King Edward VIII: A Biography
by Philip Ziegler
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Description
The authorised life story of the king who gave up his throne for love, by one of our most distinguished biographers. In this masterly authorized biography, Philip Ziegler reveals the complex personality of Edward VIII, the only British monarch to have voluntarily renounced the throne. With unique access to the Royal Archives, Ziegler overturns many myths about Edward and tells his side of the story - from his glamorous existence as Prince of Wales to his long decline in semi-exile in France. show more At the heart of the book is an unflinchingly honest examination of Edward's all-consuming passion for Wallis Simpson, which led to his dramatic abdication. Elegant and devastating, this is the most convincing portrait of Edward ever published. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
Very good biography of very interesting and complicated character. The author tries to be objective and does convince me in his objectivity. He explains how we came to believe that Duke of Windsor was a Nazi sympathizer. Despite his many shortcomings he was actually a patriot of his country. There so many mistakes were made after the abdication on both sides - both by Duke of Windsor and his family. The result is quite sad, the life is pretty much wasted. It seems - at least from the vantage point of our time - that the fault lies mostly with King VI, his mother and king's advisers. They were too rigid in their declining to compromise.
Most royal biographies fall into the trap of going into much more detail than is necessary about some periods of life and then skimping in other areas which this for the most part avoids. Lacking some analysis I would have enjoyed but still an excellent, factual account.
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Author Information
28+ Works 3,498 Members
Philip Ziegler has written many books, including The Black Death and biographies of William IV, Lord Melbourne, Lady Diana Cooper, Lord Mountbatten and Harold Wilson
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- King Edward VIII: A Biography
- People/Characters
- Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor; Wallis Simpson; Freda Dudley Ward; George VI, King of the United Kingdom; Thelma Furness
- First words
- Even in the twilight of the twentieth century to be one of the 540 or so living and legitimate descendents of Queen Victoria is a matter of some moment.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)But the greatness of the sacrifice he made for her, the fortitude with which he battled for her over the thirty-six years of their marriage, the steadfastness of his love until the day he died are matters which should not be forgotten when any final judgment is essayed of the life and character, if not the reign, of King Edward VIII, later Duke of Windsor.
Classifications
- Genres
- History, Nonfiction, Biography & Memoir, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 941.084 — History & geography History of Europe British Isles Historical periods of British Isles 1837- Period of Victoria and House of Windsor 1936-1945
- LCC
- DA580 .Z54 — History of Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania Great Britain History of Great Britain England History By period Modern, 1485- 20th century
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 331
- Popularity
- 95,585
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (3.82)
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 12
- ASINs
- 6
