The Third George

by Jean Plaidy

Book Overview

George III was certain that the shadowy charm of Hannah, the vital beauty of Sarah, would cease to torment him once he was married to Charlotte. But Charlotte was unexciting, and he could not help his... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399132457
• ISBN13: 9780399132452
• Release Date: June 1987
• Publisher: Putnam Publishing Group
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.

Customer Reviews

THE TRAGEDY OF KING GEORGE III...

In this, her fifth book in the Georgian saga, Jean Plaidy, also known to her legion of fans as Victoria Holt, has written an interesting and absorbing account of the reign of King George III. A masterful storyteller, she regales the reader with a work of historical fiction infused with period details. It is a story that will engage the most discerning of readers. It is the story of King George III, who began his reign with the best of intentions. He desired to be the opposite of his grandfather, King George II, who had maintained a fairly licentious court. Always mindful of his duty, George III followed the wishes of his mother and her married lover, Lord Bute, who for many years was his principal advisor, and married the plain and stolid German princess, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. She would prove to be a fruitful consort, as she would ultimately bear him fifteen children. Alas, this man, who wanted nothing more than to be a good king and family man, was unable to fulfill his desires. As a parent, he was a martinet, and as a husband, he was kindly but did not accord his wife a full partnership in their marriage, though she was a devoted spouse and acceded to his wishes. As a king, he was derisively known as the farmer king by his people, due to his penchant for farming and more plebeian pursuits, such as button making. George III was a man who probably would have been happier in the role of a country squire rather than king of the mighty British empire. Despite his best intentions, he would be remembered as the mad king during whose reign the American colonies were lost. The destiny of George III was to be a personally tragic one. A family man, whose children reviled him, and a king, whose people mocked him, George III was to suffer the debilitation and indignity of an illness that would leave him vulnerable to those who would seek an advantage over him. His seeming madness would see his devoted wife, Charlotte, pitted against their son, the Prince of Wales, in an attempt to forestall the naming of a Regent. The reign of King George III would be rife with political intrigues, most of which would escape his notice. Jean Plaidy weaves a tapestry of events that will keep the reader fully engaged with the story of the reign of George III.

Dignity Returns to it's Righful Place!

George III comes to the throne at a young age, determined to do duty and service to his country. He starts this by saying good-bye to his love, Sarah Lennox, and marries Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz as he is expected. He will stay faithful to her for the rest of his life, unlike most of his predecessors. She will eventually bear him sixteen children.Throughout his reign, he dealt with his wayward family, rebellious politicians, America, and madness. It is sad to think that one of England's monarchs most bent on doing good is thought badly of due to America and madness. This book gives George back some of his dignityI liked this book because like all of Plaidy's books, it is well written, yet informative. I always learn while I am entertained by her unique style.

THE TRAGEDY OF KING GEORGE III

In this, her fifth book in the Georgian saga, Jean Plaidy, also known to her legion of fans as Victoria Holt, has written an interesting and absorbing account of the reign of King George III. A masterful storyteller, she regales the reader with a work of historical fiction infused with period details. It is a story that will engage the most discerning of readers.It is the story of King George III, who began his reign with the best of intentions. He desired to be the opposite of his grandfather, King George II, who had maintained a fairly licentious court. Always mindful of his duty, George III followed the wishes of his mother and her married lover, Lord Bute, who for many years was his principal advisor, and married the plain and stolid German princess, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. She would prove to be a fruitful consort, as she would ultimately bear him fifteen children.Alas, this man, who wanted nothing more than to be a good king and family man, was unable to fulfill his desires. As a parent, he was a martinet, and as a husband, he was kindly but did not accord his wife a full partnership in their marriage, though she was a devoted spouse and acceded to his wishes. As a king, he was derisively known as the farmer king by his people, due to his penchant for farming and more plebeian pursuits, such as button making. George III was a man who probably would have been happier in the role of a country squire rather than king of the mighty British empire. Despite his best intentions, he would be remembered as the mad king during whose reign the American colonies were lost. The destiny of George III was to be a personally tragic one. A family man, whose children reviled him, and a king, whose people mocked him, George III was to suffer the debilitation and indignity of an illness that would leave him vulnerable to those who would seek an advantage over him. His seeming madness would see his devoted wife, Charlotte, pitted against their son, the Prince of Wales, in an attempt to forestall the naming of a Regent. The reign of King George III would be rife with political intrigues, most of which would escape his notice. Jean Plaidy weaves a tapestry of events that will keep the reader fully engaged with the story of the reign of George III.

By George!

This book, told primarily from the male point of view, is a departure from the other books of Plaidy's Georgian Saga. Any tale of George III and his Queen, Charlotte, could not be told otherwise because George, firmly convinced that he should not allow any female interference in state affairs, kept Charlotte isolated and pregnant. With incompetent advisors such as Lords Bute and North, one can only wonder how female advice could have been any worse. This is the tragedy of this otherwise decent and dutiful monarch. George III is a moral exception to the Georges before him and the George who immediately followed him. One can only regret the missed opportunity for good that Charlotte could have brought to his reign.Plaidy, once more, takes the dull notes of history and turns them into an interesting read.