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Article: The trials of Farmer George; George III: A Personal History. By Christopher Hibbert (Viking, pounds 20). Reviewed by Christine Barker.
- Article from:
- The Birmingham Post (England)
- Article date:
- October 3, 1998
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1998 Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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During his long life, and 40-year reign, George III acquired many nicknames. "John Bull," "Farmer George," "the Mad King," and "the king who lost America," were just a few of the extra-curricular titles bestowed on him by a cynical press and a doubting p ublic.
He had succeeded to the throne in 1760 after the death of his grandfather George II. The country was embroiled in the Seven Years War. He was 22-years-old, and relatively untried in the rumbustious field of politics and court intrigue.
But he was a studious prince. Learning was part of the ...