The King and Mrs. Simpson: The True Story of the Commoner Who Captured the Heart of a King
It's something right out of a fairy tale a powerful monarch tossing aside his crown for love. The King and Mrs. Simpson: The True Story of a Commoner Who Captured the Heart of a King is the reality of this true story that happened seventy years ago. Though the events really did happen, the approach treats them like a story out of a romance novel, choosing the avenue of creative nonfiction and using it well. Drawn from the couple's letters and documents, The King and Mrs. Simpson: The True Story of a Commoner Who Captured the Heart of a King is sure to please those who like their history with a little flair, and a must for community library creative nonfiction collections. --The Midwest Book ReviewFolks who enjoy learning history in easy ways will enjoy The King and Mrs. Simpson, the True Story of the Commoner Who Captured the Heart of a King written by Erin Frances Schulz. It is a beach history book which is defined as a snapshot of the past. This book reads more like a novella and centers around the events of the growing romance of Wallis Simpson and the English prince who became King Edward VIII. It is not a lengthy tome of facts and figures but rather a bare-bones retelling of what many have called the love affair and story of the 20th century. The book outlines briefly the lives of Simpson and her prince prior to the time they met in 1931. Simpson was a divorcee and re-married at the time the two met in England at the home of the princess’s mistress. The rest of the story is fraught with the growing criticism of the English people for their beloved prince who had endeared himself to his people. Edward VIII mistakenly thought he could flaunt tradition and social requirements and still be king with his beloved Simpson by his side. When he realized she would not be accepted by his country, he abdicated to spend the rest of his life in exile with his chosen wife. The contents of this book cover not only their romance and actual wedding, but offer many thoughts on the various other occurrences of the years prior to their marriage in 1937. All the elements of scandal, intrigue, and social criticism and demands of any monarchy are found in this highly readable book. This is a history book which can be carried in a purse, briefcase or pocket. Its paperback format makes it an easy read. Its contents command attention to the story which demanded so much attention it its time. --Clinton Daily NewsErin Frances Schulz, in her debut book, which is the beginning of an expected BEACH HISTORY: A Snapshot of the Past series of books does a completely entertaining and interesting job of recounting the story of Wallis and Edward, through the abdication. That is no small task.Ms. Schulz does an excellent job in balancing historical fact with emotional tone. One would hope for that talent in what is essentially a very high level overview of the abdication. In lesser hands, this book might bore to tears which would defeat it's author's intended purpose: to introduce history to readers who would not otherwise read biographies or historical books.Duke & Duchess of Windsor Society members are probably the best litmus test for the efficacy or veracity of any writings related to WE. Like most Society members, I've read just about everything that has been written by or about the couple. And yet, I found this to be a thoroughly captivating overview of their epic story that was a pleasure to read.There are two important things that members should note about this book:The first is that the author has written the book based upon the Windsor's autobiographies, A King's Story and The Heart Has Reasons as the fundamental basis for the narrative. The author's notes at the end of the book are quite specific about this: Note on the sources: the use of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's memoirs as primary sources was intentional. The King and Mrs. Simpson, although researched extensively, is meant to be the story as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor wanted it be told.I find the sentence above quite remarkable. Why should the abdication be told by any other authority than the two most principle individuals involved? Why would Stanley Baldwin's account, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's account, Queen Mary's wishes supersede that of the two principle figures in this amazing drama?Which leads me to my second point: This is not meant to be the new, defining book about the Windsors and the abdication. This book will hopefully introduce new generations who wouldn't normally learn about this story, which in my opinion, happens to be one of the most important events in the twentieth century as it was a catalyst for so much modern history subsequently.Given Ms. Schulz objective which is to educate new readers to history, she makes a brilliant debut with this first book. The vibrancy of the Windsor story never seems to lose it's sheen.This is a perfectly enjoyable and nostalgic look for the true Windsor-phile. And even the most jaded of readers, I include myself as such, will find this to be a refreshing and, most of all, promising, book about a story that should not be forgotten.I hope Windsor-philes will do everything you can to help to get this book noticed. If you are a member of a reading club this would make an excellent reading title. You might give this book to all your friends as holiday gifts (In The Mitford Sisters Letters I read that the Windsors gave all of their friends Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford for Christmas one year). Or, you might suggest to have the author come visit your local book or library.Why? Because Ms. Schulz and her book are on a mission to introduce the Wallis and Edward story to generations now and in the future. Which might, like it did me when I first read about their story, or currently, Madonna, send the reader off on a mission to read every book about the Windsors. --Mark Gaulding, Publisher and Editor, The Duke & Duchess of Windsor Society Quarterly Journal