Working for the Windsors - Diane Wells Hood
HOOD, Dina Wells. Working for the Windsors. London: Allan Wingate, 1957.
First edition, first impression. One of the rarest titles relating to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
This is a memoir chronicling the author’s time spent as private secretary to the Duke of Windsor between 1398 and 1941 during the former king’s early years of exile from Britain following his abdication and marriage to Wallis Simpson. The Windsors settled in France, dividing their time between Paris and Cap d’Antibes. Though not gossipy, the author has many stories to tell about the lives, homes and friends of her famous employers, including illuminating accounts of the Duchess, her passion for interior design, antiques and high fashion. The author also reveals behind-the-scenes details about the Duchess’ dinner parties, ‘famous for their perfection and the unusual beauty of their setting’.
8vo, pp. 159; b/w photos. Edges slightly spotted. Previous owner’s name to front endpaper. Dust-jacket slightly edge-worn; spine lightly faded with slight loss at top; price-clipped. Strikingly attractive front panel illustrated in vibrant colours depicting the Windsors in the splendour of their Riviera exile.