The Letters of King George IV 1812-1830

These 1938 volumes contain a selection from upwards of 16,000 letters and documents preserved at Windsor. They are transcribed fully annotated, with minimum alteration and an introduction dealing with the persons and events to which the letters bear reference. The intimate letters of this selection reveal the character of George IV, and are more satisfactory as sources than gossip and diaries. Many are also, of course, of great value for the understanding of affairs of State. The King remained the real head of the State, and therefore, his relations to individuals affected operations of government. He was the centre of an intimate society, which shared the perquisites of power; and though this society was ultimately responsible to Parliament and public opinion, the conduct of policy was in its hands and could not be carried out without the King's co-operation. Access to this inner society is afforded by these letters.