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The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication
The thrilling and definitive account of the Abdication Crisis of 1936.
On December 10, 1936, King Edward VIII brought a great international drama to a close when he abdicated, renouncing the throne of the United Kingdom for himself and his heirs. The reason he gave when addressing his subjects was that he could not fulfill his duties without the woman he loved—the notorious American divorcee Wallis Simpson—by his side. His actions scandalized the establishment, who were desperate to avoid an international embarrassment at a time when war seemed imminent. That the King was rumored to have Nazi sympathies only strengthened their determination that he should be forced off the throne, by any means necessary.
Alexander Larman’s The Crown in Crisis will treat listeners to a new, thrilling view of this legendary story. Informed by revelatory archival material never-before-seen, as well as by interviews with many of Edward’s and Wallis’s close friends, Larman creates an hour-by-hour, day-by-day suspenseful narrative that brings listeners up to the point where the microphone is turned on and the king speaks to his subjects. As well as focusing on King Edward and Mrs. Simpson, Larman looks closely at the roles played by those that stood against him: Prime minister Stanley Baldwin, his private secretary Alec Hardinge, and the Archbishop of Canterbury Cosmo Lang. Larman also takes the full measure of those who supported him: the great politician Winston Churchill, Machiavellian newspaper owner Lord Beaverbrook, and the brilliant lawyer Walter Monckton.
For the first time in a book about the abdication, listeners will hear an in-depth account of the assassination attempt on Edward’s life and its consequences, a first-person chronicle of Wallis Simpson’s scandalous divorce proceedings, information from the Royal Archives about the government’s worries about Edward’s relationship with Nazi high-command Ribbentrop and a boots-on-the-ground view of how the British people saw Edward as they watched the drama unfold. You won’t be able to put down The Crown in Crisis, a full panorama of the people and the times surrounding Edward and the woman he loved.
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press
On December 10, 1936, King Edward VIII brought a great international drama to a close when he abdicated, renouncing the throne of the United Kingdom for himself and his heirs. The reason he gave when addressing his subjects was that he could not fulfill his duties without the woman he loved—the notorious American divorcee Wallis Simpson—by his side. His actions scandalized the establishment, who were desperate to avoid an international embarrassment at a time when war seemed imminent. That the King was rumored to have Nazi sympathies only strengthened their determination that he should be forced off the throne, by any means necessary.
Alexander Larman’s The Crown in Crisis will treat listeners to a new, thrilling view of this legendary story. Informed by revelatory archival material never-before-seen, as well as by interviews with many of Edward’s and Wallis’s close friends, Larman creates an hour-by-hour, day-by-day suspenseful narrative that brings listeners up to the point where the microphone is turned on and the king speaks to his subjects. As well as focusing on King Edward and Mrs. Simpson, Larman looks closely at the roles played by those that stood against him: Prime minister Stanley Baldwin, his private secretary Alec Hardinge, and the Archbishop of Canterbury Cosmo Lang. Larman also takes the full measure of those who supported him: the great politician Winston Churchill, Machiavellian newspaper owner Lord Beaverbrook, and the brilliant lawyer Walter Monckton.
For the first time in a book about the abdication, listeners will hear an in-depth account of the assassination attempt on Edward’s life and its consequences, a first-person chronicle of Wallis Simpson’s scandalous divorce proceedings, information from the Royal Archives about the government’s worries about Edward’s relationship with Nazi high-command Ribbentrop and a boots-on-the-ground view of how the British people saw Edward as they watched the drama unfold. You won’t be able to put down The Crown in Crisis, a full panorama of the people and the times surrounding Edward and the woman he loved.
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press
Audiobook
Published January 19, 2021
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About the author
Alexander Larman
12 books107 followersAlexander Larman is an author, historian and journalist. After reading English at Oxford, from where he graduated with a First, he ghost-wrote and edited various memoirs and biographies, including the late artist and flâneur Sebastian Horsley’s Dandy In The Underworld. His involvement with the book led Horsley to say ‘there is no man in London more capable of genius – or a flop – than Alexander Larman’.
He began his own writing career with Blazing Star (Head of Zeus, 2014), a biography of the 17th century poet and libertine Lord Rochester, and followed this with Restoration (Head of Zeus, 2016) a social history of the year 1666, and Byron’s Women (Head of Zeus, 2016), an ‘anti-biography’ of the poet Lord Byron and the significant women in his life. His next book, The Crown in Crisis (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2020) was a revisionist history of the abdication saga. It was selected by the Times, Daily Mail and Daily Express as one of their best books of the year and led to significant international media coverage of the new revelations about the event.
As a journalist, Larman regularly contributes to titles including The Observer, The Critic, the Daily Telegraph, The Spectator and The Chap, for which he serves as literary editor. He lives in Oxford with his wife and daughter.
He began his own writing career with Blazing Star (Head of Zeus, 2014), a biography of the 17th century poet and libertine Lord Rochester, and followed this with Restoration (Head of Zeus, 2016) a social history of the year 1666, and Byron’s Women (Head of Zeus, 2016), an ‘anti-biography’ of the poet Lord Byron and the significant women in his life. His next book, The Crown in Crisis (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2020) was a revisionist history of the abdication saga. It was selected by the Times, Daily Mail and Daily Express as one of their best books of the year and led to significant international media coverage of the new revelations about the event.
As a journalist, Larman regularly contributes to titles including The Observer, The Critic, the Daily Telegraph, The Spectator and The Chap, for which he serves as literary editor. He lives in Oxford with his wife and daughter.
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February 5, 2026
2,75 stars rounded up
It’s always a bit awkward when a book is better researched than it is written.
The amount of groundwork is undeniable and deserves respect, but I found the presentation lacking in clarity and agenda. Despite the potential of newly revealed material, Alexander Larman doesn’t quite rise to the occasion as an author. He put in the research, but does not really deliver on the storytelling.
It’s not a bad book by any means, but it could have been so much better.
As is often the case with my reading, I arrived at this book “on the back” of another. In 2022 I read and enjoyed Andrew Lownie’s Traitor King , which was published maybe a year later than The Crown in Crisis, though I wasn’t aware of this at the time.
Lownie’s story started with Edward VIII’s abdication speech in December 1936 and followed his and Wallis’ lives until their deaths with particular attention to their damaging involvement with Nazi Germany and their shady financial shenanigans. The only piece I felt missing were the account of events that led up to the abdication itself.
With the benefit of hindsight, that omission makes sense. (If I understood correctly from Larman’s notes at the end, Lownie acted as publishing agent for his book.) It also made me curious to find out more about the abdication, not so much about the personal lives of Edward and Wallis (whom I came to despise thoroughly after completing Lownie’s book), but how it all played out on political/societal levels and how people directly caught up in it felt and acted. Larman’s book seemed to have fit this bill.
And on completion, I can say that it does deliver on its promise. We’re given a step-by-step, parallel account of the personal and the political/historical events from Edward (still as Prince of Wales) meeting Wallis Simpson to 11 December 1936 when he abdicated and left Britain.
Larman draws on a range of sources, from private diaries to newspaper articles, from published memoirs (including Edward’s and Wallis’s) to unpublished ones like Lord Beaverbrook’s. He makes use of biographies and archival material from the Balliol College Archives, the Bodleian Library, Churchill College Archives, the National Archives, the Parliamentary Archive, and the Royal Archives, some of it previously undisclosed.
All in all, it was an interesting read, and there were many things I hadn’t known before, such as:
- The convoluted and rather Hamletian plot to kill (or not to kill?!) Edward during a parade;
- The immense influence of press magnate Lord Beaverbrook (a figure bearing traces of a less malicious Rupert Murdoch), who did everything in his power to keep Edward on the throne, partly, it seems, out of hatred for Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin and a desire to bring down his government (Succession, anyone?);
- That it was thanks in part to Beaverbrook’s influence that the British press remained silent on Edward and Wallis’s relationship, while the American press had field days, weeks, and months with the story;
- Wallis’s desperate attempts to break up with Edward, not out of political anxiety, but sheer boredom and unhappiness. (I actually felt quite sorry for her, for the first time ever. );
- Churchill’s staunch support of Edward, which very nearly destroyed his political career — again.
And now to the more confusing issues of the book.
- Honestly, I couldn’t for the life of me understand why Larman began the story by framing it around Ribbentrop, Hitler, and Edward’s alleged sympathies, only to then abandon it. We get a few scattered sentences here and there about Ribbentrop and Oswald Mosely and his party, but the narrative becomes disjointed as a result.
