Jane Ridley

Is there anything left to say about Queen Victoria? A.N. Wilson has found plenty

A review of Victoria: A Life, by A.N. Wilson. A superb new revisionist biography argues that it was only after her husband’s death that Queen Victoria found her true self

Scenes from a long life. Left to right: the vulnerable young queen, in thrall to Prince Albert; overcoming her demons with the help of John Brown — depicted in a popular souvenir cut-out; and the matriarch as Empress of India [Getty Images/iStock/Bridgeman]
  • Comments

  • Victoria: A Life

    A.N. Wilson

    Atlantic Books, pp. 642

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Subscribe today to get 3 months' delivery of the magazine, as well as online and app access, for only £3.

There’s no commitment, you can cancel any time.

  • Weekly delivery of the magazine
  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Read next

Trending

Steerpike

Listen: Scottish Green MSP sobs on radio over coalition collapse

Steerpike
If the Scottish Greens are good at anything, it’s making every issue about themselves. While the First Minister of Scotland faces two votes of no confidence next week — one in his own leadership and another in the SNP government — his party’s former coalition partners continue to vent their anger at the breakdown of

Because you read about biography

Also by Jane Ridley

Latest

Comments

A blooming good offer

Join the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting the next 3 months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in