England’s last boy king, Edward VI, the only son of Henry VIII (his ‘precious jewel’), became king at the age of nine and died wholly unexpectedly at the age of fifteen.

Like his mother Queen Victoria, Edward VII defined an era. Both reflected the personalities of their central figures- hers grand, imperial and pretty stiff; his no less grand, but much more relaxed and enjoyable. This book conveys Edward’s distinct personality and significant influences. To the despair of his parents, he rebelled as a young man, conducting many affairs and living a life of pleasure. But as king he made a distinct contribution to European diplomacy and - which is little known - to London, laying out the Mall and Admiralty Arch. Richard Davenport-Hines’s book is as enjoyable as its subject and the age he made.