Queen Victoria: Fifty Golden Years ; Incidents in the Queen's Reign (English Heritage)

Originally published as part of the celebrations for Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1888, this book is now being re-issued using much of the original text and exquisite hand-painted colour plates. From young girl to grieving widow, each picture of the milestones in the Queen's long life is framed with delicate flower painting in typical Victorian style. As well as the delightful images, this book also provides a unique contemporary account of the reign of one of Britain's most celebrated monarchs who ruled over an Empire stretching to all corners of the globe.