov 24, 2020 Andrew Hurst rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This is an excellent biography of a figure that seems to be overlooked by many historians. He is mainly regarded for his part in the English Civil War but there was so much more to his story. I wanted to learn more about the man who gave his name to a part of Leicester Castle known as Rupert's Gateway in my hometown, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. His part in the military actions of the Civil War are thoroughly discussed but it was also fascinating to read about his interest in the science ...more

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Mar 30, 2019 Susan Grimshaw rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A very well written and readable biography of a charismatic and multi talented seventeenth century figure who often seems to have not quite achieved his potential, sometimes through no fault of his own. Even centuries later one feels a great sorrow for him losing his beloved poodle, Boy, at Marston Moor. Rupert has always been my Cavalier hero.

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Nov 25, 2020 Mary added it · review of another edition

fabulous, actio packed and fact filled. could not put it down. historical but not stuffy. rich characters. could really feel how Rupert never fit in anywhere. enjoyed every word.

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Apr 18, 2016 Helen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction

As someone who prefers to learn through fiction, I often struggle to find the motivation to start reading a long non-fiction book, especially one by an author I’ve never tried before. I’ve had this one on my Kindle since last year waiting until it was the right time to read it – and that time came a couple of weeks ago after I read The White Witch by Elizabeth Goudge, a novel in which one of the main characters fights alongside Prince Rupert in the English Civil War. Rupert has a relatively mino As someone who prefers to learn through fiction, I often struggle to find the motivation to start reading a long non-fiction book, especially one by an author I’ve never tried before. I’ve had this one on my Kindle since last year waiting until it was the right time to read it – and that time came a couple of weeks ago after I read The White Witch by Elizabeth Goudge, a novel in which one of the main characters fights alongside Prince Rupert in the English Civil War. Rupert has a relatively minor role in that novel, and in others that I’ve read, but I thought it would be interesting to find out more about him.

Prince Rupert of the Rhine, as he is usually known, was born in Prague in 1619. His mother, Elizabeth, was the sister of King Charles I of England, while his father, Frederick, was the Elector Palatine and – briefly – the King of Bohemia. When Frederick lost his crown to the Habsburg Emperor, his wife and young children were forced to flee Prague and take refuge in The Hague. Growing up in exile, Rupert gained military experience in the Thirty Years War before coming to England and joining his uncle, Charles I, at the beginning of the Civil War.

As the commander of the Royalist cavalry, Rupert was one of the most colourful characters of the Civil War. When most of us think of a ‘cavalier’ we probably form a mental image of someone very like Prince Rupert: young, tall and handsome, with long, flowing hair and dressed in the latest court fashions. To the Parliamentarians, however, the cavaliers were villains, guilty of theft, rape, drunkenness and all sorts of debauchery. As the most iconic of the cavaliers, and the King’s most famous general, Rupert was the main target of enemy propaganda – he was even accused of witchcraft and his beloved white poodle, Boye, was suspected of being his familiar.

Earlier in the conflict, Rupert led the Royalists to some impressive victories, before suffering defeats at Marston Moor and Naseby. While Charles Spencer’s portrayal of Rupert is generally very favourable, I do think he does a good job here of showing why the Royalist cause ultimately failed and why rivalries and divisions between Rupert and his fellow commanders, as well as some very poor decisions, contributed to their downfall. Spencer does seem to like and admire Rupert (which must be an advantage when writing historical biography) but at the same time, he is aware of Rupert’s negative points and not just his positive ones.

The Civil War years only take up about a third of the book, but Prince Rupert’s military career continued after his part in the war ended. After being banished from England in 1646, he became a Royalist pirate, attacking Parliament’s shipping in the Caribbean. Then, following the Restoration of his cousin, Charles II, in 1660, he returned to England and fought in the Second and Third Anglo-Dutch Wars as a senior naval commander. Both of these episodes of the Prince’s life are given a lot of attention in this book, as are his final years (he died in 1682).

I thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating biography – Charles Spencer’s writing is clear and easy to follow, and I even found the descriptions of battle tactics and military strategies compelling, which is unusual for me! The only time I thought it began to drag a little bit was during the naval sections (I always seem to struggle with books set at sea, which I accept is usually my fault rather than the authors’).