- Beaverbrook’s praises are sung as he takes up the role of supporter, but suddenly we get this out of the blue: “As recently as October, it had become common knowledge that he had little respect for Edward.” Well, I didn’t see that coming, especially as this statement is not supported by any further information, and gets forgotten right away. (Maybe some editorial work is missing from here.)
- Another subplot that seemed promising but fizzled out completely was the phone tapping operation by MI5 of Edward’s residences Fort Belvedere and Buckinhgham Palace, once the abdication crisis was underway. I presume, this was based on previously undisclosed material and was intended to shock. But instead, it felt like a ghost carrot Larman dangled in front of us, only to drop like a hot potato. He contradicts himself from one page to the next: first stating that the operation, while “clandestine,” was “wholly legal,” then claiming two pages later that “Sir Vernon Kell, the creator and first director of MI5, was essentially asked to commit treason.” So… which was it?
Even more frustrating, Larman never tells us whether the phone tapping yielded any results. Did they uncover anything? Were there recordings, transcripts, consequences? We’re not told. There’s not even a vague suggestion that the material might still be classified. The thread simply vanishes.
- There were further discrepancies in Larman’s attitude to Edward and the people concerned in the crisis. While he was undoubtedly biased, his is the most confusing partisanship I have ever come across: being sympathetic and appreciative of Edward VIII on one page ("It is hard not to feel sympathy for the king." / "It was a fine, bravura performance that proved that Edward, when he made the effort, had a charisma and assurance about him few others could approach.") while disapproving and censorious on the next ("He was neither a good sovereign nor a good man, and it would be this ultimate failing that led him to become such easy prey for his enemies and comforters alike.").
This seesaw approach continues throughout the book and is a bit hard to take on board, especially in light of how critical, not to say contemptuous, Larman is of anyone in Edward's close circle (whether civil servants, politicians or friends) who dared to recognise and voice their opinion of the former King's unsuitability for the throne and his less than stellar human qualities. He literally calls them traitors or their actions -because they were loyal to "The Crown", not to Edward personally- traitorous. (??)
It is private secretary Alec Hardinge (and his wife) who bears the brunt of the disdain and is constantly in his crossfire. Apparently it was AH who “set the abdication in motion by conveying his candid thoughts to him (Edward) in a devastating letter.” If that was the case, then frankly, well done, Alec!
(Maybe it ‘s just me, but wasn’t it Edward himself who set it all in motion? And I quote Larman’s own words: “For the first time in English history, the monarch would voluntarily relinquish his crown, choosing the woman he was obsessed by over his nation. It was an act of supreme selfishness, driven by mania and a fixation upon the unfortunate Wallis.” - The double standard is difficult to ignore!)
In the end, The Crown in Crisis is a curious mix: well-researched, mostly interesting, but often uneven and disjointed in tone and narrative. I’m glad I read it, but hope to find some better books out there.
It’s always a bit awkward when a book is better researched than it is written.
The amount of groundwork is undeniable and deserves respect, but I found the presentation lacking in clarity and agenda. Despite the potential of newly revealed material, Alexander Larman doesn’t quite rise to the occasion as an author. He put in the research, but does not really deliver on the storytelling.
It’s not a bad book by any means, but it could have been so much better.
As is often the case with my reading, I arrived at this book “on the back” of another. In 2022 I read and enjoyed Andrew Lownie’s Traitor King , which was published maybe a year later than The Crown in Crisis, though I wasn’t aware of this at the time.
Lownie’s story started with Edward VIII’s abdication speech in December 1936 and followed his and Wallis’ lives until their deaths with particular attention to their damaging involvement with Nazi Germany and their shady financial shenanigans. The only piece I felt missing were the account of events that led up to the abdication itself.
With the benefit of hindsight, that omission makes sense. (If I understood correctly from Larman’s notes at the end, Lownie acted as publishing agent for his book.) It also made me curious to find out more about the abdication, not so much about the personal lives of Edward and Wallis (whom I came to despise thoroughly after completing Lownie’s book), but how it all played out on political/societal levels and how people directly caught up in it felt and acted. Larman’s book seemed to have fit this bill.
And on completion, I can say that it does deliver on its promise. We’re given a step-by-step, parallel account of the personal and the political/historical events from Edward (still as Prince of Wales) meeting Wallis Simpson to 11 December 1936 when he abdicated and left Britain.
Larman draws on a range of sources, from private diaries to newspaper articles, from published memoirs (including Edward’s and Wallis’s) to unpublished ones like Lord Beaverbrook’s. He makes use of biographies and archival material from the Balliol College Archives, the Bodleian Library, Churchill College Archives, the National Archives, the Parliamentary Archive, and the Royal Archives, some of it previously undisclosed.
All in all, it was an interesting read, and there were many things I hadn’t known before, such as:
- The convoluted and rather Hamletian plot to kill (or not to kill?!) Edward during a parade;
- The immense influence of press magnate Lord Beaverbrook (a figure bearing traces of a less malicious Rupert Murdoch), who did everything in his power to keep Edward on the throne, partly, it seems, out of hatred for Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin and a desire to bring down his government (Succession, anyone?);
- That it was thanks in part to Beaverbrook’s influence that the British press remained silent on Edward and Wallis’s relationship, while the American press had field days, weeks, and months with the story;
- Wallis’s desperate attempts to break up with Edward, not out of political anxiety, but sheer boredom and unhappiness. (I actually felt quite sorry for her, for the first time ever. );
- Churchill’s staunch support of Edward, which very nearly destroyed his political career — again.
And now to the more confusing issues of the book.
- Honestly, I couldn’t for the life of me understand why Larman began the story by framing it around Ribbentrop, Hitler, and Edward’s alleged sympathies, only to then abandon it. We get a few scattered sentences here and there about Ribbentrop and Oswald Mosely and his party, but the narrative becomes disjointed as a result.
- Beaverbrook’s praises are sung as he takes up the role of supporter, but suddenly we get this out of the blue: “As recently as October, it had become common knowledge that he had little respect for Edward.” Well, I didn’t see that coming, especially as this statement is not supported by any further information, and gets forgotten right away. (Maybe some editorial work is missing from here.)
- Another subplot that seemed promising but fizzled out completely was the phone tapping operation by MI5 of Edward’s residences Fort Belvedere and Buckinhgham Palace, once the abdication crisis was underway. I presume, this was based on previously undisclosed material and was intended to shock. But instead, it felt like a ghost carrot Larman dangled in front of us, only to drop like a hot potato. He contradicts himself from one page to the next: first stating that the operation, while “clandestine,” was “wholly legal,” then claiming two pages later that “Sir Vernon Kell, the creator and first director of MI5, was essentially asked to commit treason.” So… which was it?
Even more frustrating, Larman never tells us whether the phone tapping yielded any results. Did they uncover anything? Were there recordings, transcripts, consequences? We’re not told. There’s not even a vague suggestion that the material might still be classified. The thread simply vanishes.
- There were further discrepancies in Larman’s attitude to Edward and the people concerned in the crisis. While he was undoubtedly biased, his is the most confusing partisanship I have ever come across: being sympathetic and appreciative of Edward VIII on one page ("It is hard not to feel sympathy for the king." / "It was a fine, bravura performance that proved that Edward, when he made the effort, had a charisma and assurance about him few others could approach.") while disapproving and censorious on the next ("He was neither a good sovereign nor a good man, and it would be this ultimate failing that led him to become such easy prey for his enemies and comforters alike.").
This seesaw approach continues throughout the book and is a bit hard to take on board, especially in light of how critical, not to say contemptuous, Larman is of anyone in Edward's close circle (whether civil servants, politicians or friends) who dared to recognise and voice their opinion of the former King's unsuitability for the throne and his less than stellar human qualities. He literally calls them traitors or their actions -because they were loyal to "The Crown", not to Edward personally- traitorous. (??)
It is private secretary Alec Hardinge (and his wife) who bears the brunt of the disdain and is constantly in his crossfire. Apparently it was AH who “set the abdication in motion by conveying his candid thoughts to him (Edward) in a devastating letter.” If that was the case, then frankly, well done, Alec!
