Queen Victoria - A Biographical Companion

Alphabetically arranged subject entries cover Queen Victoria's life and her sixty-three-year reign, the longest of any female monarch.

By virtue of her length of reign, her place in a rapidly changing world, and her character, Alexandrina Victoire was a remarkable ruler. Her reign of more than 50 years during one of the glory periods of British history remains a subject of fascination and interest.

Contrary to legend, evidence suggests Queen Victoria was often amused during her remarkable 64 years on the throne. Readers will find a wealth of such interesting observations and facts in this fascinating reference work, which puts her life and times in quick perspective.

Almost 120 entries cover Victoria's extended family and close friends, members of her household, private secretaries, personal interests, prime ministers, "pet hates" and obsessions, and homes. Also covered are various topics and political events that marked and help define the Victorian era. Examples include Brown, John; Jack the Ripper; Koh-I-Noor diamond; Racial and religious prejudice; Smoking; and, of course, her beloved husband, Prince Albert. Each entry is a minimum of two pages, with most being four to five pages long. Related entries and further readings are listed at the end of each. An extensive bibliography of primary and secondary sources includes many of the excellent biographies that have been written about Queen Victoria.

The intent of this and other volumes in the ABC-CLIO Biographical Companions series is to focus more on the person and his or her place in the world than on larger world events. It is recommended for high-school, public, and academic libraries that can afford to purchase narrowly focused works.