What I found particularly interesting was the information on Rupert’s other accomplishments away from his army and navy career: his scientific work and the part he played in the founding of the Royal Society; his role in the development of the mezzotint printing technique; and his governorship of the Hudson’s Bay Company (Rupert’s Land in Canada was named after him). I wasn’t aware of any of this and hadn’t appreciated just how much Prince Rupert had achieved in his lifetime.

I would be happy to read more non-fiction by Charles Spencer but I’m not sure that any of his other books really appeal to me. He is the younger brother of the late Princess Diana (something I didn’t know when I first started reading) and most of his work seems to be concerned with his family history. If anyone has read any other books on Prince Rupert, though – either fiction or non-fiction – I would love some suggestions.
...more

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Feb 09, 2012 Jennifer (JC-S) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: librarybooks

‘It is hard to believe that one man packed so much into a single lifetime.’

Prince Rupert of the Rhine, grandson of King James I of England, was a famed warrior on the royalist side in the English civil war. Prince Rupert was born on 17 December, 1619 in Prague, Bohemia (now in the Czech Republic) and died on November 29, 1682 in London England. His parents, Elizabeth and Frederick (the Elector Palatine) were briefly king and queen of Bohemia but were ejected when Rupert, their third child and se ‘It is hard to believe that one man packed so much into a single lifetime.’

Prince Rupert of the Rhine, grandson of King James I of England, was a famed warrior on the royalist side in the English civil war. Prince Rupert was born on 17 December, 1619 in Prague, Bohemia (now in the Czech Republic) and died on November 29, 1682 in London England. His parents, Elizabeth and Frederick (the Elector Palatine) were briefly king and queen of Bohemia but were ejected when Rupert, their third child and second son, was only a few months old. Elizabeth (the Winter Queen) took refuge at The Hague with her growing family while Frederick tried unsuccessfully to regain the Palatine possessions stripped from him by the Holy Roman Emperor. When Frederick died in 1632, he left behind a widow and eleven living children.

By the time Prince Rupert came to England to the assistance of his maternal uncle Charles I in 1642, he was already a veteran soldier. He fought against Spain in the Netherlands (the Eighty Years’ War) and against the Holy Roman Emperor in Germany (the Thirty Years’ War). Prince Rupert was aged 22 when he was appointed commander of the Royalist cavalry. After his victory at Powick Bridge in 1642, against all the odds, he became a hero to many.

But I learned that there is more to Prince Rupert’s life than his dashing exploits during the English civil war. In 1646, he was banished from England, and led the royalist forces in exile. After the Restoration in 1660, he returned to England and was a senior British naval commander during the Second (1665-67) and Third Anglo-Dutch (1672-74) Wars. He was one of the founding members of the Royal Society and was involved in scientific invention. One of his inventions was a brass alloy; another was a more powerful form of gunpowder. Prince Rupert went on to serve as the first Governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company and his name is found in various place names in Canada. He also travelled to Gambia and played a role in the early African slave trade.

Prince Rupert led an interesting and varied life and was definitely one of the more colourful Restoration figures. I enjoyed this biography of Prince Rupert and learned quite a lot more about his life and achievements.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith
...more

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Feb 18, 2014 Tony Pedley rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Prince Rupert was involved in some of the pivotal moments of British and European history. Despite that he is not widely known. This book sets this right by painting a picture of a extraordinary man in extraordinary times.

Although Prince Rupert is most widely known for his part in the English Civil War, this part of his life actually only takes up 4 chapters. If anything this shows what a long and varying life the Prince had. Anyone with an interest in the civil war who is put off by this should ...more

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Dec 14, 2014 Grady rated it really liked it · review of another edition

It's hard to imagine this biography of Prince Rupert being much use to anyone who isn't already interested in the English Civil War or Restoration Eras. For anyone who is, however, it offers a very sympathetic portrait of a figure who usually shows up on the periphery of standard accounts. Spencer tells the story well, tracing Rupert's service in European Wars; on behalf of the ill-fated Charles I; as a pirate during the Interregnum; and as a cousin of King Charles II after 1660. While Spencer a ...more

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Dec 27, 2013 R.M.F Brown rated it really liked it · review of another edition

What should a good man be? Posed Marcus Aurelius centuries ago.

Rupert, like Bismarck and Churchill after him, appear to have spent their whole lives seeking to answer this question at every opportunity. Their devotion to duty, a love of adventure over an ease of life, their calculated gambling in the best Nietzschean tradition, their refusal to die or even to surrender when the odds were against them...

