George III: A Personal History

Rating:
Summary: Funny and Intelligent Biography
Review: This book is without a doubt the funniest history book I've ever read! This is not to say that King George III's life was akin to a comedy show...in fact it was punctuated by wars, irresponsible children, incompetent doctors, and constant upheaval in the government, but there is something about the way that Christopher Hibbert conveys the pomposity and ritual of the royal court which made me laugh out loud repeatedly throughout the book. The stories from Fanny Burney, an author in her own right, but for several years one of Queen Charlotte's Assistant Keepers of the Wardrobe, are uproariously funny and intriguing. There were so many witty and brilliant people participating in the court and government of Britain at this time, with John Wilkes stirring up the English rabble in his efforts to emancipate the American Colonies, and the hilarious Horace Walpole, always good for a bon mot in any situation. King George was a sponsor of Captain Cook's voyages, a great lover of books and the compiler of 3 of history's most impressive libraries, and a patron of the theater and comedy. He was inclined to wander into the shacks of peasants along the country roads he would travel to chat with the common folk, to the utter shock of the hosts. Unfortunately his story turns tragic as the King begins to lose his mind and later on goes stark raving mad, frequently confined to a straitjacket. But in the end, King George III was greatly loved by his countrymen, and when he finally passed away, the country went into a deep period of mourning. Keep your dictionary handy because Hibbert employs a masterful and scholarly vocabulary throughout this book. This bio gets my highest recommendation! Enjoy it.

Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: This is a very readable account of the life of King George III, with wonderful insights into his sometimes troubled private life. Mr. Hibbert brings the 18th century to life in vivid color and I recommend this book to anyone who loves history, whether or not you know anything about George III.