Hugo Vickers Books

The official biography of Queen Mary, grandmother of the current Queen, originally commissioned in 1959 - and subject of the critically acclaimed The Quest for Queen Mary

A detailed overview of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation on June 2, 1953.

The narrative explores the romance between King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, highlighting their decision to abdicate the throne in 1936. Newly uncovered private photographs from their Paris residence provide an intimate glimpse into their lives, showcasing their contrasting backgrounds and the evolution of their relationship. The discovery of around ten thousand hidden photographs, along with scrapbooks and memorabilia, offers a fresh perspective on their thirty-five years of marriage in exile, featuring both candid moments and formal portraits by renowned photographers.

The definitive biography of Cecil Beaton, the celebrated British photographer and designer who enjoyed immense international fame and lived a glittering life.

The witty and perceptive diaries kept by Cecil Beaton's authorised biographer during his many fascinating encounters with extraordinary - often legendary - characters in his search for the real Cecil Beaton.

Hugo Vickers has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Royal Family, and has had a fascination with the story of the Duchess of Windsor since he was a young man. There have been a number of books about this doomed couple, but this book brings a new perspective on the story by focussing on the later years of exile.

The fiercely intelligent beauty who married the 9th Duke of Marlborough and both dazzled and puzzled the glittering social circles of the Belle Epoque in which she moved.

An authoritative and affectionate biography of the Late Queen Mother. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s life spanned the entire 20th century and through that century she witnessed decades of dramatic change, not least within her own family. Following her carefree and untroubled childhood she stepped into the public domain as the wife of a king, where she triumphed with her stoic support of the monarchy and her country and, after her husband’s death, with her oldest daughter Queen Elizabeth II, she remained a key player in the unfolding drama of Britain’s Royal Family. The book is published to coincide with the third anniversary of the Queen Mother’s death.

Spanning two ages, the turbulent and tragic life of one princess is irrevocably linked with the history of 20th century Europe. "Alice" is the story of Great Britain's Princess Alice, who married Prince Andrew of Greece in 1903, and led a life overshadowed by wars, revolutions, and periods of exile. Two 8-page photo inserts.

Clarissa Eden, an intriguing figure in British history, was the wife of Prime Minister Anthony Eden and the niece of Winston Churchill. This biography by Hugo Vickers explores her unique life, highlighting her role as a muse to prominent personalities of her time. Vickers delves into her experiences and relationships, shedding light on her influence and the complexities of her character within the political and social landscape of the era.

The narrative revolves around the legendary sword of King Charles I, tracing its journey through history as it passes to King Charles II and then to the Duke of Monmouth. Following the defeat at the Battle of Sedgemoor, the sword is hidden in a haystack, only to be rediscovered centuries later as a theatrical prop in a pantomime. This tale intertwines themes of legacy, loss, and the unexpected paths of historical artifacts.

Princess Andrew of Greece's life unfolds against the backdrop of significant twentieth-century European events, highlighting her unique experiences and connections. As the mother of Prince Philip, her story intertwines with royal history, offering insights into the complexities of her era. The narrative explores her relationships, challenges, and the impact of her lineage, making her a compelling figure in the tapestry of European royalty.

Elstree School celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2023. This is a revised history of the school which gives a lively account of the extraordinary Sanderson family who ran it for 100 years, the other teachers who made it special and which celebrates some of its distinguished old boys. Elstree was a feeder for Harrow, and in its early days, had a strong intellectual background with figures such as Joseph Conrad and John Galsworthy frequent visitors to the school. The book explains the ethos of study, Christian faith, high sporting achievement and good manners that have long given the school its special quality, and brings the story right up to the present day.

Vivien Leigh gained international fame at twenty-six when she secured the role of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind, surpassing many Hollywood stars. Her filmography is impressive, with standout performances in A Streetcar Named Desire, Lady Macbeth, and The Skin of Our Teeth. While many biographies have focused on her Hollywood career, Hugo Vickers offers a more personal perspective, conducting thorough research that reveals new insights into her life. He delves into her family background, using previously unavailable documents from Vivien's daughter to create a vivid picture of her upbringing. Vickers traces her relationship with Leigh Holman, detailing their engagement, marriage, and eventual divorce, while highlighting their enduring friendship through a collection of letters spanning 1932 to 1967. He also utilizes the Oswald Frewen diaries to explore her elopement with Laurence Olivier and their shared experiences. Vickers presents Vivien not merely as a film star but as a complex individual, examining her contributions to English theatre in the 1940s and 1950s. The book also addresses her tumultuous marriage to Olivier, marked by health struggles. Through conversations with her friend John Merivale, Vickers illustrates how Vivien rebuilt her life post-divorce, portraying her as a spirited and resilient actress whose legacy is shaped by both her triumphs and challenges.

Nur wenige sahen hinter die Fassade der "Göttlichen". Der berühmte englische Fotograf traf die Diva 1932, doch es sollte noch zehn Jahre dauern, bis sie ein Paar wurden ..