All of this portrays driven men determined to make their mark on life, determined to answer th ...more

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Mar 07, 2012 Abigail Hartman rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: history

A well-written and fairly even-handed biography of Rupert, who is best known for his role in England's Civil War. It would have been nice had Spencer given a brief background to that conflict and introduced the reader a little more thoroughly to the figures on the Parlimentarian side (he obviously has little love for Cromwell - hardly surprising). I would not call the book "riveting;" some sections dragged, since Rupert did little of significance after the war. Still, it was, on the whole, instr ...more

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Nov 14, 2009 Maureen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I read this after I found out that my husband's family is descended from this man. I had no idea who he was, but he was a pretty fascinating guy. The biography is enthralling in parts. It did spend most of the book during the English Civil War, which is understandable, but I did wish for a little more background of other parts of his life. I enjoyed this, and I'll hold onto it in case my kids ever want to read up on their ancestor. ...more

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Apr 06, 2015 Sally Moore rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Charles Spencer is one of my favourite non-fiction writers, and this biography is very good. Rupert was a fascinating person, and his life was never easy. Spencer's writing style is so readable, it feels like you are reading an adventure story, but the facts and sources are thoroughly presented and examined. I read this several months ago, but it feels like yesterday because the events are so vividly rendered, and Rupert's life and challenges so poignant. ...more

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Aug 09, 2012 Becky rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: history, biography

This was a well written biog. of an interesting character, my olny complaint is that the book did focus on the period of the English Civil War, to the detriment of the long and eventful life Rupert lived after this period. It is obvious to focus on this action packed period of course but I did feel that the post civil war period was not covered in such great depth because of this.

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Jan 18, 2014 Lezley rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: br-hist-fic-nonfic

I enjoyed every minute I spent reading this book. I've always had a soft spot for Richard III and now he has competition....Prince Rupert. What an incredible man! He never stopped moving, thinking, researching, inventing, and exploring. I look forward to more books by Charles Spencer because his non-fiction is more exciting than most authors' fiction. ...more

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Sep 30, 2016 Neil Ward rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A fascinating character

Much maligned by contemporary propagandists Rupert's true character still shines down through the ages. History may be written by the victors but some characters still make their mark despite vilification. This is a well written rendition of his life story, very readable and thoroughly recommended. ...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Stella Riley rated it liked it · review of another edition

Informative, enjoyable and easy to read but not the best biography of Rupert. Personally, I prefer the one by Patrich Morrah. At times, I felt Spencer was relying too much on primary quotes and not enough on insight.

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Jan 27, 2014 Stevie Carroll rated it really liked it

I may have a new favourite Prince Rupert biography. Rather light on the Prince's pre-reformation loves but more in depth than other single volumes on his adventures after the execution of Charles I. Another book I need to get my own copy of. ...more

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Aug 13, 2016 Leona Gardiner rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Well written and researched...very interesting member of a royal family in Europe with connections to England. Informative history on founding of our Hudson Bay Company. Spencer has really done his homework here.

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Dec 01, 2014 Mary rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-nonfiction-read

I have learnt a bit more about the civil war and Prince Rupert, but too much detail about all the warfare he was involved in.

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Apr 05, 2015 Aishuu rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: abandoned, borrowed-on-kindle-first

Finally gave up on this - it's been a pretty hard slog, and I got about 60 percent through. I do find some of the historical information interesting and educational, but the writing is dead boring. ...more

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Nov 19, 2015 Betty Adams rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A tale well-told and well-researched!

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Dec 30, 2015 Morleymor rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The structure and actions of English Civil War society is well documented in this very comprehensive biography. An engrossing read.

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Dec 14, 2016 Voirrey rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: biography, history-non-fiction, abandoned-unfinished, read-2016

Quite heavy going but interesting.

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Apr 01, 2017 Gumble's Yard rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2008

Easy to read popular historian’s biography. The book consciously doesn’t dwell for more than a third of its length on the civil war, albeit that as a result some of the other areas of Rupert’s life seem to be treated in more detail than either the significance of the event or the abundance of primary sources can really support. However Rupert’s life neatly spans the period from the start of the 30 years war to the last year’s of the Stuarts and so provides a natural way to recount some of the ma ...more

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