Very well presented biography of Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. (This was also a free book from Audible, so even better). Albert is well covered by historians, but I personally wasn't as familiar with 1800s UK history of the monarchy, so I learned a fair bit. Particularly interesting was that there were still issues of monarch vs. parliament even at that date, due to Victoria's preference for certain politicians and parties ("Bedchamber Crisis" of 1839), and how Albert potentially prevented war between the US/Union and Britain during the US Civil War over a naval interdiction (basically, by softening the letter sent to Lincoln after the incident, leaving open the possibility that the US captain had misinterpreted or exceeded Lincoln's orders in violating British sovereignty, rather than directly accusing Lincoln and the US of doing so). Overall, seems like a genuinely great leader, and the Great Courses program presents it well. ( )

The German Prince & the British Monarchy
Review of the Audible Original audiobook edition (February 18, 2020)

In the introduction to The Life and Times of Prince Albert, historian Patrick Allitt says that he will rely on two primary sources and will attempt to strike a balance between them. The main sources are the 5 volume [book:The Life of the Prince Consort: Prince Albert and His Times|13166813] (1875-1880) by Theodore Martin, described as "solemn, worshipful and reverent" and [book:Queen Victoria|437518] (1921) by Lytton Strachey, described as "tart, satirical and detached." Overall, the tone of this series of 10 lectures of about 30 minutes each did lean towards the worshipful though, but in an entertaining manner that wasn't dry.

It was fascinating to hear about historical trivia such as Albert introducing the German custom of Christmas Trees to Britain, and thus to the rest of the world. Also that his influence probably steered the British Monarchy towards its popularization, which was his intent to prevent it being subject to revolutions such as those on the European continent. I was curious about what Allitt describes as Albert's "strong foreign accent" and did look up some further information (I don't remember it being expanded on by Allitt) that he and Victoria actually spoke German in private as she had grown up with a German governess. That is kind of interesting to think about.

The narration by author Patrick Allitt was excellent.

The Life and Times of Prince Albert was originally released February 18 2020 and was also a free Audible Original for members in the month of May 2020. It is available to everyone for a standard price. ( )