(Maybe it ‘s just me, but wasn’t it Edward himself who set it all in motion? And I quote Larman’s own words: “For the first time in English history, the monarch would voluntarily relinquish his crown, choosing the woman he was obsessed by over his nation. It was an act of supreme selfishness, driven by mania and a fixation upon the unfortunate Wallis.” - The double standard is difficult to ignore!)
In the end, The Crown in Crisis is a curious mix: well-researched, mostly interesting, but often uneven and disjointed in tone and narrative. I’m glad I read it, but hope to find some better books out there.
November 29, 2020
I am a huge fan of well researched nonfiction and this book fits the bill. It tackles not just Edward and Wallis’ relationship, but the consequences for the country, especially in light of the issues leading up to WWII. The book is well titled. Unknown to me, abdication was not merely the king’s decision. “He did not appear to understand that the abdication was not simply his unilateral decision...legislation would be needed to give full effect to his desire.”
The best nonfiction reads like fiction and this one does. I felt I truly got to know the characters. Edward was never cut out for the crown. He lacked the sense of duty necessary. He was self centered, unwilling to put his country ahead of his own pleasure. But he did truly love Wallis. Wallis was much more a pragmatist. She’s never shown to be as “in love” as Edward, felt trapped in a “gilded cage” and at one time even tried to end it. We also get a great sense of the secondary characters, especially Baldwin, the PM.
The book does a great job of expressing the time and place, especially as it pertains to the English society’s mindset concerning Wallis. Altman states the upper classes hated Wallis because she was American but didn’t care about her divorces, the lower and middle classes hated her because of her divorces but didn’t care that she was American. I loved that the English papers were initially discreet and banned showing pictures of WE together; while the American papers showed picture after picture with the headlines to match. “King’s Playmate Big Problem to British”. We also see the political intrigue, as Edward at times became more pawn than king.
Altman has done an amazing amount of research. A lot of the documents have just recently been made available. He augmented this with numerous interviews. The book provides the complete picture - the behind the scenes negotiations , the popular opinion and the royal family’s despair.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
The best nonfiction reads like fiction and this one does. I felt I truly got to know the characters. Edward was never cut out for the crown. He lacked the sense of duty necessary. He was self centered, unwilling to put his country ahead of his own pleasure. But he did truly love Wallis. Wallis was much more a pragmatist. She’s never shown to be as “in love” as Edward, felt trapped in a “gilded cage” and at one time even tried to end it. We also get a great sense of the secondary characters, especially Baldwin, the PM.
The book does a great job of expressing the time and place, especially as it pertains to the English society’s mindset concerning Wallis. Altman states the upper classes hated Wallis because she was American but didn’t care about her divorces, the lower and middle classes hated her because of her divorces but didn’t care that she was American. I loved that the English papers were initially discreet and banned showing pictures of WE together; while the American papers showed picture after picture with the headlines to match. “King’s Playmate Big Problem to British”. We also see the political intrigue, as Edward at times became more pawn than king.
Altman has done an amazing amount of research. A lot of the documents have just recently been made available. He augmented this with numerous interviews. The book provides the complete picture - the behind the scenes negotiations , the popular opinion and the royal family’s despair.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
February 4, 2021
3.5 Stars
I have read numerous books about the abdication of King Edward VIII so he could marry the American double divorcee, Wallis Simpson. This particular book is heavily researched and chock full of minute details involving various government officials and quotes from their memoirs. While I respect the intensive work that must have fueled this literary work, I have enjoyed this version of the story the least. Other works I’ve read on the subject are historical fiction novels or accounts that humanize the situation between these two parties. This book was just a little too “dry” for my taste; heavy on facts and quotes but remote in emotion. I’m sure I’m an outlier and this is a fine book, but it’s just a matter of taste and I choose to DNF this at 60% to move on to something more enjoyable.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
I have read numerous books about the abdication of King Edward VIII so he could marry the American double divorcee, Wallis Simpson. This particular book is heavily researched and chock full of minute details involving various government officials and quotes from their memoirs. While I respect the intensive work that must have fueled this literary work, I have enjoyed this version of the story the least. Other works I’ve read on the subject are historical fiction novels or accounts that humanize the situation between these two parties. This book was just a little too “dry” for my taste; heavy on facts and quotes but remote in emotion. I’m sure I’m an outlier and this is a fine book, but it’s just a matter of taste and I choose to DNF this at 60% to move on to something more enjoyable.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
January 19, 2021
This was a wonderfully intensively researched book on a topic which still today mesmerizes many. The abdication of King Edward made many a headline of its day, bu it was the background to all of this that made for a most fascinating read.
Many found it hard to understand how a king could give up so much for a twice divorced American woman Wallis Simpson, and yet he did. He became a man without his country and Wallis became a woman who stole a man away from what was supposedly his destiny.
Written with many new facts and details about both the main players in the tale, and those who were in the background desperately trying to find a solution when the tradition of the land didn't provide one that Edward wanted.
The book presents a plethora of details and those who enjoy reading about the scenes behind the scene will definitely find this book to their liking.
Thank you to Alexander Lamen, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, and NetGalley for a copy of this book due out January 19, 2021
Many found it hard to understand how a king could give up so much for a twice divorced American woman Wallis Simpson, and yet he did. He became a man without his country and Wallis became a woman who stole a man away from what was supposedly his destiny.
Written with many new facts and details about both the main players in the tale, and those who were in the background desperately trying to find a solution when the tradition of the land didn't provide one that Edward wanted.
The book presents a plethora of details and those who enjoy reading about the scenes behind the scene will definitely find this book to their liking.
Thank you to Alexander Lamen, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, and NetGalley for a copy of this book due out January 19, 2021
January 5, 2021
Well researched and lots of footnotes to help with the overly huge case of characters. After reading numerous books on this subject this one was a bit disappointing as it pretty much focused on the abdication, there is so much more to this story. If you are looking for historical facts aside from the story of Wallis and David this is the book for you.
March 23, 2021
2.5 stars
In 1936, King Edward VIII shocked the United Kingdom and the rest of the world by abdicating the throne. He claimed he gave up everything to marry two time divorcee, Wallis Simpson. However, that's something that has been up for debate ever since. Given the evidence points to him being a Nazi sympathizer, who knows how World War 2 might have played out if he remained king. This nonfiction book details the abdication.
I've read a few nonfiction and historical fiction books about Wallis Simpson but this was my first time reading something that covered in depth King Edward stepping down. I gotta say I was disappointed I didn't enjoy the reading experience given how interested I was in the subject. I hate giving a low rating to a nonfiction book that was well-researched but man, I was bored to tears. It felt like I was reading a textbook or some academic research paper. Sure, I learned some things but the writing was so dry, and the transitions at times were disjointed. A shame because nonfiction can be just as fun to read as fiction. Not the case here though.
Wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this one.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to post a review on Goodreads. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
In 1936, King Edward VIII shocked the United Kingdom and the rest of the world by abdicating the throne. He claimed he gave up everything to marry two time divorcee, Wallis Simpson. However, that's something that has been up for debate ever since. Given the evidence points to him being a Nazi sympathizer, who knows how World War 2 might have played out if he remained king. This nonfiction book details the abdication.
I've read a few nonfiction and historical fiction books about Wallis Simpson but this was my first time reading something that covered in depth King Edward stepping down. I gotta say I was disappointed I didn't enjoy the reading experience given how interested I was in the subject. I hate giving a low rating to a nonfiction book that was well-researched but man, I was bored to tears. It felt like I was reading a textbook or some academic research paper. Sure, I learned some things but the writing was so dry, and the transitions at times were disjointed. A shame because nonfiction can be just as fun to read as fiction. Not the case here though.
Wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this one.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to post a review on Goodreads. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
October 24, 2021
A Deeper Perspective
The abdication is hardly a new subject but this book examines all the players in a new and fascinating light. What comes through powerfully is how much Mrs. Simpson did not want Edward to abdicate but could not stop him.
The abdication is hardly a new subject but this book examines all the players in a new and fascinating light. What comes through powerfully is how much Mrs. Simpson did not want Edward to abdicate but could not stop him.
March 18, 2022
Devotees of the Netflix series “The Crown” are likely to take it for granted that King Edward VIII faced a stark choice in 1936: He could marry his American sweetheart and renounce the throne or he could renounce Wallis Simpson and remain in power. But in “Crown in Crisis,” British historian Alexander Larman— relying on recently uncovered memoirs and archival material — argues that the situation was not so clear cut. There were those at the time who believed that the King could have his cake and eat it too — i.e., that he could wed the twice-divorced Simpson and retain the crown. One of those people was a then out-of-favor politician named Winston Churchill.
