In this masterly authorised biography, Philip Ziegler reveals the complex personality of Edward VIII, the only British monarch to have voluntarily renounced the throne.
When Edward became King in January 1936, he was hailed as the best qualified of British monarchs. Widely travelled, good-looking, charming and quick-witted, he was also praised for his concern for the unemployed and the poor. Only those closest to him suspected that this radiant image would not endure.
The entire life of Edward VIII is examined in this highly readable and entertaining account - from his glamorous existence as Prince of Wales to his long decline in semi-exile in France. With his customary style and elegance, Ziegler examines Edward's turbulent relationships with leading Royals and his all-consuming passion for Wallis Simpson which led to his abdication.
The result is an utterly compelling biography that explodes many myths about Edward, and tells his side of the story.
Industry Reviews
'Philip Ziegler is a master of biographical narrative ...Seldom has such exhaustive research been made so compellingly readable' Michael Holroyd 'Ziegler has told Edward's story with consummate skill' Sarah Bradford, Sunday Times 'Beautifully written and constructed' Michael Bloch, Sunday Telegraph 'Ziegler writes with urbanity and generosity but is unflinching in his judgements ... an exemplary biography' Richard Davenport-Hines, Times Literary Supplement 'A splendid book of impeccable scholarship, admirably written, moving, ironical and at times very amusing ...' Robert Blake, Country Life 'A book of such compelling interest and frankness that it is difficult to put down ... a very fine book' New York Times Book Review 'I found Ziegler's book riveting' Paul Barker, Listener 'He writes brilliantly' Christopher Hudson, Evening Standard