Empress

An entirely original account of Victorias relationship with the Raj, which shows how India was central to the Victorian monarchy from as early as 1837 "A widely and deeply researched, elegantly written, and vital portrayal of [Queen Victorias] place in colonial Indian affairs.Journal of Modern History In this engaging and controversial book, Miles Taylor shows how both Victoria and Albert were spellbound by India, and argues that the Queen was humanely, intelligently, and passionately involved with the country throughout her reign and not just in the last decades. Taylor also reveals the way in which Victorias influence as empress contributed significantly to Indias modernization, both political and economic. This is, in a number of respects, a fresh account of imperial rule in India, suggesting that it was one of Victorias successes.