Larman paints an unflattering portrait of Edward (known to his friends as David). Edward seems to have combined the worst qualities of today’s Prince Andrew and Prince Harry. While naturally intelligent, Edward was a playboy who had no intellectual curiosity. He considered his royal upbringing a burden and had no interest in performing the duties expected of the royal family. Edward’s father, King George V, confided to his close friends that he worried about the future of the monarchy once Edward succeeded him. Although Edward was popular with the general population — the people saw him as a free spirit who empathized with the man in the street — those in Edward’s inner circle saw him as rude, thoughtless, and selfish.
One of the book’s revelations is Larman’s account of an assassination attempt on Edward shortly after he assumed the throne. Larman suggests that the assassin was acting as an agent of the Italian government, although he never explains why eliminating the king would have worked to Italy’s advantage. More interestingly, Larman intimates that British intelligence at least knew of and perhaps encouraged the attempt on Edward’s life. Larman speculates that MI5 was concerned about Edward’s cozy attitude toward Naziism in general and Adolph Hitler in particular. The book devotes several pages to Hitler’s appointment of Joachim von Ribbentrop as ambassador to Britain because of his claimed friendliness to the king — a friendship that, Hitler hoped, would lead the King to look the other way when Germany began annexing territory.
Larman’s portrayal of Wallis Simpson, in contrast, is surprisingly sympathetic. Like many others who have written about this romance, Larman is puzzled by Edward’s obsession with her. While beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, Simpson was not by any objective measure a “looker.” Edward’s infatuation with Wallis reminds me of the old Jimmy Soul song: “If you want to be happy for the rest of your life, never make a pretty woman your wife.” So, it must have been her personality, right? While a few of the persons who knew Wallis described her as bright and/or charming, most seemed to find her aloof and abrasive. Larman speculates that Edward was into S&M and latched onto Simpson as his dominatrix; one cannot help wondering, however, why Edward could not have found someone more acceptable to the British establishment to crack the whip.
Edward’s relationship with Wallis was one of the best kept secrets in England. This is somewhat surprising because, by and large, they made no effort to conceal their dalliance. Everyone in government and everyone in high society knew what was happening. But word of the relationship was not generally known by the public. Applying what was apparently the honor code of the day, the British press was essentially silent about the affair. This silence was curious insofar as the American press was having a field day with the scandal. Reports of the relationship filtered to those in Britain who had American connections, but not from the British press itself.
Wallis was the object of scorn among the British population, which held her accountable for stealing their king. But Larman makes it clear that it was Edward, not Wallis, who insisted on continuing the relationship. Wallis befriended Edward years before he became king. She was looking for a fling with a royal who would take her to fancy parties and shower her with gifts, not another marriage. When it became clear that Edward would lose the throne if they stayed together, Wallis did everything she could to terminate the relationship. While Edward repeatedly told those who urged him to dump Walis that he could not live without her, Simpson made no such statements about him. Events moved quickly. Edward decided on his own — against all advice — to abdicate, and Wallis felt trapped.
Virtually everyone who was involved in this drama urged Edward to send Wallis packing and remain on the throne. Larman provides an almost day by day account of their importuning — which perhaps explains why the book is subtitled “Countdown to Abdication.” Those in Edward’s inner circle simply could not comprehend why he would relinquish the crown for ANY woman, much less for THIS woman. Those feelings are entirely understandable. Although we like to think of ourselves as romantics, let’s be honest. Who among us would trade Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and Balmoral for the affections of a sharp-tongued tart? Edward’s mother, Queen Mary, was totally unsympathetic. His brother, Prince Albert (later King George VI), was petrified at the prospect of becoming king — although those fears later proved unfounded. But Edward repeatedly said that his determination to wed Wallis was non-negotiable.
Larman argues that, once it became clear that Edward intended to marry Wallis, the two of them became pawns in a political struggle. On one side were British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin and Archbishop of Canterbury Cosmo Lang. Baldwin was a largely ineffectual but high minded politician who disliked Edward personally, found him a dullard, and believed that Britain would be better off without him. The Archbishop found Edward morally repugnant. Together, they led the charge of those who urged Edward to abdicate.
On the other side of the debate were some prominent newspaper publishers — led by Lord Beaverbrook — and a handful of politicians, including Churchill. They maintained that the King could wed Wallis and retain the crown; as Churchill famously put it, “Let the King have his cutie.” They believed that the King’s popularity would cause the public eventually to accept Edward’s marriage to Simpson. If the already unpopular Baldwin opposed the marriage, they assumed, the government would collapse. A new party — “the King’s Party” — would assume power. That party would be led by Churchill.
Anticipating Parliamentary resistance to the king marrying an American divorcee, Beaverbrook and Churchill developed a backup position. Instead of a conventional marriage, Edward and Wallis would enter into a “morganatic marriage.” Under this arrangement, Wallis would never become queen and any children from their marriage would not succeed to the throne. While the proposal was clever, neither Edward and Wallis nor Parliament ever warmed to it.
About a third of the book is devoted to the frantic days in December of 1936 during which Edward finally decided to abdicate. Even though Edward had made up his mind, there were a couple of complications. First, Wallis’ divorce from her second husband had not yet become final. This was not a mere technicality because there was evidence that the preliminary divorce decree had been obtained by fraud. Mr. Simpson did not contest the divorce, and no evidence of Wallis’ transgressions was introduced. There were suspicions that Mr. Simpson received some sort of quid pro quo for his cooperation.
Second, the soon to be ex-king needed to find a way to finance his post-abdication lifestyle. This appears to have been an issue that Edward had not considered until he was on the verge of leaving the country. Edward’s father had left less to him than to his brothers. Once he left the throne, Edward could not, of course, avail himself of property belonging to the Crown, and he was not independently wealthy. Although Edward had expected that Parliament would award him a handsome pension, the members were reluctant to reward him for abandoning his duties. In the end, the new king agreed to provide Edward from his own funds an annual allowance of roughly a million dollars in today’s money.
The book’s most serious flaw is Larman’s failure to discuss the legal underpinnings of the drama that he describes in such detail. Was there, for example, a constitutional provision or law that automatically disqualified Edward from retaining the crown if he married a divorcee? If not, could Parliament force Edward from the Throne (and, if so, how)? What would happen if Parliament voted Edward out of office and he refused to leave? Could Parliament, in essence, impeach the King? Was this drama not so much a legal crisis as it was a religious crisis? Stated otherwise, was the problem that Edward could not remain head of the Church of England after marrying a divorced woman because the Church disfavored divorce? Could Edward have remained head of state while relinquishing his duties as head of the church? Or was this really all a public relations problem? Viewed differently, was it embarrassing for the empire to have as its king a man married to a twice divorced American commoner— particularly one who was still married when Edward took up with her? Perhaps it matters to me only because I am a lawyer, but none of these issues are addressed in the book.
In the end, Larman provides an interesting, albeit overly-detailed, account of the brief reign of Edward VIII. He succeeded his father in January of 1936 and did not last the year. One can only wonder what might have transpired if Edward had remained on the throne in the tumultuous years leading to the outbreak of the Second World War. But it is difficult to imagine that Edward would have served his country any better than his brother and successor, George VI, did.
Richard G. Stuhan
November 17, 2020
You see, the man is mad. MAD. He could see nothing but that woman.~Prime Minister Baldwin quoted in The Crown in Crisis
Drawing from newly released archival sources, interviews, letters, and diaries, here is the full story of Edward VIII whose love for American divorcee' Wallis Simpson caused him to give up the throne, threatening the stability of the British government and the monarchy.
Edward was charming and beloved by the common people, but he preferred pleasure to work and freedom to upholding the narrow conventions expected from a monarch. He had no intellectual interests, no Christian faith (although head of the state church), and hated the drudgery of being a monarch.
Readers learn about Edward's personality and weaknesses, his gay life and affairs, and how Wallis came to be his obsession.
The British newspapers would not publish stories about Edward's affair with the married Wallis. The couple took a pleasure cruise across the world with friends, the foreign press filled with photographs and stories about them.
Wallis found herself trapped by Edward's compulsive addiction, trying valiantly to talk him out of his determination to marry her if her divorce was granted. He was too powerful, and he would not listen to her pleas, and the divorce and the abdication went through.
