Royal Poxes and Potions

In this book, acclaimed biographer Raymond Lamont-Brown casts light on a previously overlooked aspect of the monarchy. From the instigation of the royal doctor in medieval times, to the present day, the tales of secrets, murder, medical incompetence and revolutionary operations revealed in this book make compelling reading. This is a fascinating look at the relationship between monarchs and their doctors and reveals the complex and influential position that they held. Included here are Sir William Gull, court physician to Queen Victoria, who was a suspect in the Jack the Ripper case, and Sir Frederick Treves, who not only was court physician to the four succeeding monarchs, but was also the man who helped to rescue the 'Elephant Man', Joseph Merrick, from a fairground freak show.

Raymond Lamont-Brown is the author of Carnegie, Edward VII's Last Loves, John Brown and Kempeitai: Japan's Dreaded Military Police.