1936 cover art

1936

The year that changed British history forever

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1936

By: Sian Evans
Narrated by: Julie Teal
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1936 is a fresh and compelling reappraisal of a momentous year in British history - one that saw three monarchs on the throne in the space of twelve months.

An Independent Book of the Month
'...a gripping tale of scandal, intrigue, a deeply dysfunctional family and a weird and almost infantile love affair'. The Independent
'...Sian Evans's wonderful book is a gripping read.' The Times

In December 1936, King Edward VIII made history when he abdicated. The orthodox story: he gave up his crown for the woman he loved, the twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson - a match the establishment deemed unsuitable for a Queen.

Historian Siân Evans argues otherwise. She points to the King's November 1936 visit to the distressed areas of South Wales as the true tipping point. Edward VIII's public sympathy for the unemployed - many of whom had served alongside him in the Great War - pushed him into politics, overstepping his constitutional role. Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, determined to remove him, used the Simpson relationship as his pretext.

Month by month, 1936: The Year of Three Kings traces the private motivations and public actions of a reluctant new King - from the death of his father George V to his abdication and the accession of his brother George VI. It also traces the lasting repercussions for the British royal family that continue to this day.

At the heart of it all, one question: should personal happiness triumph over the obligations imposed by an accident of birth?©2026 Siân Evans (P)2026 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Europe Great Britain Politics & Activism Royalty War
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Well trodden story, at times repetitive and pretty well known material. The description of life in the 'special areas' and South Wales felt fresh and vivid. What did stand out was the extent of Baldwin's mendacicity, duplicity, and self serving. One error in when someone was described as fighting the insurgents in Spain in fact died fighting for Franco.

Baldwin's Duplicity

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For anyone who is a fan of the history of the 1930’s this is a brilliant listen. The narrator is really compelling and I loved the fact that the actual radio broadcast by Duke of Windsor is played. This book has a brilliant narrative and the concept of focus on one momentous year is imaginative. There is a good focus on first hand diaries and letters which really sets the tone Would recommend.

Great book really well performed

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