The once-king lost his homeland, his property, his power, and his family to gain the woman he loved. Wallis was imprisoned in a marriage she had hoped to avoid.
In that moment, I realised how heavy was the price I had paid... Edward VIII quoted in The Crown in Crisis
This is more than a love story, more than a history of a deeply flawed man. It tells the story of a government in crisis, struggling to deal with the most unexpected challenge. It is riveting as history, and disturbing as a portrait of a self-centered leader who put the personal above their duty to nation.
I received a free egalley from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.
Drawing from newly released archival sources, interviews, letters, and diaries, here is the full story of Edward VIII whose love for American divorcee' Wallis Simpson caused him to give up the throne, threatening the stability of the British government and the monarchy.
Edward was charming and beloved by the common people, but he preferred pleasure to work and freedom to upholding the narrow conventions expected from a monarch. He had no intellectual interests, no Christian faith (although head of the state church), and hated the drudgery of being a monarch.
Readers learn about Edward's personality and weaknesses, his gay life and affairs, and how Wallis came to be his obsession.
The British newspapers would not publish stories about Edward's affair with the married Wallis. The couple took a pleasure cruise across the world with friends, the foreign press filled with photographs and stories about them.
Wallis found herself trapped by Edward's compulsive addiction, trying valiantly to talk him out of his determination to marry her if her divorce was granted. He was too powerful, and he would not listen to her pleas, and the divorce and the abdication went through.
The once-king lost his homeland, his property, his power, and his family to gain the woman he loved. Wallis was imprisoned in a marriage she had hoped to avoid.
In that moment, I realised how heavy was the price I had paid... Edward VIII quoted in The Crown in Crisis
This is more than a love story, more than a history of a deeply flawed man. It tells the story of a government in crisis, struggling to deal with the most unexpected challenge. It is riveting as history, and disturbing as a portrait of a self-centered leader who put the personal above their duty to nation.
I received a free egalley from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.
March 27, 2021
I picked this book up as a "fluff" read to counter all the heavy non-fiction I have been reading lately. I misjudged the content, and found the book fascinating.
Alexander Larman's research was deep and full of things, I did not know, about the Abdication of Edward VIII and the affair with the infamous Wallis Simpson. The affair was front and center, but the author took that and delved into the actual constitutional crisis that hovered over Great Britain. He gives a day by day account of the goings on in Parliament, how Edwards disregard "for duty" could have lead to the fall of the government.
I have been reading a lot about Churchill lately, and to my surprise he pops up in this book as a leading character. I had no idea that Churchill supported Edward and Wallis and become a close confident to Edward throughout the crisis.
In other accounts of this story, that I have read, Wallis is depicted as "that nasty lady" who stole the King from his country. In this telling of the story Wallis is shown as a vulnerable, terrified woman, who multiple times pleaded with the King to not abdicate.
There were chapters where I was feeling information over-load. Still this was a worthy read and I recommend to anyone who, like myself, loves a book that is well researched.
Alexander Larman's research was deep and full of things, I did not know, about the Abdication of Edward VIII and the affair with the infamous Wallis Simpson. The affair was front and center, but the author took that and delved into the actual constitutional crisis that hovered over Great Britain. He gives a day by day account of the goings on in Parliament, how Edwards disregard "for duty" could have lead to the fall of the government.
I have been reading a lot about Churchill lately, and to my surprise he pops up in this book as a leading character. I had no idea that Churchill supported Edward and Wallis and become a close confident to Edward throughout the crisis.
In other accounts of this story, that I have read, Wallis is depicted as "that nasty lady" who stole the King from his country. In this telling of the story Wallis is shown as a vulnerable, terrified woman, who multiple times pleaded with the King to not abdicate.
There were chapters where I was feeling information over-load. Still this was a worthy read and I recommend to anyone who, like myself, loves a book that is well researched.
October 27, 2020
352 pages
5 stars
This very detailed look into the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936 is both instructive and eye-opening.
Whatever you think about the whole affair of the “playboy prince” and the “grasping divorcee,” the reader will get an inside look to the politics and opinions of not only the then king, but also of politicians, religious leaders, the general public and Wallis herself. On the other hand, Edward did have his supporters such as Winston Churchill and Lord Beaverbrook.
I remain somewhat puzzled over Edward and Wallis' relationship. Did she manipulate him? Was he that weak? Perhaps it was best that he did not remain king, especially given his attraction to the Nazi cause. He might have made Mr. Churchill's direction of the British response in the war a nightmare.
The whole question of how closely Edward and Wallis' relationships were to the Nazis is discussed as well. The specter of Wallis' “affair” with von Ribbentrop is covered in the book as well, as is Wallis' husband at the time, Ernest's, reaction – or lack thereof.
I didn't know much about von Ribbentrop's personality and this book was absolutely great for fleshing him out. What a smarmy dude! I really appreciated the information Mr. Larman imparted about the man.
This book was well written and easy to read. It was not just a dry recitation of facts. Mr. Larman has a real talent for telling a story – even a real story.
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for forwarding to me a copy of this informative and interesting book for me to read, enjoy and review.
5 stars
This very detailed look into the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936 is both instructive and eye-opening.
Whatever you think about the whole affair of the “playboy prince” and the “grasping divorcee,” the reader will get an inside look to the politics and opinions of not only the then king, but also of politicians, religious leaders, the general public and Wallis herself. On the other hand, Edward did have his supporters such as Winston Churchill and Lord Beaverbrook.
I remain somewhat puzzled over Edward and Wallis' relationship. Did she manipulate him? Was he that weak? Perhaps it was best that he did not remain king, especially given his attraction to the Nazi cause. He might have made Mr. Churchill's direction of the British response in the war a nightmare.
The whole question of how closely Edward and Wallis' relationships were to the Nazis is discussed as well. The specter of Wallis' “affair” with von Ribbentrop is covered in the book as well, as is Wallis' husband at the time, Ernest's, reaction – or lack thereof.
I didn't know much about von Ribbentrop's personality and this book was absolutely great for fleshing him out. What a smarmy dude! I really appreciated the information Mr. Larman imparted about the man.
This book was well written and easy to read. It was not just a dry recitation of facts. Mr. Larman has a real talent for telling a story – even a real story.
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for forwarding to me a copy of this informative and interesting book for me to read, enjoy and review.
January 19, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, St Martin’s Press for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review The Crown in Crisis. All opinions are my own.
2021 gives us The Crown in Crisis by Alexander Larman, a fresh look at events surrounding the abdication of Edward, Prince of Wales and then King. Mr. Larman has thoroughly researched his subject; all the players are here. Among them, the king and queen, disapproving (and disappointed); Walter Monckton, legal advisor and friend (a better friend than deserved, as the book relates); Winston Churchill, raging in his defense and angry at what he sees – and eager to make his voice heard, detrimentally, as it turned out; the PM, Stanley Baldwin, afraid for his government, his country, and the Commonwealth – and how close ties were to Hitler. And at the heart of it all, Edward and Mrs. Simpson, going back and forth, first stalwart and then stumbling, unwilling -- or unable -- to see the heart of the threat. Mr. Larman pulls no punches in describing the utter lack of compassion and understanding that this privileged man, christened “Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David” has toward what he is doing. It’s quite chilling.
All this the author sets forth in a straightforward fashion, using new information and his own interpretation of the events. He also makes it quite clear that a better ruler was obtained, and the crown saved; time and tide has borne this forward to us. The couple eventually turned up on many a society page, there is no doubting the charisma that surrounded them. Eventually, “Edward’s own Helen of Troy,” as the author calls her, slipped back into the pages of history as a sad footnote, nothing more. But for a while, “The King’s Great Matter,” to borrow a worry from another English king, was a problem indeed, as Mr. Larman eloquently tells us.
As an aside; I have always wondered if anyone speculated who this 42-year-old prince/monarch would be able to marry that was young enough to give the kingdom heirs. Why not give up, let him have his “doxy,” to use a vulgar phrase popular at the time, and turn all eyes to an heir that was already there? The one that, ultimately, turned out to be? This has always intrigued me. Perhaps it was too delicate a subject. I have to assume the “threat” of a divorced woman that close to the throne was just too much to be borne. And an American to boot. The author points out how this was considered quite “the horror,” in The Crown in Crisis.
