17 Carnations: The Royals, the Nazis, and the Biggest Cover-Up in History

Listen children, to the tale of a naive, petulant man-child and his self absorbed companion, who, whether wittingly or not, at the very least complicated the course to and of, WWII. Greatest love story of all time? I find the story and the characters pathetic, frankly.But that is not the real story here. The truly interesting tale takes place post-war, and it seems, given today's state of affairs, that people in power never change. This book outlines the years-long attempt to cover-up questionable conduct at best and treason at worst, and the serious consideration of destroying documents that chronicle one of the darkest periods in the world's history. And all for the sake of monarchial illusion; not even for the pitiable protagonists themselves.Begs the question: is all history revisionist?

This book by the popular historian author tells the story of Edward VIII, the king who abdicated the British throne in 1936, and his American wife Wallis Simpson before, during, and just after WWII. Unfortunately, the telling is disorganized, tedious, repetitious, gossipy, namedropping, and vague. It’s not the author’s fault that the subject, that is, Edward, is a highly flawed character, immature to the extreme, given to perplexing behavior in times of crisis for Britain. His companion, Wallis, also seems to have a limited grasp of reality.The central concern of the author’s story is the extent to which Edward and Wallis were Nazi sympathizers, collaborators, or worse. Of course, the British royal family has extensive German roots. Nazi officials were frequently a part of Edward’s social circle. Hitler viewed Edward favorably, as someone who could further German interests. Even after WWII began, as they traveled through Spain and Portugal on their way to the Bahamas to assume the governship, they maintained contact with individuals associated with the Nazis.All of this contact was well known to intelligence agencies and was recorded. In fact, it is this record, known as the Windsor file, which garners most of the author’s attention in the last half of the book. After the War, British authorities made extensive efforts to suppress the publication of those documents, which would have reflected badly on the crown.It all seems much ado about little. Edward was more pathetic than harmful. It’s difficult to watch a person who supposedly is representative of a country act so indiscreetly. Yet, at times, the author seems more sympathetic than condemning of Edward. Such vagueness permeates the book. It’s hard to say which is most unappealing: the main character or the book itself.

Oh, my goodness. This is the perfect example of a royal spoiled his entire life. These two came close to destroying England and because of Churchill, the ex (thank goodness) King was not treated as he should have been and tried for treason..in my opinion of course. Very well written book, easy to understand. I thank all writers who help educate us all in the history of our world. Please take the time to read this book and find out history you didn't know.

Confirming the ugly rumors that constantly swirled around Wallis Simpson and her "royal" hubby were the indisputable facts surrounding this contemptuous couple. God was watching over the Western world when Edward left his kingship for "the woman I love" and rewarded the free world with a freedom-loving, righteous royal. To read this book is to see the hateful anti-Semites carousing constantly in their luxurious lives surrounded by the most evil of humankind …Goebbels, Mussolini and their ilk. It is just too bad that "what goes around" didn't come around for this nauseating self-indulgent couple and their friends.

The book does not live up to its title at all. The last 120 pages are so incredibly dull as page after page about the so called controversy over the Windsor file I practically fell asleep reading it. The first part, leading up to the abdication , is relatively interesting although nothing new I haven’t read elsewhere. Morton is more sympathetic to Mrs Simpson than most writers but in the end none of his these supposedly real people come to life, he only attempts to explain Edward VIII’s motivations but contradicts himself, Everyone else is lifeless and one dimensional.

Many books have been written about the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, but this one offers an interesting summary of how their actions before and during the war caused a great strain on Allied trust and relationships after the war. There is no real new information regarding Wallace and Edward, so the reader has to wait until the final chapters for the interpretation of that impact. Oddly, this is the one place where the author bogs down and the reading becomes a bit dry. Still, it is a fresh perspective and worth the time to read.The sad reality of the empty lives of the Duke and Duchess should evoke some level of sympathy, but truth shines a harsh light on two self-focused people and makes even pity hard to muster both for the author and the reader.

This was a very interesting read. The purchase was very good value. Gerry Mc Menemy

This book is gripping and I couldn't put it down. It leaves you thinking was the couple naïve or stupid. AND its a good job there were not mobile phones around in their day!

You cannot improve on perfection.

Bought this as a present for my family they love it

Arrived on time, quality good