Unfortunately I found this a little too dry and boring. I guess the Georgian dynasty isn't my favorite- I usually skip them for the Victorian age.

I'm always grateful to have a Curzon book to read in my list! When it comes to Regency history Cruzon is the first historian I turn to. Having read George III's daughters by Curzon I needed the balance of reading about the sons too. I found like the daughters I felt sad for the sons too, though some of what they did they brought on themselves ultimately separation from family and the need of finding love followed all of them.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I found this book very interesting and well researched, I highly recommend.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Having found the author’s prior book about George III’s daughter’s enlightening, if a bit mundane, I enjoyed this look at the elder sons, especially since they were the ones who most closely shaped the succession and the rush to secure brides on the brothers’ part in order to sire the potential heir following George’s daughter Charlotte’s death is well known. Curzon perfectly strikes that balance between providing a good overview for those new to the topic and also providing insights for those who are more educated on the subject, so regardless of if you’re a historian or a hobbyist, there’s something worth cleaning from this text.

This was a good, well-researched book focusing on the first four of George III's sons. Less attention is paid to George IV ("Prinny"), since the author points out there are so many books about him out already. But Curzon still provides plenty of information to introduce a novice reader to George, as well as the others. She never assumes the reader knows about anyone ahead of time and gives a decent overview of all four men's lives. A good book to introduce readers to the time and the princes.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

A wonderful historical fiction of King George III's four oldest sons -- George, Frederick, William, and Edward. It told about each one's lives which were incredibly fascinating. It was an easy educational read and quick read. Fantastic for beginning monarchy reading.

The Elder Sons Of George III, if you enjoy historical fiction, Catherine Curzon, she never disappoints in her books,her writing,the way she has with her words to make such a exciting story of this incredible time in English history!! Follow their fathers time ruling over England,the scandels, the politics and the effects this family had not only in England but around the world in the 18th Century.. You begin to find out the different personalities of these sons--brothers and how the English survived this kind of rule over a course of 60 years,I think it was and how their behaviour affected English history. Who would make The best ruler next out of these brothers if their father ever died??The other characters who helped shape English history besides the sons, you will become to see who, what and where of how they all help created these time in history and the scandals, loves,hates, loyalty and decisions and why they were made.. George III and Queen Charlotte children,total 15 that lived.. When you do finish this fantastic story you will have much more insight into the family and shake your head at how they could actually get away with things and the people that these sons hurt,destroyed or tried to destroy not only the people in these brothers lives but their selves in the process.. I have read all of Miss Catherine's stories except for the daughters,sisters of this family,it's a must on my list!! This book takes you to another century another land and you travel the world where you actually feel as you are living in this time with all of these characters..you will also know who your friend is who is your enemy and become apart of this dysfunctional family and you will either love or not these brothers but understand more and it puts a whole new meaning or not on "Brotherery love"!! Received from Net Gallery and you I promise, not be disappointed in this amazing story of who King George III's sons were and had become as brothers...

A fabulous account of George III's elder sons, George, Frederick, William and Edward. None of the men seemed particularly likeable but they certainly lived eventful lives! Highly recommended.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

George III was the longest reigning king in British history. Given this fact and that he and his wife Charlotte produced no less than fifteen children, it's difficult to see how he could have done more to ensure the survival of the monarchy and the House of Hanover.
Despite this, the final years of his sixty year reign which ended with his death in 1820 were clouded not just by his own insanity but by a succession crisis. Some of it was bad luck. Some of his children and grandchildren died before reaching adulthood. But his remaining offspring, prone to adulterous liaisons, overeating and drinking, fighting duals and other bad habits, were also genuinely terrible at the primary Royal function: producing heirs and spares themselves.
This is the story of his four oldest sons, all born in the 1760s and thus all in their fifties by the closing years of their father's long reign.
The first, George, was a fat waste of space who became Prince Regent and then George IV between 1820 and 1830. His own daughter, Princess Charlotte died in 1817. Then came Frederick, the Grand Old Duke of York of nursery rhyme fame. He predeceased his older brother after a long military career blighted by scandal. 'Old melon head' William, Duke of Clarence was next. Never expected to be king, he was put into the navy as a child but became King William IV between 1830 and 1837. His head was indeed an odd shape. A bystander once threw a rock at it but he was protected by some padding he'd added to make his hat fit on his oddly shaped cranium.
Finally, Edward, also something of a disappointment. He died in 1820, shortly before his father. Yet it was he who in his final year would become father to the baby girl who would famously rule the empire for the last sixty years of the century and whose great great granddaughter sits on the throne today.
These are just the highlights. Catherine Curzon tells the story so much better in this thorough and very readable volume.

Although I’ve just recently studied the history of the UK up to and stopping with Victoria via the excellent series by Peter Ackroyd, I cannot say I knew the period and royal personnel described in this book exceedingly well. Therefore, I was quite excited to be granted a free copy—for a non-historian, reading history books is always about learning new things, after all. I wasn’t disappointed by the trip, either. Catherine Curzon’s writing style is light, informative, and entertaining. She paints the different persons and the times in vivid colours, often with a little wink shining through the turns of her phrases, always sympathetic, even when talking about some less savoury characters. I’ve learned a lot of historical facts about George III and his wife Charlotte as well as their four eldest sons George (future King George IV), Frederick (the Grand Old Duke), William (future King William IV), and Edward. Very interesting indeed, the biographies are woven together to form a coherent narrative, sprinkled with anecdotes and character studies. The style is never pedantic, and the author always tries to remain non-judgmental, never really taking sides. A book I can recommend without a moment’s hesitation for those interested in that tumultuous period (Independence of the USA, French Revolution, Napoleonic Wars, etc.).

Having read another of Catherine's books, about George's daughter's, I kind of knew what I'd be getting, but this book far exceeded expectations. Perhaps it is just because the sons lead more colourful lives than their sisters, but this was much more interesting and gripping, and I had enjoyed the other book. I found i couldn't put this book down and, as due to the male line being the one to inherit, wanted to follow the line of ascension to learn more about those who did ascend, and those who just came close. I would heartedly recommend this book, not just to those who have a love of history as I do, but also others who just want to read the ridiculous stories of what these men got up to

I don't know why I forgot during my read that it didn't include the youngest sons. I was waiting for the others. I guess that means I will request that book when it is written!