This is a well-written book about the Regency Period from 1810 to 1820. It was a tumultuous time in England and the author offers some new ways of looking at the history of the era. It is highly readable and fascinating, with little gems sprinkled along the way. The research done for this book is impressive.
The war with America and the heavy duties of the king, sent George III into decline. The Realm was governed by his regent, George IV. George III was straight laced; George IV was anything but regal and serene. He had a messy personal life and spent freely. On George III's death in 1820, George IV became king.
The author touches on many important events during this period of time, including the Corn Laws, which artificially raised the prices of grains imported to Great Britain. During years of hardship, this was horrible for the masses because bread was their staple (they ate a pound of bread each day). This caused tensions between the landed gentry and the poor.
If you read Jane Austen and Regency romances, this book offers the counterbalance to those stories, explaining the tensions in the country. It really fleshes out the story of the Regency Period.
The war with America and the heavy duties of the king, sent George III into decline. The Realm was governed by his regent, George IV. George III was straight laced; George IV was anything but regal and serene. He had a messy personal life and spent freely. On George III's death in 1820, George IV became king.
The author touches on many important events during this period of time, including the Corn Laws, which artificially raised the prices of grains imported to Great Britain. During years of hardship, this was horrible for the masses because bread was their staple (they ate a pound of bread each day). This caused tensions between the landed gentry and the poor.
If you read Jane Austen and Regency romances, this book offers the counterbalance to those stories, explaining the tensions in the country. It really fleshes out the story of the Regency Period.
