Victoria: The Queen; An Intimate Biography of the Woman Who Ruled an Empire

With this work, Australia-based journalist Baird (Media Tarts) covers the life and times of the longest reigning UK monarch prior to Queen Elizabeth II. This book guides readers through the ups and downs of Queen Victoria's life (1819–1901), including her melancholy childhood, unlikely ascent to the throne, and the supreme amount of losses she experienced during her 63-year reign. Baird convincingly reframes the public perception of Victoria as a mother, along with providing unprecedented insight into her relationships following Prince Albert's death in 1861. The book features an extensive notes section and a bibliography of the primary and secondary sources the author used from her research. While readers will come across multiple hefty biographies on Queen Victoria, such as A.N. Wilson's Victoria: A Life, Baird crafts a comprehensive study of the monarch and others with whom she was involved in an engaging, smoothly rendered narrative.