The Four Graces – Queen Victoria's Granddaughters

Hi, if anyone would like to see me talking about the book (bloopers and all) on Youtube... here is the URL
http://www.youtube.com/user/ConnieMartinson?blend=1&ob=5#p/u/0/V9e8EAwZwaE

Terrific , Thanks!

Very nice interview! I didn't watch the whole thing--hopefully I'll have time to later. And I must get this inter-library-loaned!!! Anyways, is Hessian really pronounced "Heshan"? I always thought it was pronounced "Hes-ee" or, "hes-ee-an".

Excellent question!  I've always pronounced it Heshun, being American and thinking of the Hessian mercenaries that came to this country during the revolutionary wars.  I believe the English pronounce it Hes-eean, as you've written it.

I think there should be a similar book dealing with Empress Frederick's four daughters!   

There are all kinds of possibilities... sisters biographies I think are great.  Certainly emphasis will be on the most interesting, or possibly the ones about which less in know, but ... darn, I wish I read German!!

I thought Ilana did the best with regards to Irene that anyone could hope for given the fact that a) she burned so many letters as Ilana points out and b) led a fairly quiet life considering her connections to England, Germany and Russia. I comb through old books, magazines and newspapers all the time and even the ones in German have fairly little of Irene in them. She just didn't seek the limelight, even given her position as sister-in-law to 2 Emperors. Her life, frankly, even with letters, probably wouldn't make scintillating reading save for the light it might shine on others. I'm just glad we got ANYthing on her. LOL It was certainly more fleshed out (as in using Irene's own words) than her portrayal in one of my favorite (but out-dated) books Hessian Tapestry.

Ella is my favorite royal but, frankly, I've read about her. I was excited for Victoria and Irene. Alix has been done over so much already.

It was this book that finally got me interested in Ella in a serious manner....and Queen Victoria too!. I'm currently reading a bio of Alice of Greece, Victoria 's daughter. Very interesting indeed.  If one is interested in Royal history...really a well done book such as the Four Graces, illuminates  many others besides the book's  subjects.... that I believe I would pass by , but for reading  The Four Graces

 What makes royal reading so interesting is you have human beings in an extraordinary circumstance ...and( usually)  there is much information about what they did and said in that situation over a life time . It's a rich study in human psychology that  has few rivals.

I think there should be a similar book dealing with Empress Frederick's four daughters!   

Would love that one! If I had the ability that would definitely  be one I'd like to do.    Maybe someone will tackle it someday.

Hi,

Ilana has alluded to wanting to write about the four Greek sisters of Prince Philip and I have encouraged her to do so.
Understandably, she has hesitated because of her lack of German.  But, she already has an "in" with Prince Philip and the Countess Mountbatten, so I would urge her to start there!!!
I have already suggested a title for it;  but we'll keep that under wraps for now.....

Also, the four daughters of Empress Frederick would be great to tackle and most interesting knowledge....

Larry

Hi,

Ilana has alluded to wanting to write about the four Greek sisters of Prince Philip and I have encouraged her to do so.
Understandably, she has hesitated because of her lack of German.  But, she already has an "in" with Prince Philip and the Countess Mountbatten, so I would urge her to start there!!!
I have already suggested a title for it;  but we'll keep that under wraps for now.....

Also, the four daughters of Empress Frederick would be great to tackle and most interesting knowledge....

Larry

Maybe I'm just not understanding ( ) but by "in" do you mean that Ilana knows Prince Philip?? Queen Elizabeth's husband?

Grandduchessella wrote:

I comb through old books, magazines and newspapers all the time and even the ones in German have fairly little of Irene in them.

Grandduchessella, do you read German?

Hi,

Ilana has alluded to wanting to write about the four Greek sisters of Prince Philip and I have encouraged her to do so.
Understandably, she has hesitated because of her lack of German.  But, she already has an "in" with Prince Philip and the Countess Mountbatten, so I would urge her to start there!!!
I have already suggested a title for it;  but we'll keep that under wraps for now.....

Also, the four daughters of Empress Frederick would be great to tackle and most interesting knowledge....

Larry

Maybe I'm just not understanding ( ) but by "in" do you mean that Ilana knows Prince Philip?? Queen Elizabeth's husband?

I don't think she knows the DOE socially. I believe he agreed to answer her questions regarding his grandmother for her book. He was very gracious to her as was Countess Mountbatten.

Hi,

Yes, that is what I meant - Lisa's answer....
If she wanted to do a book on the Greek Princesses, then Prince Philip and the Countess Mountbatten would at least consider (favourably, I'm sure) to an interview.  Ilana has voiced that the Countess was "pleased' with the Hessian book....

Larry

[you]

Would love that one! If I had the ability that would definitely  be one I'd like to do.    Maybe someone will tackle it someday.
[/quote]

I think you would be perfect to tackle such a book!