paperback

2/10/23

Plumb provides the ages with a classic account of the four Hannover kings, their foibles and their legacy. This is a very warts and all inclusive sort of analysis and history has not proved to be in awe of the four gentleman nor their appearance nor their decisions. This was very much a period of augmentation and wealth so consequently the politics of the time are largely conservative as were the Prime Ministers including Sir Robert, who famously quipped I am no saint, no Spartan, no reformer.

Our beloved nemesis (in the United States) George III wound up being embraced by his people after his bouts of madness, his struggle and the convenient Reign of Terror in France. Love is fickle. Plumb broaches policy decisions and the internal dynamics making this a rather informative ingress and not simply a scandal sheet of palace intrigue. ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this brief history of the Georgian period even though I have read many books about George III and George IV. Lying on a beautiful beach on the Sea of Cortez in January was perhaps an unlikely spot to read such a book but the touch was just right. The 18th century was certainly a lively period in British history and while I agree that the influence of the monarchy was significant it does seem that the Georges stumbled along rather than knowingly influenced the course of history. ( )