ladyaudleyssecrettumlbr:

ladyaudleyssecrettumlbr:

lies:

ladyaudleyssecrettumlbr:

I know very little about royal history and have been rather surprised to find that George V, instead of being a dull imposing old tyrant as I always assumed, was dull, lacking in presence, shy and affectionate… well to his mum and wife and friends anyway. The book I’ve been reading hasn’t explored his relationship with his children in depth though, concentrating more on his relationships with the Kaiser and the Tsar and the run up to the First World War. Pretty sure it was this George who said something emotionally constipated along the lines of how given he’d been afraid of his father and his father in turn afraid of his own father, he was going to ensure his children were afraid of him… was Edward really an intimidating dad though? I’d be interested to know more about why George experienced him as such.

My only knowledge of him is based on the way he was portrayed in The King’s Speech. Which, granted, probably not the most complete basis for understanding. What book have you been reading? Do you recommend it?

King, Kaiser, Tsar by Catrine Clay which is available on Google books and very readable indeed though I’ve seen a couple of reviews criticising inaccuracies. I haven’t seen The King’s Speech though feel more inclined to seek it out now.

Update I would recommend Miranda Carter’s book The Three Emperors far more strongly. Though Catrine Clay’s book was enjoyable and a good intro to a subject I know little about I felt vaguely unsatisfied by her take on the Kaiser. He came across as a collection of grandiose and pathetic traits without seeming quite to leave the page as a lifelike character (let alone the fascinating prat who pops up on my dash from time to time courtesy of @takingaspadetoasouffle ), if that makes sense. So I went back for more… Miranda Carter’s is a livelier read with a good deal more anecdote and detail. @lies .

I will totally check out The Three Emperors. Thanks!

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