The great survivors
Subtitle: how monarchy made it into the twenty-first century
By: Peter Conradi
Publisher: Alma Books
Published: 2012
Place of publication: Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom
Language: eng
Number of pages: 383
ISBN-13: 9781846882098; 9781846882159; 9781846882135
Subjects: Royal houses; History; Europe; Biography; Kings and rulers; Queens
Description: In this riveting and extensively researched account, Peter Conradi offers an uncompromising portrayal of Europe's royals and reveals the scandals, excesses, conflicts and interests hidden behind the pomp of the ceremonial garb and the grandeur of official functions. At a time when Western society appears to be demanding more equality and democracy, people's fascination with monarchies shows no signs of waning. Taking the reader on a journey between past and present, into a world populated by great celebrities such as Wallis Simpson, Grace Kelly and Princess Diana, as well as lesser-known and slightly murkier aristocratic figures, The Great Survivors analyses the reasons behind this anachronistic paradox by looking at the history of the main European dynasties and providing a keyhole glimpse into their world, their lives and their secrets.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 359-364) and index.