Book 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. 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. '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
