The Reign and Abdication of Edward VIII

by Michael Bloch

Michael Bloch gives a new twist to the oft-told story of King Edward's short reign.Drawing on a decade-long study of the King's personality, and on privileged access to his papers, he sees the King's abdication partly as the result of a plot to get rid of him by men who mistrusted his modernity and popular touch, but also explainable by the fact that he did not really want to be king or fight for his throne.

Genres: History

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 1990

Reviews

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well researched, well written and balanced narrative of the reign of King Edward VIII in 1936. Bloch lets matters speak for themselves and one is left with the impression of a group of people trying to do their best to resolve a matter that boiled down to Edward's devotion and dependency on Wallis, such that he was prepared to throw over his position and status. Whether Edward VIII would have been as wise and good a monarch as his successor is for another discussion. Take this book on its merits and, without emotion or sermonizing, the reader gets a fair assessment of this tragic episode.

[Gillian Woodcock · Rating 2 out of 5]

Of itself, it is interesting in that the author actually knew the Duchess of Windsor, but I found it rather hard going. Maybe the style of writing is a little turgid to modern taste. Maybe I have grown accustomed to a more subjective narrative style. I think any criticism of the book reflects badly on me, not the author.