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.

The abdication of Edward VIII is one of the most fascinating and talked-about royal moments of the 20th century, featured in numerous biographies and even early episodes of The Crown. Why would a man be willing to walk away from one of the world's most important royal thrones? Was love really the reason behind the abdication, or was there something more political—or even more sinister—behind the decision? Alexander Larman's new book puts the abdication in context, viewing it from the perspective of the institution of the monarchy, the historical moment, and the figures surrounding the brothers at the heart of the decision. Anyone interested in the British royals will love this fresh take on the pivotal crisis.

What a truly well-researched piece of historical nonfiction! Larman's book takes readers step-by-step into the abdication of King George VIII with a sharp focus on the private circle surrounding the King. Rarely do you find a text that so professionally deals with a monumental romantic relationship so straight-forward and factual. The King's private circle of individuals becomes just as alive and interesting as Wallis and the King himself.

Books that focus on a juicy aspect of a historical story can tend to heavily rely on anonymous sources and gossip-like discussion, but Larman works alongside primary source material and does a masterful job in outlining a linear timeline that could have been a mess. This lends to an unmatched bibliography that will point readers to a comprehensive reading list of excellent primary sources.

While the description would lead you to believe the detailed assassination attempt is a highlight of the book, it does come across as a roughly lengthy account that tries to cram as much information as it can in order to claim this "never before seen" aspect. The timeline is confusing and the narrative tries to makes sense of the various perspectives where it's hard to connect one person's account to another. It does feel like Larman did the best he could given the conflicting stories of George McMahon. Additionally, I had a hard time with the tone switch from the preface to the first chapter. The preface reads as a legal document and relies on outside historical knowledge while the remainder of the book is a completely different and understated tone. I appreciated the quick, intelligent tone of the text but was totally thrown off by the transition from the introduction.

While modern readers who may gravitate towards this title from shows like The Crown will be surprised by the nuanced view of the abdication and the monarchy's strong role in it, more learned readers familiar with the history of the abdication will also find something to be surprised by. I can't wait to recommend this to readers!

This book was such an absorbing read even though it is non-fiction and I knew the story by heart. There are enough new details here that it kept me interested throughout. Larman’s wonderful writing and research really comes across and a great strength of this book is its use of a variety of sources. I really enjoyed how he set up each chapter with a different point of view, which I found very refreshing. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, where you are a royal watcher or not you will find this book interesting. My only criticism is that it had no photographs, but it conveyed quite a lot of information.

The Crown in Crisis by Alexander Larman

If a serious student and lover of history, this doggedly researched book will thrill you. Names, dates, quotes and more from those involved at the highest level of Edward VIII’s abdication of the throne of England in 1936 are the bedrock of this read.

I could have done with more of the personal information to make the research less academic and more rounded, but not was not Larman’s intent. It’s a Who’s Who of the Royal British pecking order of mid-1930s.

We all know that Edward VIII abdicated the throne in order to marry the twice divorced American Wallis Simpson. How it got to this point and the minutiae of the mechanics of the official divorce, abdication speech and act are the entire story here.

It’s a 3 star read for me, though others have rated it much higher. It’s a lot of information for a king who only ruled 326 days.

This is a VERY well researched and well detailed book about the King's abdication and its impact on the Royal family and their country. Although it is incredibly well written, in a way it almost too much. There was a lot of the book that felt very try and more "text book" like. I can clearly tell this is a subject the author has spent a great deal of time on, but I think it could have been condensed just a tiny bit so it keeps the reader's attention better.

I am not sure if this fault of the author, but I wanted to give a heads up that while reading much of the formatting is off. The footnotes would sometimes appear in the middle of the page and it was very distracting. I did NOT take this into account when coming up with my star rating. Just wanted to pass it along though. :)

I received a free advance reading copy (arc) of this book from NetGalley in return for a fair review. I looked forward to reading this book because it promised to tell the story of King Edward VIII who gave up the throne of England in 1936 for American divorcee, Wallis Simpson. A monarch who refused to rule was an unheard of situation during modern times and the story behind the abdication was more complicated than most of us realize. While the author, Alexander Larman, did reveal the background story, he wrote in such a scholarly fashion that it became more textbook than a non-fiction read and therefore, a bit tedious. It was also very obvious that he did not like the king or his mistress and I found many of his snarky remarks unnecessary. When writing a work of nonfiction, I always feel it should be up to the reader to judge--the author should just present the facts as they are. King Edward VIII wanted to marry Wallis Simpson, but in his position she was considered 'beneath' him. He thought perhaps a morganatic marriage might be feasible (Wallis would never be crowned Queen and none of their children would ever be heirs to the throne). When this idea did not pan out, he considered abdication, which would result in his reluctant brother (Queen Elizabeth's father) being crowned king. The government was thrown into an uproar, the courts forced to rush Simpson's divorce through and the Royal Family devastated--especially Edward's mother, Queen Mary. It was truly a case of putting his personal feelings before duty--something unheard of for a king. The best thing about this book is that it has encouraged me to read more on this infamous couple. Like them or not, they made history and went on to marry remaining together until Edward's death in 1972.

