From Publishers Weekly
An overwhelming majority of the British people, asserts Wilson ( Jesus ), want the monarchy to continue, not merely for sentimental reasons but because they dislike the idea of an elective presidential system and deem the Royal Family a check on the power of Parliament and cabinets. Reviewing the scandals, separations and divorces that have bedeviled the House of Windsor, Wilson concludes that Queen Elizabeth II's children are unsuitable to inherit the throne. He suggests that the Queen should declare Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who is married to a Dane, Birgitte van Deurs, as heir to inherit the British throne. A mix of political analysis, gossip, history and shrewd speculation, this acerbically witty tour of the Windsor dynasty's "essentially comic misfortunes" includes withering profiles of Prince Charles, "an extremely odd man" with a "second-rate mind"; of self-mythologizing, "hysterical" Lady Diana; and of the Queen, "always prepared to seem useless and busy at the same time."
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Wilson poses the question "Can the British monarchy (and the House of Windsor) survive?" The ensuing discussion is interesting, but wading through the unsubstantiated allegations is tiresome. In particular, Wilson objects to Prince Charles, whom he finds totally unsuitable to be king, based principally on the fact that Charles did not attend Eton and that he made what some consider an ill-judged speech in 1992 while the British government was engaged in delicate trade negotiations. Wilson first defines the monarchy today as having only three functions and then sets out to prove that Charles and the Windsors cannot fulfill them. He contends that Britain needs a wholesome royal family to act as role models and fulfill various ceremonial duties but who are, as individuals, too dull to inspire public interest. Wilson is the author of numerous novels and biographies (e.g., C.S. Lewis , LJ 2/15/90; Eminent Victorians , LJ 6/1/90). Buy this if you must, but there's nothing new in fact, just interpretation.
- Katharine Galloway Garstka, Intergraph Corp., Huntsville, Ala.
An overwhelming majority of the British people, asserts Wilson ( Jesus ), want the monarchy to continue, not merely for sentimental reasons but because they dislike the idea of an elective presidential system and deem the Royal Family a check on the power of Parliament and cabinets. Reviewing the scandals, separations and divorces that have bedeviled the House of Windsor, Wilson concludes that Queen Elizabeth II's children are unsuitable to inherit the throne. He suggests that the Queen should declare Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who is married to a Dane, Birgitte van Deurs, as heir to inherit the British throne. A mix of political analysis, gossip, history and shrewd speculation, this acerbically witty tour of the Windsor dynasty's "essentially comic misfortunes" includes withering profiles of Prince Charles, "an extremely odd man" with a "second-rate mind"; of self-mythologizing, "hysterical" Lady Diana; and of the Queen, "always prepared to seem useless and busy at the same time."
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Wilson poses the question "Can the British monarchy (and the House of Windsor) survive?" The ensuing discussion is interesting, but wading through the unsubstantiated allegations is tiresome. In particular, Wilson objects to Prince Charles, whom he finds totally unsuitable to be king, based principally on the fact that Charles did not attend Eton and that he made what some consider an ill-judged speech in 1992 while the British government was engaged in delicate trade negotiations. Wilson first defines the monarchy today as having only three functions and then sets out to prove that Charles and the Windsors cannot fulfill them. He contends that Britain needs a wholesome royal family to act as role models and fulfill various ceremonial duties but who are, as individuals, too dull to inspire public interest. Wilson is the author of numerous novels and biographies (e.g., C.S. Lewis , LJ 2/15/90; Eminent Victorians , LJ 6/1/90). Buy this if you must, but there's nothing new in fact, just interpretation.
- Katharine Galloway Garstka, Intergraph Corp., Huntsville, Ala.
Barbara M. (LadyExplicate) reviewed Rise and Fall of the House of Windsor on + 111 more book reviews
This fascinating book about Queen Elizabeth, her children and their spouses, etc. looks at the Royal Family with the thesis of whether they actually serve a function in today's world. The author has written a number of history books and is quite familiar with history of the House of Windsor (a name resulting from the familys rather recent name change following the anti-German feeling of WWI). This hardcover edition contains a number of photographs of the royals who make up this "modern" royal history. Sorry the dust jacket is missing, but book is in very good condition.
very good book about the Royal family...this is a hardback discarded library book.
