Helena Princess Reclaimed

When I read Marlene Koenig's recommendation ("I recommend you read it") I bought the book and have enjoyed reading it. There is lots of new material and very little padding. This is not the usual volume stuffed with unnecessary detail. It is more of a story, based on fact, of a princess who was once described as dull and not very good looking but turns out to be handsome, talented, interesting and very popular with the Victorian public. There are also one or two unsolved mysteries. The price of this volume is not exorbitant either! I also "recommend you read it".

A brave attempt to present the life of the princess -- the first "people's princess". Based on new research not available elsewhere. Easy to read and inexpensive.

For the first book about Princess Helena, this was a wonderful find. Chomet's research seems complete, and the writing is rather easy to read. I found many interesting facts about Victoria's third daughter, some of which have been previously published (drug addiction) and others which are generally not known ( the flirtation with the librarian). The book is a must for anyone studying Victoria's family. In particular illegitacy in the royal family. Helena's only grandchild was illegitimate, and only one of her children married. Her family's life is a contrast to all of her siblings, with the exception of Princess Louise.