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.

Constitutional Crisis and international drama, 1936 style! Thanks to the show The Crown, I and many others know about the abdication of the King of England, Edward VIII, for the “woman he loved.” “The Crown in Crisis” presents new archival material to give us the day-by day happenings at the highest level as varying aristocratic, Church, and political leaders tried to sort out the King’s tangled web.

The blurb for this book states that readers will be “treated to a new, thrilling view of this legendary story.” There are many facts, but for me, not too many thrills. This may be because I am American and I am not familiar with many of the people, Winston Churchill aside. But I do know Wallis Simpson!

Who was the man, the first in English history, to give up his crown? Edward himself was known to be “personally decent, and kind and compassionate towards others.” He was perceived as being modern and fresh, more inclined to free will and self-fulfillment, than honor and duty. Interesting then, that his brother who became King after him, and his niece, Elizabeth II, are known for their honor and duty.

The Crown in Crisis will fascinate history buffs and I recommend it to them. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
This is a well researched, detailed account of the abdication of King Edward VIII.
I learned much I did not know from its well written book. The author took what could have been a dry account and made it readable.

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.

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.

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.

I have always been interested in the Royal Family. This book give a much more detailed and in-depth story that helps readers to see more of the actions of the people surrounding the Duke of Windsor. It is well written and easily read. In many ways it is from the Duke's point of view. I would have like to see a little bit more of the then Duke of York's actions and words. But it really was about the "King" and Mrs. Simpson.

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.

Thanksyou to Alexander Lamen, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, and NetGalley for a copy of this book due out January 19, 2021

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.

This was a super in-depth looking into the abdication of Edward VIII. It has some amazing insights, as well as some things that haven't previously been released from the archives. If you want to know more about the Edward-Wallis saga, this is your book. The book also has a list of people and what they did or how they're involved and I found that extremely helpful.

I’ve read many books on this topic but this gave a fresh take on the subject.
Well researched and very informative.
I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

The story of Edward VIIII’s abdication for the woman he loved has been the subject of various movies, novels and biographies over the years and I have read many. Alexander Larman’s The Crown in Crisis stands apart from all the others. This is a richly detailed and fascinating perspective on the events leading to the abdication. The personalities and emotional rollercoaster of all those involved jump from the pages thanks to Mr. Larman’s well researched archival material and interviews. The angst, the humiliation, the desire, the carelessness and the indiscretion of adultery are carefully layered to paint this picture of Edward VIII obsessive love for Wallis which changed the course of history. His writing style allows this book to read as a novel and it opens an intriguing door to this controversial story. The Crown in Crisis is enlightening and should be the ‘go to’ book on the abdication. I can not recommend it enough!
My thanks to NetGalley, Weidenfeld & Nicolson and Alexander Larman for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review.

An engaging, rigorous and insightful study of the Abdication Crisis. Larman tells the story with verve, and draws on a range of illuminating sources to provide a comprehensive account of the parliamentary politics and social debate surrounding the relationship between Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.

Insightful, thoughtfully written and meticulously researched, Alexander Larman sparked my undivided attention from the first paragraph. This biography is unlike any I've read on the subject, very engaging and enlightening and difficult to put down. I am so glad to have made this discovery!

Charismatic and glamorous yet bordering hedonistic King Edward VIII inherited the throne when his father died. His pro-German stance just before the war was concerning. He was reckless and oblivious and fell in love with American divorcee, Mrs. Wallis Simpson (married to her second husband at the time). Though England tolerated indiscretions, adultery crossed the line. Not only that but Mrs. Simpson wasn't exactly adored by many people. Her ambition was boundless. She impetuously disregarded royal mores and protocols. Combined with Edward's carelessness and refusal to exercise discretion, their relationship caused much angst and embarrassment and led to his unprecedented abdication. Rather than take counsel from those he trusted, he did what he liked regardless of the outcome.

Staunch supporters such as Churchill remained loyal and supportive. Edward had enemies as well (death threats to him and Wallis). Press was both invited and dodged.

Monarchy...and England...suffered as a result before and after Edward left for good. His intense obsession with Wallis drove him to make rash choices and said he would follow her no matter where she went. In desperation Wallis tried to break off their relationship so he could remain king but he wouldn't hear of it. His younger brother was horrified to be thrust into the position of king.

In terms of readability this book reads like a compelling suspense, though this depicts real people with emotions, real life, real events. I feel as though I just finished taking an interesting course and learned so much from a completely new perspective! Questions were answered which led to further questions I had not entertained before. The assassination attempt was new to me.

The staggering number of quotes and made personalities come alive. Though both Edward and Wallis aren't readily likable to me (though they had good qualities, too) I do feel their torment and stress must have been intolerable so felt for them at times.

Anyone remotely interested in this controversial story, whether knowledgeable or not, should read this epic book. You will learn a lot!

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and. NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this remarkable book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.