Abdication.
Warwick, Christopher.
Place Published: London:
Publisher: Sidgwick & Johnson,
Date Published: 1986.
Description: The dust jacket reads: On 10 December, 1936, at Fort Belvedere, his private estate at Sunningdale, some six miles from Windsor Castle, His Majesty King Edward VIII calmly renounced his royal birthright by signing a document dramatically headed 'Instrument of Abdication'. This act, arguably the most cataclysmic to befall the British monarchy in its entire 900-year history, was the result of the king's obsessive love for Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee, regarded as the very antithesis of all that the British monarchy represented. With his dashing good looks, Edward VIII had embodied the hopes and aspirations of the British Empire ever since he was created Prince of Wales in 1911. His decision to renounce the throne convulsed the Empire and, in the eyes of his family, brought dishonour and disgrace to the Royal House of Windsor. Upon his abdication Edward VIII became His Royal Highness, The Duke of Windsor and, together with his Duchess, chose to inhabit the twilight world of self-imposed exile. For whatever reason, the story of the couple who flouted convention and outraged the British Establishment has never ceased to fascinate the world. This beautiful book, published to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the abdication, reappraises the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and looks anew at the reasons why a king was forced to dash the hoopes of million. Christopher Warwick, bestselling royal biographer, has written a sharply refreshing text that will captivate all those fascinated by the British monarchy. Superbly illustrated, with over 100 photographs in color and black and white-some of which have been loaned from private albums belonging to friends of the Duke and Duchess, and many of which have rarely been seen before-this eloquent book paints a poignant picture of one of the most dramatic upheavals Britain has ever witnessed. RECORDING of King Edward VIII's FAREWELL BROADCAST to the Empire in 1936 is contained in each copy of the book. The book has 176 pages. There are 84 pages showing black and white photographs and 8 pages of color photographs. The book is in NEAR FINE condition with bumped corner on back upper edge. The dust jacket is in NEAR FINE condition with only slight scuffing. This is a very tight bright copy. JMVintage specializes in books, magazines and other treasures related to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor..and other curious people.
Edition: First editionBinding: Hard Cover
Condition: Near Fine in Near Fine dj
ISBN: 0283993510
Book Id: 941
Price: $26.00
