The Great Survivors: How Monarchy Made It into the Twenty-First Century [Paperback]

Peter Conradi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2012

From the coauthor of The King's Speech comes an uncompromising portrayal of Europe's royals

 

In this riveting and extensively researched account of the royals, Peter Conradi—the celebrated coauthor of The King's Speech, on which the Academy Award–winning film of the same name was based—reveals the scandals, excesses, conflicts, and interests hidden behind the pomp of the ceremonial garb and the grandeur of official functions. 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, this book analyzes 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. At a time when Western society appears to be demanding more equality and democracy, people's fascination with monarchies shows no signs of waning.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A book which has something to say, and which is entertainingly presented.' A.N. Wilson, The Spectator 'Hugely enjoyable and readable book... The Great Survivors is packed with so many revealing facts and amusing stories.' The Sunday Times --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Peter Conradi is an author and a journalist who works for the Sunday Times. He is the author of Hitler's Piano Player and Iris Murdoch: A Life and the coauthor of The King's Speech: How One Man Saved the British Monarchy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Alma Books; Export ed edition (June 15, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 184688215X
• ISBN-13: 978-1846882159
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 1.1 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,110,697 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for any royal book collection July 18, 2012

By Marilyn Braun

Format:Paperback

In 1948, King Farouk of Egypt is reportedly quoted as stating:

"The whole world is in revolt. Soon there will be only five Kings left--the King of England, the King of Spades, The King of Clubs, the King of Hearts, and the King of Diamonds."

He was incorrect. While the House of Windsor is, by far, the most media prominent, it isn't even remotely the only one left. Excluding their Asian, African and Middle Eastern counterparts, six other European countries are monarchies: Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands. Not to mention the royal rulers in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and principalities of Monaco and Liechtenstein. These are The Great Survivors. How they survived when other royal houses tumbled and continue to endure in the twenty-first century is something Peter Conradi (co-author of The King's Speech) tackles in his new book.

The author compares and contrasts the royal houses, covering territory on how they're funded, their controversies and scandals, succession, political power, and grudging love-hate relationship with the media. Clearly, there's more to the relationship between many of these royal houses than their link to Queen Victoria. But researching this information in any depth would require consulting several sources. Now it can be found in one. For someone like myself, with a passing interest in these monarchies but lacking the energy to delve into individual details, this book is a valuable and fascinating resource. A must have for any royal book collection.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Beyond expectations September 23, 2012

By Mary Bell

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is an interesting book about currently reigning European monarchs. There is a lot of information about their backgrounds and lives.

One pleasant surprise is the detail in which it goes beyond the usual suspects of the British royal family and brings the other royal families to light.

The ancestors and heirs are covered in detail, as well.

Overall, reading this book was an elucidating and enjoyable experience.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Monarchy reviews July 17, 2012

By euroreader

Format:Paperback

I just finished reading this on my kindle and it was great. I keep up with the royals via Majesty and Royalty magazine and I was very surprised at the information and how up-to-date it was. This is not a book of old news. This is about the new royals and how they cope. Anyone interested in this subject should get this book.