‘a brilliant piece of literary detective work, based on unprecedented access to the original archives’

– The Good Book Guide

‘An unusual and fascinating book… Yvonne Ward has the perceptiveness to present in a new light what at first sight might seem a well-trodden subject, deploying her own knowledge and archival research to make a fascinating read by re-editing the editors’

– Literary Review

'Four stars - Yvonne Ward tells a complicated story clearly and simply, which is the reverse of the normal academic procedure.'

– Mail on Sunday

‘Yvonne Ward’s exposure of the motives and the men behind this skilful piece of powerfully persuasive and permanent Edwardian political spin is astonishing’

– The Times

‘Fascinating’

– BBC History Magazine

'Remarkable and clever'

– New York Times

‘Ward argues convincingly that Esher and Benson's radical pruning of Queen Victoria's early correspondence has had a profound effect on her posthumous reputation… a timeless reminder of how important it is for biographers to find the time, space and will to battle back to the primary sources.’

– Guardian

‘Original and engaging’

– Spectator

'Rich in intrigue.'

– Kirkus Reviews

'Enlightening... earnest, thorough.'

– Publishers Weekly

'Original and important, this book represents a major contribution to our understanding of the modern British monarchy.'

– Sir David Cannadine

'Hats off to Yvonne Ward... who has exposed the gentlemanly networks that tried to hide the truth about Queen Victoria'.'

– Robert Lacey

'Yvonne Ward's groundbreaking book is a gripping read - a fascinating account of how Edwardian courtiers doctored the evidence to create a politically correct image of Queen Victoria.'

– Jane Ridley, author of Bertie: A Life of Edward VII

'A revelation… Yvonne Ward gives us a completely new perspective on how Queen Victoria's image, following her death, was moulded & manipulated.'

– John Murray, publisher

'Yvonne Ward has done a sterling job of delving into history to find out how the reputation which the queen guarded so fiercely during her lifetime continued to be manipulated and reshaped even after her death - as well as how many myths continue to persist even today.'

– Lucinda Hawksley, author of The Mystery of Princess Louise

‘Does a great deal to show the real person behind our received image.’

– We Love This Book

'Fascinating, not only for the intrigue surrounding the editing, but also for the myriad issues on which the author shines a light: from public schools to prime ministers; from Irish Famine to the arcana of court life...a fine piece of research.'

– Australian Book Review