Prince Albert

by Robert Rhodes James

The devastating effect of Prince Albert's death on Queen Victoria is the stuff of legend, and in this fascinating biography Robert Rhodes James reveals the extraordinary man who inspired her devotion.

An incredibly human portrait, this vivid account traces Albert's life from beginning to end, starting with the shy child of a broken home in the tiny German principality of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and ending with a man of great feeling, intellect and complexity, supporting his wife at the helm of a sprawling empire.

Unrivalled in its scope, Prince Albert: A Biography explores every aspect of this fascinating man, from his leading part in the formation of British imperial foreign policy to his loving but complex relationships with his wife and children.

"One of the finest biographies I have ever read." - A. J. P. Taylor, The Observer

Genres: History, Biography, 19th Century, Nonfiction, Royalty

299 pages, Hardcover

First published November 24, 1983

About the author

Sir Robert Vidal Rhodes James (10 April 1933 – 20 May 1999) was a British historian who served as a Conservative Member of Parliament from 1976 until 1992.

Reviews

[Christie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book from a library book sale years ago and the BBC/PBS show "Victoria" piqued my interest in Prince Albert so I finally was motivated to read it. My first impression was how historically accurate the show is in regard to Prince Albert's personality and his relationship with Victoria. The biography fills in many of the things the show glosses over, which is great, and is easily readable. Lots of primary source material including letters, journals, and news articles. Lots of photos too. I learned a great deal from this biography and if you are interested in reading more about Prince Albert, I highly recommend it. My only complaint is that some of the primary sources quotes in languages other than English are not translated, it can be a bit frustrating to have to skip entire paragraphs.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-researched account of Albert's life and the immense influence he had in modernising the royal family. So much is known and written about Victoria and Albert's love affair from Victoria's perspective, it's good to read it from Albert's perspective. A book I will no doubt refer to in future.

[Britt C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prince Albert, the moving force behind the Great Exhibition of 1851 - London - Crystal Palace. Read for the background info on Albert as a man and to understand the direction he was coming from with regards to the GE.