What-I'm-Reading-Wednesday: 17 Carnations by Andrew Morton

Though Andrew Morton is perhaps best known for his modern celebrity biographies of subjects like Princess Diana, Tom Cruise, and Angelina Jolie, his newest publication is a fascinating historical account of the relationships between the royal Windsor family, Winston Churchill, and General Eisenhower regarding the infamous abdication of the English throne by Edward VIII and his subsequent friendliness with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party. Morton brings to light letters, diagrams, FBI documents, and material from the Russian, British, and German archives to piece together a secret plot to reinstall Edward VIII as King of England in alliance with Nazi Germany.

Morton is known for his somewhat dramatic writing style, and some reviewers have questioned his interpretations of certain letters and documents. Morton makes heavy use of the infamous, once-hidden Marberg file, as well as the personal correspondence of various royalty, political figures, and top-ranking military personnel across Britain, Russia, Germany, and the United States. While some of his suppositions may be a bit on the fantastical side, this particular version of a history marred by conspiracy is still an intriguing read.

17 Carnations: The Royals, The Nazis, and the Biggest Cover-up in History is available in the library and can be requested at the following link: http://catalog.umd.edu/docno=004537599. Click on "Availability", then click on the yellow "Request" button, and log in using your last name and 14-digit Library barcode number on your ID. If you need assistance, please contact the Circulation Desk at 301-687-4395.