Born to Rule: Granddaughters of Victoria, Queens of Europe - Hardcover

Gelardi, Julia

4.06

2,580 ratings by Goodreads

9780755313914: Born to Rule: Granddaughters of Victoria, Queens of Europe

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0755313917 ISBN 13: 9780755313914

Publisher: Headline, 2005

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BORN TO RULE tells the stories of five cousins who all grew up under the mantle of their grandmother, Queen Victoria. Alix, Missy, Ena, Maud and Sophie were childhood friends, who were to become the rulers of opposing nations as Europe descended into war.

Alexandra (1872-1918), the last Czarina of Russia, whose family's brutal murder is the stuff of legend.

Marie (1875-1938), the flamboyant queen of Romania whose affairs scandalised her peers but whose heroism saved her country.

Victoria Eugenie (1887-1969), a very English queen who returned to Britain after Franco took power in Spain and was the only cousin to live to see a second European war.

Sophie (1870-1932), sister of the Kaiser, was exiled from the Greek throne after the First World War.

Maud (1869-1938), daughter of Edward VII, the reluctant Queen of Norway.

Julia Gelardi's book is both an intimate portrait of the five cousins told through their own correspondence and papers, and a remarkable evocation of the family dramas that created the backdrop to the unfolding political crisis of early 20th-century Europe and the First World War.

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Review:

'Five cousins. Five fascinating lives. Julia Gelardi writes about her subjects with verve and passion.' Amanda Foreman

'Julia Gelardi has brought these five queens to vivid life, using much fascinating contemporary material and the voices of the women themselves. At the heart of the convulsions of early 20th century Europe, this interwoven story is a rollercoaster of human tragedy and spirited renewal. All five women repay Gelardi's extensive research and affectionate narrative...' Jane Dunn

'This fascinating story of five princesses ends with one murdered, two in exile, one in distress, and one content.' Hugo Vickers

'A wonderful story, and an enormously impressive piece of research. Julia Gelardi has drawn together the stories of these five queens and kinswomen to give fresh perspective on the turbulent early decades of the twentieth century.' Sarah Gristwood

'The author takes us on a tumultuous and enjoyable journey through the lives of five royal women...' Leonie Frieda

Book Description:

An epic biography of Queen Victoria's five grand-daughters who reigned in European countries during the First World War.

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