Customer Reviews

King's Counsellor Abdication and War: The Diaries of Sir Alan Lascelles

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This was a very good book, and Sir Lascelles's viewpoint of WWII (from 1942-1945) was incredible interesting; I really enjoyed the insights about how the invasion of Normandy was planned.

The only disappointment I had with this book is the fact he did not write much about the Abdication and none at all about their Majesties trip to U.S. or the begining of WWII.

The diaries of a man superior to those he served. Alan Lascelles was the perfect right hand man for King George VI: intelligent, loyal, tactful, and discreet. One should not expect a tell-all-expose from such a servant. However, I did come away thinking Sir Alan privately respected the idea of the British monarchy more than he did the specific flawed humans that he served in that same monarchy.

From this book, a reader acquires a better understanding of the occupation of British royals during time leading up to war and war itself, from important matters (civilian morale building and political issues of empire) to the more often petty work, such as kingly honors to be bestowed (or withheld) and what to do with the dismal Duke of Windsor.

Those interested in Winston Churchill, the early career of the present Queen Elizabeth II, and/or the atmosphere in London during World War II would have a special interest in reading this literate and quietly entertaining book.

Tommy Lascelles saw it all, but was raised in the grand tradition of the English Gentleman so censored himself way to often in writing his diary. So much has, therefore, been lost. Still, I highly recommend it for the "feel" it gives to a now gone era.

When Diana and Sarah Duchess of York spoke of the "grey men" of the royal household, they spoke of men like Lascelles. From the promo material for the book, I expected a little more spice, especially regarding his disdain for Edward VIII. This period - the abdication year - by far more potentially interesting than the dark years of the war (except for those obsessed with the "greatest generation") is only touched upon briefly. I can't belive he didn't have more to say. Well, anyway, as a first hand source of life at the palace it certainly provides some insight. If you are looking for something really new... this isn't it.

I question the selection of these diaries. Too much has been left out, I believe. It might have been better to do a diaries AND letters book. There is so little about the abdication that it shouldn't be in the title. This man was so knowledgeable that far better material must exist somewhere. As it is, it is almost boring, which is saying a lot for someone who led a far from boring life.