During her long reign, Queen Victoria was the target of no fewer than eight assassination attempts. In seven of these cases her life was saved by poor marksmanship or misfiring weaponry, but one assailant managed to strike her with a finely wrought cane. Remarkably, all eight of her attackers lived to tell their tales, and were variously incarcerated in asylums, deported to Australia, or in a few cases eventually released into society again. Paul Thomas Murphy shows how these obscure would-be assassins effected a change in history. Their attacks on Victoria galvanised her to face them down by presenting a more public face than her forebears, thereby laying the groundwork for the monarchy as we know it today. SHOOTING VICTORIA opens up a new window onto Victorian England. In exploring contemporary attitudes to madness, crime and criminality, it reveals a wealth of little-known and often surprising aspects of 19th-century British society and monarchy.
People have been in thrall of the monarchy throughout history. Whether it is a tsar in Russia, an emperor in China or a king in England, these individuals inevitably changed the course of history. 5, 000 Years of Royalty profiles the fascinating stories of the greatest leaders in the world, from Cleopatra in Eygpt, to Catherine the Great in Russia, to Emperor Shang-Kun in China, to Henri VIII in England. Each biography is illustrated with beautiful artwork from the era. Famous royals throughout history include Ramesses II of Egypt, Qin Shi Huang of China, Alfred the Great of England, Caeser, Emperor of Rome, Asoka the Great of India, Empress Wu Zetian of China, Genghis Khan of Mongolia, Charlemange, Simeon I of Bulgaria, Emperor Cuauht?moc of the Aztecs, William the Conqueror of England, Me?lisende of Jerusalem, Kazimierz III The Great of Poland, Eleanor of Aquitaine of France, Frederick the Great of Germany, Queen Christina of Sweden, Henry VIII, Emperor Napoleon of France, Kaiser Wilhem I of Germany, King Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, Empress Dowager Cixi of China, Nicholas II of Russia.
Details: The marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton is one of the most significant royal events of recent times. As second in line to the throne, William carries the hopes and expectations of millions of people around the world. As a 'commoner' who will become a princess, Kate brings beauty and freshness to a very traditional union. "William & Catherine: Their Lives, Their Wedding" portrays the histories and characters of the couple as well as covering the wedding itself. Every fascinating detail is explored in this handsome record of a defining event. Andrew Morton is unquestionably the world's foremost commentator on the royal family, his book is both a chronicle and a lasting memento of a day to remember. Read by Phyllida Nash Ideal for: Anyone who wants to know more about our future king and queen and insight in to the royal family. Running time approximately: 3 hours 49 minutes 3 CD's
More than just a celebration of the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, A Fine Romance is a sumptuous photographic record of European royal weddings over the last 75 years. These are the unforgettable alliances and love stories that have defined our understanding of modern European royalty. Part one of A Fine Romance is an extraordinarily comprehensive record of historical royal weddings, fairytale brides and handsome princes, from a glamorous and serene Grace Kelly to a blushing and shy Lady Diana Spencer. Part two is a richly illustrated romantic delight, bringing together a stunning collection of images from the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.