Here is a royal book with a difference.
- ASIN : B08JD1T4K7
- Publisher : Lume Books (September 16, 2020)
- Publication date : September 16, 2020
- Language : English
- File size : 2759 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Sticky notes : On Kindle Scribe
- Print length : 406 pages
The Schoolmarm –
Royalty – History in the Making
Years after this book was written we are observing the transition from queen to king, from mother to son, just as planned from the time of Charles lll’s birth. Elizabeth, true to her commitment, worked until two days before her death, proving to be royal to the very end. Majestic.
Kate –
Not one of Mr. Aronson’s best and it’s the family stories that keep it going.
This book discusses the transitions between acceding monarchs as well as the familial events that take place during each of their reigns. It starts with King Edward VII ascending the throne on his mother’s death. From there it goes to George V, Edward VIII, George VI, and the current and longest reigning British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. First off, this book was published in 1983, so it’s a book a bit behind the times but that didn’t bother me because I wanted to see how at the time this book was printed, if Theo Aronson would portray the royal family any differently from other books of the time. It does in certain circumstances. While his assessment of Edward VII and George V are fair enough, he is too lenient on Edward VIII and the circumstances of his abdication. Wallis Simpson is treated better in this book than in others, there is very little mention of his sympathy towards Nazi Germany, which is crucial. He depends on Philip Zeigler’s biography of Edward VIII too much and isn’t critical enough on him. The former king was very insecure, selfish, and a masochist. King George VI is treated right enough, highlighting his insecurities but his dogged determination to overcome obstacles, including his stammer. He was big on duty and passed it on to QEII. The Queen is treated in a much better light although his sycophantic attitude toward Prince Charles (he was still married to Diana at the time and Will had been born.) is hard to take. To me, it’s the little stories of the other members of the royal family that keep this book afloat. I learned things about the late Princess Marina of Greece (Duchess of Kent) that shocked me and made me really like her. The late Duchess of Gloucester was a woman of good works and their are other stories about the Queen relations that are neat to read about. All in all, the book isn’t too bad. If you want to read more on George VI and his siblings pre and post-World War Two, read Deborah Cadbury’s "Princes at War." Much better than this book. At least it only cost under eleven dollars since I bought a used copy, thank god!
S. Rhoads –
Enjoyed this book very much
Great insight into the personalities of the royal family and their relationships through the generations. Some of the info towards the end was obviously idealized since later years have revealed more info regarding members of the Royal family still living. Would love to read a continuation of this soap opera with the same background and insight through the divorce of Charles and Diana, marriage and divorce of Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, divorce of princess Anne and Mark Phillips, and the whole “Camilla” situation. Apparently William has been quite wise to provide so much support to Kate when she transitioned into the Firm. And it has paid off beautifully. They truly give a reassuring picture of the future of the monarchy
Michael Lapelosa –
Excellent book
This book is a fascinating look at the British Monarchy after the death of Queen Victoria. The author focuses on the individuals who inhabited the British throne. Not only were the respective Kings and Queens discussed but the other members of the Royal family, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and, yes, even mistresses. The author illustrates the personality and character of these individuals, using brief overviews of the political landscape as background and context. But the main emphasis is on the people and their stories. The book also provides an excellent discussion on the gradual evolution of the Monarchy and how this splendid institution has adapted to the challenges of the times
A fascinating look at a fascinating historical institution and the fascinating personalities who form the basis of this story.
Earl Lopez –
Good reading if you have never heard of the British Royal family
The price with the book is it stops at a moment in time. Of course slot has happened since the book was first published. It makes it a bit disconcerting to read about Charles and Diana getting married when you already know how things will eventually turn out. A good read nevertheless.
Jo Sandrock –
Another Stupendous Read
This is just another of Theo Aronson’s marvellous books. I started with `Grandmama of Europe’ and haven’t stopped since. Irreverent and amusing, Aronson’s books are real page turners and this one is no exception. Am I interested in the Royal family and their dysfunctional lives? Not at all, but here are lives of interesting people – Aronson makes them so. I can’t recommend this book too highly. Or, indeed, any of his others. Am I gushing? You bet.
Jentinks –
My interest in the Royal family goes back many years …
My interest in the Royal family goes back many years. This book tells of the changes that have taken place down the years, some of which I was aware but others that I found extremely interesting! The modern senior royals are ringing in changes that many of their ancestors would find extremely difficult to comprehend. Long may it last!!
Sheila Ary –
Very interesting history.
For anyone interested in the story of the British royal family this is a must read book. Since I lived in England through part of the time covered by Theo Aronson in his book I found it particularly interesting to revisit this time from the point of view of the Royals, but my experience was enriched by his telling of the events from the years leading up to more recent times. I highly recommend this book.
Kindle Customer –
For those who love history
This book is filled with interesting historic events. Loved reading about the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Wish the author would have included Charles’s relationship with Camilla which started before he even met Diana.
Just a friend –
Really dated…
One complaint I have about Kindle book descriptions is that they often do not show the original print publication date. This book seems to have been written in the early 1980s and has not been updated. Most of the information presented will be familiar to those interested in the British monarchy. To those who have not read a lot on the subject, you might want to look for more recently published books.