Prince of Pleasure

The Prince of Wales and the Making of the Regency

By: Saul David

Narrated by: Sam Devereaux

Described by the Duke of Wellington as "the most extraordinary compound of talent, wit, buffoonery, obstinacy and good feeling that I ever saw in one character in my life", George Augustus Frederick, Prince of Wales, later George IV, was a highly controversial figure. He courted both Whigs and Tories in his attempts to establish the Regency during the "madness" of his father, George III. Scandalous liaisons with prostitutes and duchesses, and his "secret" marriage to the Catholic Mrs. Fitzherbert, tested his duty - to nation and to family. Yet his support for overseas campaigns against Napoleon, culminating in such historic victories as Trafalgar and Waterloo, consolidated Britain's status as the pre-eminent world power amid the great social and economic upheavals of the Industrial Revolution.

Drawing on a wealth of original accounts of life in Georgian Britain, Saul David has created a masterly portrait - of a flamboyant, opportunistic, and influential figure, and of a nation in a time of great change. Saul David is Professor of War Studies at the University of Buckingham and the author of several critically-acclaimed history books, including The Indian Mutiny: 1857 (shortlisted for the Westminster Medal for Military Literature), Zulu: The Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879 (a Waterstone's Military History Book of the Year) and, most recently, Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire. Saul David also writes acclaimed historical fiction.

Zulu Hart, the first in the George Hart series, was a best seller in 2009, and the sequel, Hart of Empire, will be published in August 2010. An experienced broadcaster, Saul David has presented and appeared in history programs for all the major TV channels and is a regular contributor to Radio 4.

©1998 Saul David. Recorded by arrangement with Grove Atlantic, Inc. (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Learned a ton

Fascinating people and period. Perhaps a bit too much detail? Good narration and incredible research.

very informative about the times of George IV.

Excellent information about the time of George IV. Easy to follow. This book fills the gap between George IV and the monarchs to follow.

George IV in all his "glory"!

What a fascinating biography of this much mocked personage of the British monarchy. It was thoroughly entertaining and there was never a moment that I was disinterested. Very well researched and focusing more on the private and personal life of the Prince Regent, rather than the politics, although these are present in just the right amount. The narration was awesome too. Loved it!

Intriguing topic brought to life by brilliant narration.

My interest in the Regency and the Regent stems from my own reading of novels written and/or set in the period (including the beloved Jane Austen). I thought it made sense to tackle this enormous biography so that I would have a fuller understanding of the Prince Regent and his role in the society of the Regency period. I’ve gained a much broader knowledge of the Georgian period, as well, given that the majority of George the IV’s life took place in the 18th century, not the 19th. I have to say, biographies of this nature and magnitude can make for dry reading. I’m so glad I chose the audiobook version, as the narrator’s energetic, vivacious delivery is what made the difference between me loving this book and merely liking it enough! I am fairly new to audiobook listening, usually preferring the page far over an auditory version. Not this book, though! Richly researched and detailed, it’s a wonderful read/listen for anyone with an interest in this period of English history.