The story of what happened at Kensington Palace on the morning of June 20, 1837, is probably well known in England as the tale of Cinderella. At the early hour of six o'clock the eighteen year old Victoria was awakened and told that there were visitors to see her. With her fair straight hair falling to her shoulders and a cotton wrap over her nightgown, she went downstairs—to learn that she was Queen of England.

At the time of Victoria's birth, few people thought that the tiny princess would someday rule Great Britain. Yet the round-cheeked, blue-eyed girl who succeeded William IV to the throne proved to be a great queen, and her 64-year reign is one of the most celebrated in English history.

Noel Streatfeild has written an absorbing account of the life and times of Victoria. In it appear the many colorful persons who played an important part in Victoria's life—her suspicious, foolish mother, her strict German governess, her uncle and self-appointed adviser, King Leopold of Belgium, and the handsome Prince Albert whom she loved so dearly and with whom she shared many happy years.

During Victoria's rule the monarchy underwent gradual change. The Sovereign became a symbol of the Empire, which flourished economically, scientifically and culturally. And the period in which she lived came to be known as the Victorian Age. The story of Victoria's life and accomplishments is indeed a fascinating one.

From the dust jacket