2021 gives us The Crown in Crisis by Alexander Larman, a fresh look at events surrounding the abdication of Edward, Prince of Wales and then King. Mr. Larman has thoroughly researched his subject; all the players are here. Among them, the king and queen, disapproving (and disappointed); Walter Monckton, legal advisor and friend (a better friend than deserved, as the book relates); Winston Churchill, raging in his defense and angry at what he sees – and eager to make his voice heard, detrimentally, as it turned out; the PM, Stanley Baldwin, afraid for his government, his country, and the Commonwealth – and how close ties were to Hitler. And at the heart of it all, Edward and Mrs. Simpson, going back and forth, first stalwart and then stumbling, unwilling -- or unable -- to see the heart of the threat. Mr. Larman pulls no punches in describing the utter lack of compassion and understanding that this privileged man, christened “Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David” has toward what he is doing. It’s quite chilling.
All this the author sets forth in a straightforward fashion, using new information and his own interpretation of the events. He also makes it quite clear that a better ruler was obtained, and the crown saved; time and tide has borne this forward to us. The couple eventually turned up on many a society page, there is no doubting the charisma that surrounded them. Eventually, “Edward’s own Helen of Troy,” as the author calls her, slipped back into the pages of history as a sad footnote, nothing more. But for a while, “The King’s Great Matter,” to borrow a worry from another English king, was a problem indeed, as Mr. Larman eloquently tells us.
As an aside; I have always wondered if anyone speculated who this 42-year-old prince/monarch would be able to marry that was young enough to give the kingdom heirs. Why not give up, let him have his “doxy,” to use a vulgar phrase popular at the time, and turn all eyes to an heir that was already there? The one that, ultimately, turned out to be? This has always intrigued me. Perhaps it was too delicate a subject. I have to assume the “threat” of a divorced woman that close to the throne was just too much to be borne. And an American to boot. The author points out how this was considered quite “the horror,” in The Crown in Crisis.
April 3, 2021
Well written and well- researched, complete with footnotes, notes, and an index. Oh, and pictures. While very readable, it was probably more detailed than I needed. As a young teen I remember finding the story of Edward's abdication to be with the woman he loved to be terribly romantic. My father pointed out what a selfish thing it was to not fulfill his duties and responsibilities, not to mention probably shortening the life of his younger brother who hadn't been raised to be king. The author and many of the key players at the time clearly agreed with my father. And all in all probably was better in the long run for the British that he served less than a year as king. But undeniably hard on poor Bertie who then had to be the king.
page 37: "The weight of responsibility that came with kingship was one that Edward was always uneasy with, despite his occasional flurries of energy and action. It was not simply the irritation at his life no longer being his own that stymied his ability to be a ruler worthy of the title, however; it was the vacancy that lay at the centre of his being. He was neither a good sovereign nor a good man. . ."
page 273: "He [Edward] was a wretched, quixotic ruler, an obsessed and demanding lover and, bar the odd instance of compassion and decency, a selfish and thoughtless man."
page 37: "The weight of responsibility that came with kingship was one that Edward was always uneasy with, despite his occasional flurries of energy and action. It was not simply the irritation at his life no longer being his own that stymied his ability to be a ruler worthy of the title, however; it was the vacancy that lay at the centre of his being. He was neither a good sovereign nor a good man. . ."
page 273: "He [Edward] was a wretched, quixotic ruler, an obsessed and demanding lover and, bar the odd instance of compassion and decency, a selfish and thoughtless man."
February 3, 2021
Oh this was juicy. I loved the savage and oh-so-British takedowns of the contemporary actors as well as the author; I was absorbed by the intensity of Edward's attachment to Wallis (would read a whole other book just on her and their relationship!); I was fascinated by the arcane British laws at play in the abdication wrangling; and I was intrigued by the complexity of relationships among the royal family, parliaments various factions (including Churchill and others who take on prominent roles during WWII), and the press (Lord Beaverbrook, notably).
The book could probably be edited down by 30%, as perhaps not every detail of the political intrigue is necessary (the bit on the attempted assassination felt particularly extraneous and disconnected), and I wanted to know more about Edward's ties to fascist/Nazi-sympathizing groups. Overall, though, I thought it did a good job of accentuating what an exceptional event the abdication was in the context of British history, and the author shone a light on a moment (well, ~1 year) that previously I only understood very superficially. Would recommend to those interested in British history, including avid watchers of The Crown.
The book could probably be edited down by 30%, as perhaps not every detail of the political intrigue is necessary (the bit on the attempted assassination felt particularly extraneous and disconnected), and I wanted to know more about Edward's ties to fascist/Nazi-sympathizing groups. Overall, though, I thought it did a good job of accentuating what an exceptional event the abdication was in the context of British history, and the author shone a light on a moment (well, ~1 year) that previously I only understood very superficially. Would recommend to those interested in British history, including avid watchers of The Crown.
October 14, 2021
This was a well researched book that I read over a period of time. The story is very familiar, and the author shows different perspectives that I hadn’t seen before. I’ve read historical fiction books on this subject, but they tend to focus more on the romance and less on the act of abdication and what it meant to the UK.
If you’re interested in British royalty this book is for you. I enjoyed it, 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
If you’re interested in British royalty this book is for you. I enjoyed it, 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
March 1, 2021
Extremely British (idiom alert!) historical account of the Abdication Crisis in 1936 for Edward VII and Ms. Simpson. Lots of characters on the multiple sides of the issue and everyone is found wanting in significant ways, of course. Some more sympathy than expected for Mrs. Simpson (rare!) and a nice mention of how The Crown's superb actors playing David have perhaps made viewers warm to a person of enormous selfishness.
February 4, 2021
This book deals with the background of King Edward's abdication to the throne of England.
Edward's father George V was opposed to Edward marrying Wallis Simpson. Plus he was unsure how Edward would be a good King.
Queen Mary didn't see her son Edward very often, but admonished him in a letter.
Edward's Secretary Alec Hardinge thought very little of Edward and he helped set the abdication in motion .
Edward was very unpopular, but had a few friends. Duff and Diana Cooper were loyal to him as well as Lord Beaverbrook and Winston Churchill.
One Dec. 11, 1936 Edward abdicates the throne of England. His brother George VI "Bertie" takes over immediately, making the transition a smooth one.
Edward and Wallis were married in 1937 and were rarely in England again .
I won this free book from Goodreads first reads.
Edward's father George V was opposed to Edward marrying Wallis Simpson. Plus he was unsure how Edward would be a good King.
Queen Mary didn't see her son Edward very often, but admonished him in a letter.
Edward's Secretary Alec Hardinge thought very little of Edward and he helped set the abdication in motion .
Edward was very unpopular, but had a few friends. Duff and Diana Cooper were loyal to him as well as Lord Beaverbrook and Winston Churchill.
One Dec. 11, 1936 Edward abdicates the throne of England. His brother George VI "Bertie" takes over immediately, making the transition a smooth one.
Edward and Wallis were married in 1937 and were rarely in England again .
I won this free book from Goodreads first reads.
July 22, 2021
It seems as though, I get hooked and obsessed with a historical moment in World history all the time. Base on the book I’ve just read, you’ll know that I was incredibly interested in the marriage of King Edward viii and Wallis Simpson and Edward’s eventually Abdication. The Crown crisis did a good job giving me a reader more knowledge and details of the pair and the politics surrounding their union. As somebody who loves history that’s all I can ask for. England pre- WW2 and post WW2 intrigues me much as 20th Century World History as a whole.
January 14, 2024
Carol meet Edward. Two sides, same coin, just that one has more decency than the other and another one is politically smarter than the other. One is in England, another is in Romania. Really long lost brothers.
Interesting retelling of the abdication, a bit on the boring side towards the end when things do pick up, which is sad.
Was hoping for more attention towards the post-abdication life rather than the pre-, but that’s just me.
Interesting retelling of the abdication, a bit on the boring side towards the end when things do pick up, which is sad.
Was hoping for more attention towards the post-abdication life rather than the pre-, but that’s just me.
October 22, 2024
I really wanted to read Windsors at War by this author, which is the follow up to this book. So I figured I’d read this first. While the research seems first rate, the writing style was a bit difficult for me. There are a lot of people involved - the author includes a 4 page list of names - so keeping track of everyone was challenging at times. Many of them were dedicated patriots (for lack of a better word), but many of them were incredibly self-serving and selfish, not least of all Edward VIII himself. I need a break; then I’ll try the next book!
December 5, 2021
A little dry for me but still a good look at the events surrounding the abdication of King Edward VIII.
