John Van der Kiste Books

A collection of well-known lives and personalities from the county of Cornwall

A study of relations between Britain and Austria as seen through personal and political connections between the families of Queen Victoria and Emperor Francis Joseph

This book explores key aspects of Queen Victoria's life through her roles with mentors, family, ministers, and servants. It highlights her close relationship with Albert and the tumultuous dynamics with her sons, as well as her favoritism towards Disraeli and aversion to Gladstone.

A compendium of fascinating information about Devon past and present, this book contains a plethora of entertaining facts about the county's famous and occasionally infamous men and women, its towns and countryside, history, natural history, literary, artistic and sporting achievements, agriculture, transport, industry, and royal visits. A reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped in to time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage, the secrets, and the enduring fascination of the county. A remarkably engaging little book, this is essential reading for visitors and locals alike.

The story of King George V and his six children. The eldest, who was Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, reigned as King Edward VII for less than a year, his infamous romance with Mrs Simpson plunging the country into the abdication crisis.

This biography of Xenia, sister of Nicholas II gives a new angle on the Romanov story and provides new information on relationships within the family after the Revolution. Important new letters and photographs are also included.

Mary (1662-94), daughter of James, Duke of York, heir to the English throne, married William (1650-1702), son of William II of Orange (1626-50), Stadtholder of the Dutch republic, who was eleven years older than her. This dual biography deals with both the 'life and times' of the monarchs, and with England's place in Europe.

John Van der Kiste has made a particular study of British and European royalty. His previous books include William and Mary, Dearest Vicky, Darling Fritz, Kaiser Wilhelm II, The Romanovs, Once a Grand Duchess (with Coryne Hall) and Childhood at Court 1819-1914. He lives in Devon. --Book Jacket.

Between 1914 and 1918, Devonport Dockyard was responsible for much routine repair and maintenance work as well as building new ships and submarines, while the Royal Marines and army battalions were active in various theatres of war overseas, and Mount Batten became one of the major stations of the newly formed Royal Air Force.

This chilling follow-up to Somerset Murders brings together more murderous tales that shocked not only the county but made headline news throughout the nation. Covering the length and breadth of Somerset, the featured cases include two female poisoners, Catherine Churchill, who killed her husband in Knowle-St-Giles in 1879 and Sarah Freeman, who claimed several victims in the Bridgwater area from 1843 onwards. A wide variety of means and motive are covered. There is murder committed in the course of robbery, such as the brutal killing of Sarah Wilkins in Nempnett Thrubwell in 1851; murder through jealousy, as in the case of George Bitten, who murdered his wife at Wolverton in 1867 and even altruistic murders, such as that committed by Albion Wadman near Wincanton in 1883. Also included is the strange and intriguing story of Reginald Woolmington, who faced two trials for the murder of his wife at Milborne Port in 1934. Nicola Sly and John Van der Kiste's well-illustrated and enthralling text will appeal to everyone interested in true-crime history and the shadier side of Somerset's past.