Victoria: Portrait of a Queen

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 15, 2018

Review

Victoria: Portrait of a Queen is an excellent biography for teens and adults. Victoria began her reign at eighteen years old. At twenty she married her German cousin, Albert, who was also twenty. They had nine children. Her reign lasted over sixty years during a time of great changes in Great Britain. The numerous photographs and illustrations bring her story and the time period to life. The beautiful design of the book complements the well written text. The author used primary sources such as diary entries, newspaper articles, and letters. Included is a list of the kings and queens of England and Great Britain, Victoria's family tree, notes, extensive bibliography, picture credits, captions, and thorough index. I highly recommend this fascinating account of Victoria and the complex period of British history that she helped shape.

Overall Book Score: excellent