November 18, 2020
Much has been written, in fiction and non-fiction, about Wallis and Edward VIII of late. I have read many books on the subject because I've always been fascinated by the British monarchy. Admittedly, Wallis and David are not my most favorite topics, but I do find interest in their story as to how it changed the course of history. The Crown in Crisis dutifully runs through the story and remarks on the scandalous nature of Wallis and her background. Larman introduced other main characters who were involved in the drama. I just found the approach dry and a tad bit stale. There were many side stories, almost to the point of submerging the main story. I'm sure this book contributes to the canon of information on this subject, but I found it lacking. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance read.
December 22, 2020
Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and author.
This is the true story of the Abdication of a King in order to marry the love of his life, an American divorcée.
This non fiction novel was well written, well researched and it fells like you are reading a school textbook.
If you enjoy history this book is for you.
Recommend to history buff.
This is the true story of the Abdication of a King in order to marry the love of his life, an American divorcée.
This non fiction novel was well written, well researched and it fells like you are reading a school textbook.
If you enjoy history this book is for you.
Recommend to history buff.
November 20, 2021
This is a masterpiece of research. Wonderfully written (and nowhere near as dry as one might expect from a book on this subject), I look forward to revisiting it again. My one complaint is how the dramatis personae is laid out, but I muddled through well enough.
January 22, 2021
The Crown in Crisis by Alexander Larman – The Man Who Should Have Never Been King
I wanted to read The Crown in Crisis – Countdown to the Abdication by author Alexander Larman because I had heard about the King Edward VIII’s abdicating the throne for divorcee Mrs. Wallis Simpson. I didn’t know any of the details other than the fact that Mrs. Simpson was an American who was twice divorced. It all seemed very romantic and like true love that would bring a man to give up the throne of England to be with his beloved.
Well, I was in for an awakening. As I write my thoughts about King Edward VIII, I need to divorce my feels about him from what I think about this book.
As the man was portrayed in this book, I found King Edward VIII to be an arrogant, rude, immature, vapid, insufferable, selfish, boring jerk who focused on himself instead of others. He put himself over and above the Country he had been entrusted with. Mrs. Wallis Simpson wasn’t much better. She seemed to be on a quest for power and money and used sex or whatever she had to entrap men, including King Edward VIII. Wallis was not twice divorced, but once when she started committing adultery with King Edward. As part of their weird relationship, a plan was implemented for Wallis to divorce her current husband so the two could marry. But they made it look like Wallis’ husband was the one who was committing adultery and she was the innocent one. Their adultery was blatant and it fractured Edward’s relationship with his father, King George V.
Not sure if the book accurately portrayed Kind Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson? It may have been accurate. Obviously, when a man is ready to toss the crown away for a woman who uses people, they will make a few enemies along the way. It was hard to tell if the author had a negative viewpoint of the King and Mrs. Simpson, or if the preponderance of information about them was negative from the people who surrounded them during this timeframe.
Regarding the book, apart from two very dislikable people, it had some negatives. The book came across as very gossipy, and you know gossips are not always the most reliable source. At times, I found the story and scenes confusing in how they were written. It has long sentences that made the point hard to follow. There were volumes of people in this book, too many to really tell the story in a straight, interesting understandable manner. Some of the accounts were very confusing and skipped from one person to another. There didn’t seem to be a logical order, especially about to the attempted assassination of King Edward VIII. At times, the author went into too much detail and pursued rabbit trails that took away from the story instead of making it richer. It seemed like the author had so much information about King Edward VIII and Mrs. Simpson from the many, many people that surrounded them that he included it all in the book. I’m sure he left a lot out, but I found this book was not written in a fashion that made drew the reader in and unveiled what happened during this crisis in an interesting, logical, and organized way.
I hated the first chapter, it was gross and vile in what was said and seemed to be rumors, innuendo, and speculation as opposed to facts. Throughout this book, I noted many times that it seemed gossipy. If I hadn’t agreed to read the book and give a review, I would have closed the book and not finished it.
I did find that the last third of the book interesting. You would think if someone wanted to walk away from the throne, they could hand over the reins to the next one in line. Not so. It was a huge crisis for England and there were a lot of politics and power plays that were happening and of course, family relationships that were impacted. This was the part of the book that was most interesting.
King Edward VIII was a man who should have never been king. From the beginning, I thought it was God’s providence that spared England from a weak self-absorbed king, as the nation would soon be in a war for the survival of their nation and the free world.
Would I recommend this book? Probably not. Take into account the good and bad information and make a decision if you would like to read it.
I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the The Crown in Crisis by Alexander Larman. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book and not under any obligation to give a favorable review.
I wanted to read The Crown in Crisis – Countdown to the Abdication by author Alexander Larman because I had heard about the King Edward VIII’s abdicating the throne for divorcee Mrs. Wallis Simpson. I didn’t know any of the details other than the fact that Mrs. Simpson was an American who was twice divorced. It all seemed very romantic and like true love that would bring a man to give up the throne of England to be with his beloved.
Well, I was in for an awakening. As I write my thoughts about King Edward VIII, I need to divorce my feels about him from what I think about this book.
As the man was portrayed in this book, I found King Edward VIII to be an arrogant, rude, immature, vapid, insufferable, selfish, boring jerk who focused on himself instead of others. He put himself over and above the Country he had been entrusted with. Mrs. Wallis Simpson wasn’t much better. She seemed to be on a quest for power and money and used sex or whatever she had to entrap men, including King Edward VIII. Wallis was not twice divorced, but once when she started committing adultery with King Edward. As part of their weird relationship, a plan was implemented for Wallis to divorce her current husband so the two could marry. But they made it look like Wallis’ husband was the one who was committing adultery and she was the innocent one. Their adultery was blatant and it fractured Edward’s relationship with his father, King George V.
Not sure if the book accurately portrayed Kind Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson? It may have been accurate. Obviously, when a man is ready to toss the crown away for a woman who uses people, they will make a few enemies along the way. It was hard to tell if the author had a negative viewpoint of the King and Mrs. Simpson, or if the preponderance of information about them was negative from the people who surrounded them during this timeframe.
Regarding the book, apart from two very dislikable people, it had some negatives. The book came across as very gossipy, and you know gossips are not always the most reliable source. At times, I found the story and scenes confusing in how they were written. It has long sentences that made the point hard to follow. There were volumes of people in this book, too many to really tell the story in a straight, interesting understandable manner. Some of the accounts were very confusing and skipped from one person to another. There didn’t seem to be a logical order, especially about to the attempted assassination of King Edward VIII. At times, the author went into too much detail and pursued rabbit trails that took away from the story instead of making it richer. It seemed like the author had so much information about King Edward VIII and Mrs. Simpson from the many, many people that surrounded them that he included it all in the book. I’m sure he left a lot out, but I found this book was not written in a fashion that made drew the reader in and unveiled what happened during this crisis in an interesting, logical, and organized way.
I hated the first chapter, it was gross and vile in what was said and seemed to be rumors, innuendo, and speculation as opposed to facts. Throughout this book, I noted many times that it seemed gossipy. If I hadn’t agreed to read the book and give a review, I would have closed the book and not finished it.
I did find that the last third of the book interesting. You would think if someone wanted to walk away from the throne, they could hand over the reins to the next one in line. Not so. It was a huge crisis for England and there were a lot of politics and power plays that were happening and of course, family relationships that were impacted. This was the part of the book that was most interesting.
King Edward VIII was a man who should have never been king. From the beginning, I thought it was God’s providence that spared England from a weak self-absorbed king, as the nation would soon be in a war for the survival of their nation and the free world.
Would I recommend this book? Probably not. Take into account the good and bad information and make a decision if you would like to read it.
I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the The Crown in Crisis by Alexander Larman. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book and not under any obligation to give a favorable review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2023
This is the fifth book on my list honoring the coronation of Charles III. The abdication of Edward VIII is a topic that fascinates me on a number of levels. Its uniqueness in the history of the British monarchy, its impact on the line of succession, and the historical significance of Edward's involvement with Hitler and Nazi Germany are all key areas of interest. I was aware of some of the most important facts that lead up to the abdication, but this book really filled in the gaps in my knowledge.
