Grandmama of Europe

The Crowned Descendants of Queen Victoria

By: Theo Aronson

Narrated by: Pearl Hewitt

Length: 16 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

The family that shaped Europe's ruling classes in the 20th century

Although rarely documented as the warmest of monarchs and often criticized for her surly attitude to motherhood, Queen Victoria did successfully heir nine children. By the late 19th century, she had over thirty surviving grandchildren.

Understanding the important role of marriage in upholding Britain's power and influence over Europe, Victoria inserted herself as somewhat of a royal matchmaker in her grandchildren's lives, recommending or despairing at their varied suitors.

In this comprehensive delve into Victoria's offspring, Theo Aronson describes the intersection of cultures as princesses with British upbringings experienced the courts of Spain, Romania, Greece, Russia, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. He also explores how the queen's best intentions for royal diplomacy failed to prevent World War I but did, at least, have a significant influence on the absorption of British customs into other courts.

©1973 Theo Aronson (P)2021 Tantor

I loved it so much

I bought the book in print. So well organized. Beautifully written. Narrator was very good also.

Even new info for this Victoria fan

Written many years ago (1970) still I learned new insights about the intricacies of Victoria’s descendants. You’d think WWI could have been averted but dastardly characters like Bismarck foiled that plan. Every time I read about Princess Royal Vickie, I hope for a different outcome. No such luck. But the smaller kingdoms of Romania, Denmark and Yugoslavia were new histories that enlightened. It’s almost like you need a scorecard to keep up.