Edward VII, Catharine Arnold
Edward VII, Catharine Arnold
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Edward VII
The Prince of Wales and the Women He Loved

Author: Catharine Arnold

Narrator: Anne Flosnik

Unabridged: 8 hr 50 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 11/14/2017


Synopsis

Edward Prince of Wales, better known as "Bertie," was the eldest son of Queen Victoria. Charming and dissolute, he was a larger-than-life personality with king-size appetites. A lifelong womanizer, Bertie conducted his countless liaisons against the glittering backdrop of London society, Europe, and the stately homes of England in the second half of the 19th century.

Bertie's lovers were beautiful, spirited, society women who embraced a wide field of occupations. There was Lillie Langtry, the simple Jersey girl who would become an actress and producer; "Daisy" Brooke, Countess of Warwick, the extravagant socialite who embraced socialism and stood for Parliament as a Labour party candidate; and bisexual French actress Sarah Bernhardt, celebrated for her decadent appeal and opium habit. One of Bertie's most intriguing liaisons was with American heiress Jennie Churchill, unhappy wife of Sir Randolph Churchill and mother of Sir Winston.

While the scandals resulting from his affairs—from suicides to divorces—were a blight on the royal family, Bertie would become a surprisingly modern monarch. His major accomplishment was transforming the British monarchy into the modern institution that we know today and ensuring its survival in a period when every other European dynasty collapsed in the wake of WWI.

About Catharine Arnold

Catharine Arnold read English at Girton College, Cambridge, and holds a further degree in psychology. A journalist, academic, and popular historian, her previous books include The Sexual History of London, Necropolis, and Bedlam.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Bridget on September 13, 2022

This is a fun read. Full of gossipy tidbits and scandal of the era. It’s not a deep dive into Edward VII or his mistresses, but it’s a good insight into the times of the Victorian elite in England.......more

Goodreads review by Rachel on October 03, 2017

I want to start off by thanking St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for sending an arch of this to my Kindle. It is much appreciated. I just loved this book. I I have not done and in depth study of the Reign of King Edward, I know more about his mother's reign than I do his. I think that this book wou......more

Goodreads review by Steve on August 06, 2018

Interesting bit of fluffy social history from the point of view of the Prince of Wale's many mistresses. Lillie Langtry, Jennie Churchhill, and Daisy, Lady Warwick, among others.......more

Goodreads review by Lois on December 23, 2019

This doesn't offer new info but is fun, light and gossipy. I quite enjoyed it......more

Goodreads review by Barbara on September 25, 2017

Equal parts interesting and boring......more