Overview

A stunning new story of Queen Victoria's secret love for her servant John Brown, by the acclaimed historian Fern Riddell. A passionate and provocative re-evaluation of Queen Victoria's relationship with her servant John Brown that uncovers the secrets the royal machine keeps from us, by acclaimed historian Dr Fern Riddell. From the moment John Brown arrived as a servant to Queen Victoria's household, he became known across the land as her loyal companion, her fierce protector, and her right-hand man; their friendship immortalised in print and later on-screen. But what if there was more to their relationship than we know? And what has history been hiding from us? Rumours have swirled around this relationship for years as historians have attempted to bring the truth to light - now for the first time, Dr Fern Riddell re-examines everything we thought we knew about one of Britain's most iconic women. Through unearthing groundbreaking new evidence, Riddell challenges the prevalent image of Victoria as a grieving widow to create a compelling human portrait of a woman in passionate midlife. Against a backdrop of court politics, family dynasties and the magic of the Highlands, Victoria's Secret untangles the mysteries that the royal family have tried to keep hidden for generations, forcing us to question 'who really writes our history'? Both a timeless romance and an extraordinary retelling of the emotional life of a queen, Victoria's Secret is an unmissable account of a woman in love.

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9781529199321

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Reviews

Victoria’s Secret reveals an astonishing new side to a queen we thought we knew, and a beautiful and revitalising portrait of a woman in love. This meticulous unravelling of a 160-year-old mystery showcases Riddell at her bold and passionate best. -- Emily Brand, author of The Fall of the House of Byron A witty, compelling, irresistible read that unpretentiously reveals a great deal about the Victorian age. -- Sathnam Sanghera, author of Empireland Through her meticulous research and propulsive prose, Riddell reveals the women behind the crown in all her fascinating complexity. Riveting, bold, and deeply human, Victoria's Secret is an absolute joy. -- Elinor Cleghorn, author of 'Unwell Women' Fern Riddell's quietly brilliant book explores a part of Queen Victoria’s life that history chose to forget. It’s tender, surprising and might just change how we see her. -- Robert Rinder, author of 'The Trial and the Suspect' Fern Riddell has solved one of the greatest royal mysteries of all time. Now, at last, we know the truth about Queen Victoria and John Brown -- Bendor Grosvenor, author of 'The Invention of British Art' It is beyond doubt that Victoria and Brown loved each other * Sunday Times * Fern Riddell has solved one of the greatest royal mysteries of all time. Now, at last, we know the truth about Victoria and John Brown. * Bendor Grosvenor *

Victoria’s Secret reveals an astonishing new side to a queen we thought we knew, and a beautiful and revitalising portrait of a woman in love. This meticulous unravelling of a 160-year-old mystery showcases Riddell at her bold and passionate best. * Emily Brand, author of The Fall of the House of Bryon *

Victoria’s Secret reveals an astonishing new side to a queen we thought we knew, and a beautiful and revitalising portrait of a woman in love. This meticulous unravelling of a 160-year-old mystery showcases Riddell at her bold and passionate best. * Emily Brand, author of The Fall of the House of Bryon * A witty, compelling, irresistible read that unpretentiously reveals a great deal about the Victorian age. -- Sathnam Sanghera, author of Empireland

Author Information

Dr Fern Riddell is a cultural historian, and an expert in sex, suffrage and entertainment in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Host of The History Channel's Podcast series #NotWhatYouThought and Presenter of BBC 4's 'A Victorian Scandal- The Rudest Book in Britain' she is the author of books including Death In Ten Minutes and Sex- Lessons from History. Historical Consultant for the BAFTA award-winning BBC and Amazon drama Ripper Street, she has advised on dramas for both the BBC and ITV2. As an on screen expert, she has appeared on Specialist Factual productions for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky Arts, Smithsonian, BBC Radio 3 and 4, and has appeared as an expert historian for radio and television across the world, having worked with both Audible and Spotify. She writes for The Guardian, Huffington Post, Times Higher Education, The Telegraph, The New Statesman and BBC History Magazine. Her work has also appeared in THE DAILY MAIL, Penthouse and Time.COM.

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