Diana : Story of a Princess

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Summary: Review of 'Diana, Story of a Princess'
Review: "Almost four years since the death of Diana, Princess of Wales it is time for a balanced, scholarly biography of a woman who made such an impact on the British people, indeed on the people of the world. Authors Tim Clayton and Phil Craig have written just such a book. Carefully researched, it draws on the resources of those who worked with her, met her, and loved or distrusted her. Perhaps now we can put her life, her relationships and her talents into perspective and gauge the effect she had on the British monarchy and on how we see its developing role. An informative and gripping account of an historical catalyst."

Rating:
Summary: Diana: Story of a Princess
Review: "Diana: Story of a Princess", gives me a lot of detail of which I had been unaware. It makes for quick and compelling reading and presents the material in chronological order. It has struck me as an evenhanded telling of the stories of both Diana and Charles. Since the book is an adjunct of the video it would be helpful if one could view the video as well as read the book.

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Summary: Excellent!
Review: I find this book very well balanced with quotes from both pro-charles and pro-diana friends, acquaintances and writers. If you were to buy just 1 book about Diana, I would recommend this.

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Summary: Refreshingly Intelligent and Balanced
Review: Tireless humanitarian and inspirationally anti-establishment figure? Or beautiful but shallow woman who loved nothing more than a good photo-op and seeing her soap-operaish life grab headlines? Most of us lean heavily toward one of the above perspectives of Princess Diana. Unfortunately, it seems that books dealing with the late princess also tend to be written in this black-and-white way.

Yet in "Diana: Story of a Princess," authors Craig and Clayton offer material that paints a refreshingly different portrait of Diana. It certainly isn't black-and-white; instead, it emphasizes the complex and elusive character of this eternally puzzling person.

The biography begins with Diana's childhood, and although it may initially seem a slightly dry chronicle of Spencer family history and aristocratic titles, it quickly beomces much more compelling. It is obvious that the authors have put a tremendous amount of research into the book-this research translates into well-detailed account of every pivotal moment in her life. "Diana, Story of a Princess" is, if nothing else, a complete "life portrait" that Diana fans won't want to be without.

In my mind, however, this bio is much more than a simple chronicle of events because of the widely varying views and accounts presented about the princess. Everyone knows how Diana was a victim of the Charles-Camilla relationship, but does anyone know the disadvantages Charles faced as he entered the marriage? We all have heard of what a selfless charity worker Diana was, but did we ever know of her supposedly "darker" side during this sort of work? This book explores both "sides" of these issues and others. Through facts, first-person accounts, and their own intelligent, interesting, and balanced commentary, the authors attempt not to trash Diana or transform her into a saint, but simply to raise and explore questions about her true character.

Overall, this biography is certainly a success. It manages to be generally informative and intriguing-while avoiding the pitfalls of being too one-sided or sensational.