Life of the Prince Consort

London: Smith, Elder, 1875, 1876, 1877. First Editions of volumes I, II & III (two more were eventually published). Publisher’s cloth; minor cloth wear; very good copies. Exceptionally important and poignant association copies, each inscribed by the Queen to John Brown. Volume I is inscribed, “To John Brown Esqr from his faithful and grateful friend Victoria R, Windsor Castle, Dec. 14, 1874.” Volume 1 is inscribed, “To John Brown in recollection of the 15th of October 1858 from his faithful friend Victoria R & I. Balmoral, Oct. 15, 1876.” The third volume is inscribed, “To John Brown Esq from his faithful friend V R & I. Windsor Castle. Dec. 8, 1877.” From the library of Roger Fulford, editor of several volumes of Queen Victoria’s letters. Born on a Scottish farm, Brown was employed at Balmoral and his service was apparently transfered along with the other property in the estate purchased by Victoria and Albert. He served as the Prince’s ghillie (gamekeeper) and then as the Queen’s personal servant. He provided unique support to the Queen after Albert’s premature death. She had a large family and official and political relationships, but it appears that Mr. Brown may have been the only friend whose company she was able to enjoy over her long life. His reputation for candor, not appreciated by her family and associates, apparently offended the Prince of Wales so completely that on his ascension to the throne, he destroyed everything he could find relating to the Scotsman, who had been dead for 18 years. The relationship of the Queen and the humbly born Brown was the subject of gossip, but she refused to heed this and dismiss him. Their relationship was portrayed recently in the film ‘Mrs. Brown.” On his death, the Queen eulogized him as “Friend more than Servant, Loyal, Truthful, Brave/ Self less than duty, even to the Grave.” Indeed, his refusal to take to his sick bed while duty still called may well have led to his death. While there is no evidence of romantic attachment, it was surely intimate, and Victoria was buried with his photograph, a lock of his hair, and his mother’s wedding ring.