Object of the Day: A Special Biography of Queen Mary, September 1955

Yesterday, I was surprised with a Fathers’ Day gift from Bertie (with considerable help from my father and mother who guided him). I was presented with a copy of a book by James Pope-Hennessy about the life of Mary of Teck that I had seen mentioned previously. This isn’t just any edition of this book. In fact, it’s not, technically, even an edition at all. It’s a pre-publication proof of the book, sent by the author’s agent to a reviewer in 1955. Ostensibly a bound galley without formal cover, the book includes the note sent by the author’s agent, sent to a Mr. M. Charles. The note states, “This may be an important book this Fall. Will you please take a look through it and see what possibilities it has. Pub. Date Sept. Roy M.” The note is written on letterhead which is printed, “Memo from R. J. Montgomery, Thomas Nelson & Sons (Canada) Limited.”

The reviewer to whom this pre-publication copy was sent held onto the copy and later made a notation in his own hand on the frontispiece. F.M. Charles wrote, “James Pope-Hennessy was murdered in his London flat, Jan. 25 – 1974.” How odd and sad.

I began reading the book last night and find it utterly fascinating, fond as I am of Queen Mary. The book begins with a short history of her parents and their relationship with their cousin Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria had a rocky, at best, relationship with Mary of Teck’s mother, Princess Mary Adelaide (known throughout Britain as “Fat Mary”) and stated that she was surprised that the enormously obese woman was able to conceive a child, especially at age thirty-three. The child, known as “Princess May,” was described by Queen Victoria as being bright and engaging, but wholly unattractive, and in possession of a freakishly large head and body which the diminutive Queen found quite alarming. Ha! I’ve always contended that Mary had a large head. Only thirty-one pages in and I know I’m going to love this book.

The book also contains dozens of rare photographs of the Royal Family from before Mary’s birth to her 1953 death as well as the reviewer’s (F.M. Charles) handwritten notations. It’s an interesting bit of history and one that I can’t wait to further dive into. Of course, you know you’ll be hearing about this quite often on Stalking the Belle Époque as I discover new and wonderful things about my favorite deceased Royal.