Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson (1809-1892) was, and remains, one of the most popular English poets. He held the position of poet laureate for much of Queen Victoria's reign, from 1850 until his death in 1892. This blank verse narrative poem by Tennyson (1809–1892) is a satire on the state women's education. The narrative centres on a princess who sets up a University for women, although her plans are disrupted by the intrusion of a prince. The inspiration for the poem came from contemporary debates on women's education and whether or not they should be admitted to Universities. The poem was published in 1847, just before Queen's College, London opened and became the first institution in the UK to allow women to study for and gain academic qualifications. The story caught the imagination of the period, and was oft adapted or parodied by other artists, most famously by Gilbert and Sullivan in their comic opera 'Princess Ida'. This edition of the poem was published after Tennyson became poet laureate, and is illustrated with engravings after the painter Daniel Maclise. Maclise was well known for his paintings of literary subjects and his book illustrations. Some of his oil paintings were purchased by Queen Victoria, and are still in the Royal Collection. This copy of 'The Princess' was given by Queen Victoria to Prince Albert as a Christmas present, perhaps demonstrating the royal couple's interest in women's education, and certainly their shared admiration for the poet laureate. The flyleaf is inscribed "To My beloved Albert / from / his ever devoted & loving / wife / VR, Christmas 1859".