The Young Melbourne

by Lord David Cecil Lor

A biography of William Lamb, later to become Lord Melbourne, a man who would become prime minister of Great Britain at the height of the British empire and guide the young queen Victoria through the new world of government which she had entered upon her ascension to the throne. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Hesperides Press are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Genres: Biography, History

308 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1939

Reviews

[Rene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by the PBS series "Victoria" I picked up this bio of her first and much beloved prime minister (at least according to the series!). One review said this was one of John F. Kennedy's favorite books and it is easy to see why. The book is highly readable and recounts Lord M's early years and his fantastic marriage to a woman whose affair with Lord Byron ruined the marriage (and her life). In parts the book is as much about her as it is him. Sadly, this volume ends before his years as Prime Minister but it was enjoyable nonetheless!

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superb book recounting the first half of the life of Charles Lamb, later Lord Melbourne, and in particular his youth among the great Whig families of 18th century London, his marriage to the lunatic Caroline Lamb, her affair with Lord Byron, and his later maturity. David Cecil is a sublime writer whose concise elegant style is coupled with a profound understanding of his subjects and their time. A tip for readers: start the book at Part II, the affair with Byron, which is rivetting, and read Part I last as it can be a bit much to put up with with the arrogance and conceit of the Whig families and Cecil's indulgent view of them.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting history and character study of William Lamb, Lord Melbourne. Quite a story of a charmed youth, then tumultuous, painful, heartbreaking marriage, and the man who emerged into political life relatively unbroken, though disillusioned. A story about going about the business of life the best one can, in spite of innumerable obstacles and complications, coming through okay by midlife, which where the book ends. The book is beautifully written. I often reread sentences and passages to savour the author's wonderful way with words.

[Miles Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first volume of one of the greatest biographies written in the twentieth century. The book is more of a duel biography of Melbourne and his tragic wife, Lady Caroline Lamb.

[Tom Leland · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of two books JFK insisted Jackie read to get to know him.
A fascinating personality, as are the misadventures of his wife
Carolyn, who had some sort of affair with Byron, the scandal of its
day.
"Your friends praise your abilities to the skies, submit to you
in argument, and seem to have the greatest deference for you;
but, though they may ask it, you never find them following your
advice upon their own affairs; nor allowing you to manage your
own, without thinking that you should follow theirs. Thus, in fact,
they all think themselves wiser than you, whatever they may say."
--William Lamb, Lord Melbourne

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy book to read. I felt like I was reading a gossip magazine, except the book was based on extensive research. I wonder if Caroline Lamb would be diagnose with a mental illness. I get the feeling she was bi-polar. At tines I felt sorry for her and William. Protocal dictated so much in that era. Lord Bryon was a piece of work.

[Kyle Lai · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dry biography of the most boring person in the most boring time of history.