Unique and engrossing, this is a true story of suppressed passion and domestic intrigue at the heart of Victoria’s court.
After an illustrious military career in the Crimean War, during which he won a Victoria Cross, Howard Elphinstone was appointed guardian to Queen Victoria’s favourite son, Prince Arthur, later Duke of Connaught, who was Governor General of Canada from 1911-16. Martyn Downer’s book includes a fascinating account of Arthur’s first trip to Canada in 1869, which took place despite the threat of his assassination by Fenian terrorists intent on revenging the Irish famine. During his eventful tour, Arthur took part in the defence of Canada following the Fenian raid at Saint John in May 1870. With relations between Britain and the United States at low ebb, Elphinstone also took the prince on a controversial tour of America which culminated in a frosty reception from President Ulysses Grant at the White House.
Elphinstone remained in Court until 1890 when he was drowned in a tragic accident. During this period he became one of Queen Victoria’s closest confidants and a father figure to her nine children. His journals and remarkable correspondence with the Queen, much of which is published here for the first time, shed fascinating and intimate new light on the world of the Victorian Court.
The Queen’s Knight is a captivating portrait of the close and affectionate relationship between Victoria and Elphinstone, and sheds new light on the frail human being at the heart of a vast empire.
From the Hardcover edition.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Sir Howard Elphinstone, dashing hero of the Crimean War, was handpicked by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to be governor to their favourite son, Prince Arthur. Despite an uncertain beginning at court, and many clashes with the Queen, when Albert died, Elphinstone became not only a surrogate father to the royal children, but also the Queen’s most trusted confidant.In her darkest moments, it was Elphinstone to whom she turned for advice. Artist, soldier, bodyguard, diplomat, confidant and spy: Elphinstone is the forgotten hero of the Victorian court.Extensively researched and drawing on hundreds of previously unpublished letters, The Queens’s Knight restores him to his rightful position at the heart of the most extraordinary royal family in British history. ‘Martyn Downer has succeeded with masterly skill in using the story of Elphinstone and Prince Arthur as a window on the Victorian court, providing a riveting and original account of the mid-century monarchy’ Literary Review ‘A compelling picture of Victorian court life’ Sunday Times ‘Crammed with fascinating details’ Spectator ‘The Queen's Knight vividly succeeds in its act of resucitation’ Daily Telegraph
Martyn Downer was Head of Jewellery at Sotheby’s auction house in London from 1999 to 2003. He gives regular talks on the subject and contributes to arts and antiques magazines. He is the author of Nelson’s Purse.
From the Hardcover edition.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 6.37
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR002429040
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: booksXpress, Bayonne, NJ, U.S.A.
Soft Cover. Condition: new. Seller Inventory # 9780552155083
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The Queen's Knight This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9780552155083
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, United Kingdom
Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. Seller Inventory # wbs2372525967
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Bahamut Media, Reading, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780552155083
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. Ships from the UK. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 50371884-20
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Greener Books, London, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Used; Good. EX library copy **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books. Seller Inventory # 4306993
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Glynn's Books, Norwich, United Kingdom
Soft Cover. Condition: Very Good. Pb, 576pp, colour plates. VG clean copy. Signature of author on title page. Biography of Sir Howard Elphinstone, "artist, soldier, bodyguard, diplomat, confidant and spy" who became a surrogate father to the royal children after the death of Prince Albert, and the Queen's most trusted confidant. "A compelling picture of Victorian court life" (Sunday Times) and "a riveting page-turner, underpinned by impeccable scholarship" (Alison Weir). Signed by Author. Seller Inventory # 034606
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Marlowes Books and Music, Ferny Grove, QLD, Australia
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Reprint. 576 pages. Book is in Very good condition throughout. Seller Inventory # 157638
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: moluna, Greven, Germany
Condition: New. Dieser Artikel ist ein Print on Demand Artikel und wird nach Ihrer Bestellung fuer Sie gedruckt. Sir Howard Elphinstone, dashing hero of the Crimean War, was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1858 aged just twenty-nine. Handpicked by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to be governor to their third son, Prince Arthur, Elphinstone made an uncertain start at co. Seller Inventory # 594772392
Quantity: Over 20 available