The Early Years of His Royal Highness The Prince Consort Charles Grey History & Culture

An exceptional signed presentation copy from Queen Victoria herself of this touching biography of the early life of her late and much loved husband, Prince Albert. Inscribed by Queen Victoria herself to the verso of the front free endpaper 'Presented to the Library of the St. Cross Hospital Winchester by Victoria R. I., Windsor Castle March 1869'.The Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty has been described as "England's oldest and most perfect almshouse", and was founded in 1136. Their stamp appears to the half title.The fifth edition of this work.Illustrated with a portrait frontispiece, and one further plate. Collated, complete.First compiled and published under the Queen's direction for private circulation among members of her own family, this fascinating biographical work was commissioned by Queen Victoria and written by British Army officer and private secretary to first Prince Albert and later Queen Victoria, Charles Grey. The work covers the Prince's life from his birth in 1819 to their first year of marriage in 1840. The work was published six year after the death of Prince Albert; Queen Victoria is famed for disappearing from public appearances and entering deep mourning after the death of her beloved husband.Loosely inserted is a Somerset County Express notice 'In Memory of Our Beloved Queen Victoria 1837-1901'.A very scarce example of a work signed by Queen Victoria, commissioned by the Queen and relating to the early life of her husband, Prince Albert. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Light shelf wear to back strip tail, otherwise externally exceptional. Inscription to verso of front free endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages exceptionally clean and bright. Near Fine