Leaves from the Indian Journals of Lady Charlotte Canning, who was the wife of the Governor General and who died in India in 1861 ( )

11/04/07 - half way through this wonderful book.
12/04/07 - Finished
The life of Lady Charlotte and Lord Charles Canning during the period 1855 to 1861 (Charlotte's early death in India) / 1862 (Lord Canning's untimely death in England). Taken from, and quoting freely from 'Char's' journal, and letters to her family and friends, together with those to and from Queen Victoria, the book gives a brilliant picture of the couple's life in India during the period of the Raj and the Indian Mutiny.

A second and delightful aspect of the book is the many drawings, watercolours and early photographs which Charlotte made and which pepper the pages with wonderful effect. Charlotte's role as the wife of the Governor-General and Viceroy gave her unlimited opportunity for comment on all aspects of British and Indian life at this important period. I cannot wait to read on.

Finished. An experience not to be missed. ( )