Recommended Reading

The American Duchess: The Real Wallis Simpson reexamines Wallis Simpson’s life, portraying her as a misunderstood woman rather than the manipulative figure history has painted. While the book offers a sympathetic perspective backed by research, some may find it overly biased in her favor.

Wallis in Love by Andrew Morton explores Wallis Simpson’s romantic entanglements beyond Edward VIII, painting her as a woman driven by ambition, charm, and strategic relationships. While the book is filled with intriguing details and scandalous revelations, some readers may find it more gossipy than deeply analytical.

Behind Closed Doors by Hugo Vickers uncovers the tragic final years of Wallis Simpson, revealing how she was manipulated and isolated after the Duke’s death. While the book is meticulously researched, I found the tone biased and overly focused on the individuals who controlled her rather than on Wallis herself.

Her Lotus Year by Paul French explores Wallis Simpson’s transformative time in 1920s China, shedding light on how it shaped her later life and persona. Rich in historical detail, the book offers fresh perspectives on her ambitions and influences. I found that the broader political context overshadowed the Duchess’ personal story.

The Duchess of Windsor by Greg King presents a well-researched and engaging narrative, but leans into a critical perspective, portraying Wallis as ambitious and calculating rather than a victim of circumstance. I couldn’t help but wonder the point of this book?

That Woman by Anne Sebba provides a nuanced and well-researched portrait of Wallis Simpson, delving into her personal struggles, ambitions, and the consequences of her relationship with Edward VIII. Sebba balances sympathy with critique, revealing a woman who was both a victim of circumstance and a calculating social climber.

I love this book for the added depth it brings to Edward’s memoir, offering his personal reflections on abdication and his devotion to Wallis. While it doesn’t reveal much new about her, it still provides a fascinating glimpse into their relationship through his own words.

Traitor King by Andrew Lownie takes a critical look at Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, portraying them as Nazi sympathizers and exposing their exile’s darker realities. While deeply researched, the book applies a heavy dose of presentism, judging their actions through a modern lens that may oversimplify the complexities of their time.

The Crown in Crisis by Alexander Larman delivers a gripping, well-researched account of Edward VIII’s abdication, capturing the political and social turmoil surrounding his decision. While engaging, the book leans into dramatization, and some may find its analysis of Wallis Simpson lacking in depth compared to other studies.

Chanel’s Riviera by Anne de Courcy paints a vivid portrait of the glamorous yet turbulent French Riviera during the 1930s and World War II, offering a glimpse into the elite social circles that included the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. While not focused on them, the book provides valuable context for understanding the world they inhabited, filled with wealth, intrigue, and shifting political allegiances.

The Duke of Windsor published his memoir in the 1950s, but it’s difficult to gauge how much he chose to reveal or withhold in his account. For the Duke in his own words, I recommend Once A King.

The Duchess also wrote a memoir—but this book feels less like a transparent account of her life (or even her version of it) and more like an epilogue to A King's Story.