Edward & Alexandra

Hough, a British historian who has written previously about the Royals ( Born Royal: The Lives and Loves of the Young Windsors ), delivers an interesting dual biography of Queen Victoria's eldest son, Edward VII (1841-1910), and his wife, Princess Alexandra of Denmark (1844-1925). Married to Edward when she was 19, ``Alix'' possessed an optimistic disposition which gave her the resilience to lead a happy domestic life with her six children despite a dictatorial mother-in-law and a philandering husband. In addition, in her late 20s rheumatic fever left her profoundly deaf. Edward, who was prevented by Queen Victoria from having any role in government, spent his life in pursuit of pleasure until he became king when he was 59. Although Hough does not contribute new insights into his subjects' private lives, his analysis of King Edward's political achievements is well-researched and informative. Illustrations. (Nov.)