The Last of the Duchess
The Strange and Sinister Story of the Final Years of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor
By Caroline Blackwood | Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
About the book
The Last of the Duchess is the account of Caroline Blackwood's attempts to write a final article on The Duchess of Windsor, who spent her last years under the thumb of her eccentric lawyer. • “A sharply observed (and sometimes very funny) portrait of the frivolous world of wealth and luxury inhabited by the Windsors.” —Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times
In 1980, Lady Caroline Blackwood was given what she thought would be a simple task: write a Sunday Times article on the aging Duchess of Windsor, who was said to be convalescing in her rambling French mansion. Unknown to Blackwood, what began as an easy assignment would become one of the most troubling experiences of her writing career, and would launch her into a cat-and-mouse game of wits with the Duchess's grande dame of a protector, Suzanne Blum. Fiercely protective of her client, Maitre Blum refused to let Blackwood near the Duchess, spinning elaborate excuses as to why she was unavailable but threatening to sue anyone who dared suggest that the woman who once inspired a king to abdicate his crown was in less than the best of health. Blackwood turned her experiences into this riveting and excoriating modern classic about the frailties of old age, the foibles of society, and the dual-edged nature of celebrity.
“Beguiling. . . . Blackwood is witty, understated and perceptive.” —The Washington Post
Editions of The Last of the Duchess
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780679439707
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780345802637
- EBook
- ISBN 9780345802644
Read an Excerpt
The Last of the Duchess is the account of Caroline Blackwood's attempts to write a final article on The Duchess of Windsor, who spent her last years under the thumb of her eccentric lawyer. • “A sharply observed (and sometimes very funny) portrait of the frivolous world of wealth and luxury inhabited by the Windsors.” —Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times
In 1980, Lady Caroline Blackwood was given what she thought would be a simple task: write a Sunday Times article on the aging Duchess of Windsor, who was said to be convalescing in her rambling French mansion. Unknown to Blackwood, what began as an easy assignment would become one of the most troubling experiences of her writing career, and would launch her into a cat-and-mouse game of wits with the Duchess's grande dame of a protector, Suzanne Blum. Fiercely protective of her client, Maitre Blum refused to let Blackwood near the Duchess, spinning elaborate excuses as to why she was unavailable but threatening to sue anyone who dared suggest that the woman who once inspired a king to abdicate his crown was in less than the best of health. Blackwood turned her experiences into this riveting and excoriating modern classic about the frailties of old age, the foibles of society, and the dual-edged nature of celebrity.
“Beguiling. . . . Blackwood is witty, understated and perceptive.” —The Washington Post
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Last of the Duchess about?
The Last of the Duchess is the account of Caroline Blackwood's attempts to write a final article on The Duchess of Windsor, who spent her last years under the thumb of her eccentric lawyer. • “A sharply observed (and sometimes very funny) portrait of the frivolous world of wealth and luxury inhabited by the Windsors.” —Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times
In 1980, Lady Caroline Blackwood was given what she thought would be a simple task: write a Sunday Times article on the aging Duchess of Windsor, who was said to be convalescing in her rambling French mansion. Unknown to Blackwood, what began as an easy assignment would become one of the most troubling experiences of her writing career, and would launch her into a cat-and-mouse game of wits with the Duchess's grande dame of a protector, Suzanne Blum. Fiercely protective of her client, Maitre Blum refused to let Blackwood near the Duchess, spinning elaborate excuses as to why she was unavailable but threatening to sue anyone who dared suggest that the woman who once inspired a king to abdicate his crown was in less than the best of health. Blackwood turned her experiences into this riveting and excoriating modern classic about the frailties of old age, the foibles of society, and the dual-edged nature of celebrity.
“Beguiling. . . . Blackwood is witty, understated and perceptive.” —The Washington Post
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Last of the Duchess?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Biography: general
Where can I read a sample of The Last of the Duchess?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780679439707
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Last of the Duchess?
Caroline Blackwood
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Last of the Duchess is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780679439707) and paperback(ISBN 9780345802637) and ebook(ISBN 9780345802644)
Where can I buy The Last of the Duchess online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Last of the Duchess from below
Where can I buy The Last of the Duchess?