George II King and Elector Andrew C. Thompson

Despite a long and eventful reign, Britain's George II is a largely forgotten monarch, his achievements overlooked and his abilities misunderstood. This landmark biography uncovers extensive new evidence in British and German archives, making possible the most complete and accurate assessment of this thirty-three-year reign. Andrew C. Thompson paints a richly detailed portrait of the many-faceted monarch in his public as well as his private life. Born in Hanover in 1683, George Augustus first came to London in 1714 as the new Prince of Wales. He assumed the throne in 1727, held it until his death in 1760, and has the distinction of being Britain's last foreign-born king and the last king to lead an army in battle. With George's story at its heart, the book reconstructs his thoughts and actions through a careful reading of the letters and papers of those around him. Thompson explores the previously under appreciated roles George played in the political processes of Britain, especially in foreign policy, and as a patron of the arts. He also charts the intricacies of the king's complicated relationships and reassesses the lasting impact of his frequent return trips to Hanover. George II emerges from these pages as an independent and cosmopolitan figure of undeniable historical fascination.

Andrew C. Thompson is fellow and director of studies in history, Queens' College, Cambridge. He lives in Cambridge.

"'Thompson has finally, and triumphantly, given us one of the essential, basic building blocks for royal history in the 18th century... I'm utterly delighted that this long-standing gap has been filled so authoritatively.' (Lucy Worsley, BBC History Magazine (Books of the Year)) 'This is an impeccably sourced, cross-referred and well indexed book, drawing on new archival material in both Britain and Germany. It is, thank goodness, unashamedly chronological and written in an engaging narrative style.' (Richard Ormrod, The Tablet) 'a judicious, careful and clearly written examination of George and his role.' (Bob Harris, Times Literary Supplement)"