EUROPEAN ROYALTY OF THE VICTORIAN AND EDWARDIAN ERA by Fabb, John

London, 1969, Batsford / Seaby, first UK edition, hard bound in dust jacket, 7 x 10, VG/VG condition,( dj price clipped), semi-glossy page stock, 120 pages, 102 photos. -------------------------------- When Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837, the prospects of the royal houses of Europe had perhaps never looked brighter, yet just 70 years later the power of majesty was on the wane, and some dynasties fell and others were forced to become constitutional monarchies. During this eventful period changes were often violent, as a Tsar of Russia was assassinated, a Crown Prince of Austria committed suicide and an Empress was stabbed, a King of Portugal and his son were blown up and a King and Queen of Serbia were murdered. At the same time, new kingdoms were created in Greece, Norway and Belgium and the balance of power shifted a s marriage links were forged between old and new. ------------------------------------------------ The timely invention of photography captured many of the great names of the times, and helped to dispel the aura of majesty by revealing Kings and Queens to be as human as their subjects. John Fabb has assembled a remarkable collection of period photographs, many hitherto unpublished, including official portraits and formal gatherings as well as domestic scenes of family life. Each chapter focuses on a particular country or group of countries ( Austria; The Balkans; France: Royal and Imperial; Great Britain; Italy; Belgium - The Netherlands - Luxembourg; Prussia and the German Empire; Russia; Scandinavia; Spain and Portugal) and begins with a brief historical outline and family tree to explain the relationships and intermarriages involved. Household names and lesser-known royals are brought to life by unusually detailed captions, setting the scene, describing and explaining the rich variety of formal dress and uniforms depicted , and providing a fascinating insight into the royal world.