Like his mother Queen Victoria, Edward VII defined an era. Both
reflected the personalties of their central figures: hers grand,
imperial, and stiff; his no less grand, but more relaxed and enjoyable.
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. This overview
is as enjoyable as its subject and the age he made.