I will freely admit that I was already inclined to have a negative view of Edward and Wallis Simpson, and everything in the book supported my opinion. My nature is to be a rule follower, and I admire that trait in others. That isn't to say that I don't appreciate innovation or new ideas, but my inner self says that rules and standards are there for a reason and help us make sense of the world. Loyalty, obedience, and self-sacrifice are some of the highest Christian virtues, and it is clear that Edward possessed none of these and few if any other positive traits. The author makes his opinion perfectly clear when he states that Edward "was a wretched, quixotic ruler, an obsessed and demanding lover and, bar the odd instance of compassion and decency, a selfish and thoughtless man" (p. 273). Some of the most recent research and discovery of documents that had been sealed and/or lost since the mid 1930s show that Edward and Wallis may have actually tried to aid the Nazis in their attempts to invade Britain. In exchange for this treasonous act, they would be set up as puppet rulers if the Nazis had succeeded. Thankfully, they failed, but the idea that a former British king would conspire with one of the most evil regimes in human history against his own people for personal gain is disgusting. If possible, my opinion of Edward is even lower now than before.
Despite my interest in the topic, it took me almost a month to get through this book. I think this was due to the fact that I found a few sections somewhat dry, and there were times I had to talk myself into picking it up. It could also be that my reading time fell mostly after 10pm, and without something incredibly interesting, sleep was more pressing than reading.
The author's research is thorough and well documented. To help readers who may not be familiar with all the people mentioned throughout the book, he includes a list of everyone involved which is broken down into royalty, lawyers, press, politicians, religious leaders, and high- and low-society members. This list proved to be very helpful.
I will freely admit that I was already inclined to have a negative view of Edward and Wallis Simpson, and everything in the book supported my opinion. My nature is to be a rule follower, and I admire that trait in others. That isn't to say that I don't appreciate innovation or new ideas, but my inner self says that rules and standards are there for a reason and help us make sense of the world. Loyalty, obedience, and self-sacrifice are some of the highest Christian virtues, and it is clear that Edward possessed none of these and few if any other positive traits. The author makes his opinion perfectly clear when he states that Edward "was a wretched, quixotic ruler, an obsessed and demanding lover and, bar the odd instance of compassion and decency, a selfish and thoughtless man" (p. 273). Some of the most recent research and discovery of documents that had been sealed and/or lost since the mid 1930s show that Edward and Wallis may have actually tried to aid the Nazis in their attempts to invade Britain. In exchange for this treasonous act, they would be set up as puppet rulers if the Nazis had succeeded. Thankfully, they failed, but the idea that a former British king would conspire with one of the most evil regimes in human history against his own people for personal gain is disgusting. If possible, my opinion of Edward is even lower now than before.
Despite my interest in the topic, it took me almost a month to get through this book. I think this was due to the fact that I found a few sections somewhat dry, and there were times I had to talk myself into picking it up. It could also be that my reading time fell mostly after 10pm, and without something incredibly interesting, sleep was more pressing than reading.
The author's research is thorough and well documented. To help readers who may not be familiar with all the people mentioned throughout the book, he includes a list of everyone involved which is broken down into royalty, lawyers, press, politicians, religious leaders, and high- and low-society members. This list proved to be very helpful.
September 3, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication by Alexander Larman. This extensively researched biography of King Edward VIII’s abdication read like a fiction novel with its political drama, conspiracy theories, and forbidden love affair. I eagerly returned to the book nightly as it held my attention from beginning to end.
I’m no expert on British history, but The Crown in Crisis felt solidly researched to the point it could serve as an educational or informational resource. I appreciated that the author disclosed that he has “little sympathy for Edward VIII” (p. xvii), but still gave an objective narrative of Edward VIII and his actions, both positive and negative. I could have gone without all the details on Wallis Simpson’s sexuality in chapter one, but I understand the reason for its inclusion. I occasionally had to refer to the list at the front to remember who a character was.
In conclusion, The Crown in Crisis by Alexander Larmon taught me much about Edward VIII’s abdication as well as British royalty. The book stoked my curiosity to learn more about Edward and Wallis’ post-abdication life. Five stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product via the Amazon Vine program. All opinions in this review are my own.
I’m no expert on British history, but The Crown in Crisis felt solidly researched to the point it could serve as an educational or informational resource. I appreciated that the author disclosed that he has “little sympathy for Edward VIII” (p. xvii), but still gave an objective narrative of Edward VIII and his actions, both positive and negative. I could have gone without all the details on Wallis Simpson’s sexuality in chapter one, but I understand the reason for its inclusion. I occasionally had to refer to the list at the front to remember who a character was.
In conclusion, The Crown in Crisis by Alexander Larmon taught me much about Edward VIII’s abdication as well as British royalty. The book stoked my curiosity to learn more about Edward and Wallis’ post-abdication life. Five stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product via the Amazon Vine program. All opinions in this review are my own.
January 26, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am odd for a royal historian- I don't have any strong feelings about either Edward or Wallis. I think it is for the best that Edward abdicated due to his political leanings and general temperament. However, I don't think that either are as interesting as people assume. Larman takes a very balanced approach to the abdication and the central figures in it, including the government, and I appreciated it. Drawing on newly released archival sources, Larman works to uncover the full story behind it. I fully admit, I knew pretty much nothing about Lord Beaverbrook and PM Sir Stanley Baldwin, at least in regards to Edward. There were a lot more moving pieces in play than I realised, and Larman has done a fantastic job at exploring all of them. I can't say I came out of this book liking or disliking anyone more than before, but I feel much more informed on the abdication!
I am odd for a royal historian- I don't have any strong feelings about either Edward or Wallis. I think it is for the best that Edward abdicated due to his political leanings and general temperament. However, I don't think that either are as interesting as people assume. Larman takes a very balanced approach to the abdication and the central figures in it, including the government, and I appreciated it. Drawing on newly released archival sources, Larman works to uncover the full story behind it. I fully admit, I knew pretty much nothing about Lord Beaverbrook and PM Sir Stanley Baldwin, at least in regards to Edward. There were a lot more moving pieces in play than I realised, and Larman has done a fantastic job at exploring all of them. I can't say I came out of this book liking or disliking anyone more than before, but I feel much more informed on the abdication!
February 28, 2021
The abdication of King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom shook the country to its core. Unable to marry the twice-divorced Wallis Simpson while also remaining as King and as head of the Church, he decided to abdicate.
The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication is meticulously researched, though this does lead to some dry material to digest. Nevertheless, I appreciate the attention to detail and the fact that it does not immediately condemn the Duchess of Windsor as an evil witch who stole a King. It was quite interesting to read what was actually required for a King to abdicate - he can't just go 'I'm not doing it anymore, bye!'
However, the book is rather focused on this one event and if you're looking to read the whole story of Wallis and Edward - this isn't the book for you. Overall, I'd recommend it if you're looking for an in-depth look at the abdication itself.
The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication is meticulously researched, though this does lead to some dry material to digest. Nevertheless, I appreciate the attention to detail and the fact that it does not immediately condemn the Duchess of Windsor as an evil witch who stole a King. It was quite interesting to read what was actually required for a King to abdicate - he can't just go 'I'm not doing it anymore, bye!'
However, the book is rather focused on this one event and if you're looking to read the whole story of Wallis and Edward - this isn't the book for you. Overall, I'd recommend it if you're looking for an in-depth look at the abdication itself.
April 7, 2021
This was a deep dive into the abdication of Edward VIII from the UK throne.
I was unaware of most of the political players but found most of the info given a rehash of stuff I already knew.
I knew Wallis was reluctant to wed David and really did not want to divorce or remarry him.
I was aware that the real reason he 'had' to abdicate was he because was politically naive to the fact that he did not need permission as King to marry but once he asked for it he limited his choices to his advisors formal advice.
I don't care.
The current queen would've been queen either way and very little would've changed most likely. The Nazi sympathies of Edward & Wallis wouldn't really have mattered during WW2 as the King isn't the leader of the nation.
I am less familiar with the background players and this book never raised my interest.
It was mostly okay
I was unaware of most of the political players but found most of the info given a rehash of stuff I already knew.
I knew Wallis was reluctant to wed David and really did not want to divorce or remarry him.
I was aware that the real reason he 'had' to abdicate was he because was politically naive to the fact that he did not need permission as King to marry but once he asked for it he limited his choices to his advisors formal advice.
I don't care.
The current queen would've been queen either way and very little would've changed most likely. The Nazi sympathies of Edward & Wallis wouldn't really have mattered during WW2 as the King isn't the leader of the nation.
I am less familiar with the background players and this book never raised my interest.
It was mostly okay
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