This website is currently undergoing renovation. Please bear with us as we implement these changes.
Sophia spoke fluent English, French, German, Dutch and Italian. She was remarkably open-minded and intellectually curious as reflected in her writings. They cover an astonishing variety of subjects: from politics, religion and philosophy to international gossip and household tips, as well as intimate details of her family and social circles.
The author has translated a considerable proportion of Sophia's writings from the original French and German to reveal a remarkable portrait of a remarkable woman.
Sophia of Hanover, Winter Princess 1630-1714 by J.N. Duggan
Non-fiction, historical biography, European history, 17th century, royalty. 224 pages including index and bibliography. Colour illustrated with maps and family trees.
First published in 2010 by Peter Owen Publishers, London
ISBN: 978-0-7206-1342-1
Sophia, Electress of Hanover (1630-1714) was daughter of Frederick and Elisabeth of the Palatinate, known as the Winter King and Queen of Bohemia. She was also granddaughter of James I of England and mother of George I. She is best remembered in the English-speaking world as the connection between the Houses of Stuart and Hanover. Had she lived long enough she would have succeeded Anne as Queen of England.
This new biography however, reveals that she was much more than a crucial link in the lineage of the English throne. Her memoirs, which she wrote at the age of 50 and her correspondence, which date from 1658 (quoted extensively for the first time in this volume) reveal a gifted and prolific chronicler of her times. They offer the reader a fascinating insider's view of life at the top echelons of society in the seventeenth and eighteenth century Europe; the politics, intrigue and daily life in the royal houses – to many of which she was related by blood or marriage.
Sophia of Hanover, Winter Princess 1630-1714
by
J.N. Duggan
J.N. Duggan was born in Sheffield, England, in 1938 but came to live in Ireland at the age of 12. She returned to Sheffield, to train as a nurse and later did her BSc at University College Dublin. She now lives in Galway.
She is primarily an author of historical biographies. Her book John Toland: Ireland's Forgotten Philosopher, Scholar ... and Heretic was published 2011. She is currently working on a life of Hans Axel Fersen, friend and confidante of Marie Antoinette.
Her official website can be found at BooksbyJNDuggan.com
Prices in respect of Postage and Packaging reflect of cost of sending a single book, by standard post, from Ireland. If you require faster delivery please Contact Us by phone or by e-mail.
We can, in certain circumstances, reduce the cost of postage for bulk orders to the same delivery address. Please contact us for a tailored quotation.
We aim to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours but feel free to call us if you require a faster response:
Int+353+(0)1+8569566 or (0)87+7604547. For international calls, outside Éire-Ireland, drop the initial zero from the area code.
For trade order enquiries, about this or any other title available from our Online Catalogue, please contact us. You can reach us by phone or by e-mail.
Kindle books are suitable for reading on all Kindle devices as well as Kindle Apps, which are free to download to your phone, laptop, tablet, PC, etc
Available in ePub format from Apple (iTunes), Barnes & Noble, Kobo
I was given this book as a gift, and (novels being more my usual diet) it's not the sort of thing that I'd normally find myself reading. But I have a general interest in history and - as a writer myself - I always appreciate a well written text. And this is very well written, the author combining an accessible account of Sophia's life with unobtrusive touches of dry wit. An enjoyable read. – Gregory Heath, author of The Entire Animal (on Amazon)
This well written book by J.N. Duggan is a lively and entertaining account of the life of Sophia of Hanover - a woman who saw more scandal and intrigue in her 84 years than most of us will ever read about! The author, Josephine Duggan, has done an excellent job in bringing alive both the period and the people inhabiting it. This book serves as an excellent introduction to the time and has certainly piqued my interest in further reading. I would definitely recommend this book to those interested in learning more of the history of the royal houses of Europe. – ocliffy, Dublin, Ireland (on Amazon)
This is the story of Sophia, Electress of Hanover. The story takes us from her birth to death, and a bit beyond that on both sides. The genealogy also explains why Sophia’s descendants became monarchs of an island far away from Hanover. The book is full of facts and stories about Sophia, her family and the times in which she lived. I am not too familiar with the times, so for me it was good to get the setting around at the same time as I got the more personal stories. – Norwegianne.net
Sophia of Hanover is the descent who links the Stuart line on the British throne to the current royal family's right to inherit. However, at her birth her becoming heiress to the throne seemed the most unlikely thing that could happen. She was the daughter of Princess Elizabeth Stuart "the winter Queen" and her husband Frederick, Elector of Palantine. She was born grew up in the Hague in Holland in background of gentile poverty with a mother who was generous beyond her means but who nevertheless never forgot her royal heritage. Sophia had an interesting life and made the best of what it dealt her. In her 50s when she hit a low patch she even started writing her memoirs. Luckily for us the multi lingual Sophia was an excellent writer. The author has even included a number of Sophia's letters in their original language at the back of the book as a "challenge" for readers to translate (a bit annoying but at least they are published). I would have to say this was an interesting look at Sophia's life. Given her extensive letter writing and the quality of her letters this is unlikely to be the be-all-end-all biography of Sophia but as an overview of her life and a look at a woman who was fascinating in her own right this is a good read. – K. Maxwell, Sydney, Australia (on Amazon)
Very readable version of the woman who caused the Hanoverians to inherit the British throne. I will be reading it again, which is my greatest praise. – Mr. J.M. (Jason) Riley, London, England (on Amazon)
Interesting book and interesting lady. Pity she never got chance to be Queen, not as boring as her many descendants. – Ms. J. Henderson, Shetland, Great Britain (on Amazon)
An excellent insight into European history and a great read. – Judith Parkinson (on Amazon)
Entertaining history read. Brings to life a seldom mentioned character. – Ty Golden (on Amazon)
Contact Us today for free, impartial, no obligation Quotation or Advice
Phone (Int+353): 01 8569566 or 087 7604547 or Email: enquiries@themanuscriptpublisher.com
You can also Get a Quote online
Send us your manuscript, by post or by e-mail, for free appraisal, critique, business mentoring