History Happy Hour

Our Guest is Andrew Roberts, and his book is The Last King of America: The Misunderstood Reign of George III. Here are some other books on the topic.

George III, A Personal History, Christopher Hibbert

Somewhat dated biography of George III but it was the first one I read that was a reassessment of America’s last king. It was a real eye-opener to me, which is why it has always been a favorite of mine.

The Strangest Family: The Private Lives of George III, Queen Charlotte and the Hanoverians, Janice Hadlow

Illuminating account of how George III tried, and ultimately failed, to create a monarchy that was different than previous Hanoverian reigns. The place of the King’s family in George’s idea of monarchy is explained very well and is something that I don’t think most Americans give enough consideration to. A very moving book.

Revolution: The History of England Volume IV, Peter Ackroyd

As the title suggests, this is the fourth installment in a much larger history of England. This volume covers the period between 1688-1815. A highly readable account of England during the 18^th century that correctly places the American Revolution in a proper context. It also gives the reader an excellent window on Georgian England. Covers not only political and military history, but social and cultural as well.

The Men Who Lost America: British Leadership, the American Revolution and the Fate of Empire, Andrew Jackson O’Shaughnessy