Diana Mandache

In many ways, this is an extraordinary book, as it deals with Romania's internal affairs, as well as her international relations vis a vis the Paris Peace conference. Marie seemed to have brushed shoulders with everyone of any note, and makes some very inciteful comments. I highly recommended this book for anyone with WW1 or post WW1 interests.

Where the book may lose a star is her descriptive and indirect writing style, which in itself is beautiful, but if I may paraphrase a line Marie made herself from the book "(North) Americans are straight foward and efficient whereas Europeans are more poetic." There were times where I wished she would be more to the point and offer much more concrete details. This I admit, I am being subjective to my own taste. Others may absolutely adore the book from cover to cover.… (más)

"...I have said abroad that Romania is not just a friend, but a center of civilization and order in the East; if helped to overcome the present crisis, it may turn into a source of welfare for both the Romanian and neighboring peoples." Queen Marie of Romania (Diary, 26 April 1919)
Granddaughter of Queen Victoria of England and Tsar Alexander II of Russia, Marie (1875-1938) became princess of Romania through her marriage to Ferdinand of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, crown prince of Romania on 29 December 1892. She became Queen of Romania, her adopted country, on 11 October 1914 when Ferdinand assumed the throne following the death of King Carol I. Queen Marie became known worldwide for her charitable efforts and for her work nursing wounded soldiers on the front lines during World War I. She also took part in the political and diplomatic efforts that led to Romanian national unification in 1918. This collection of documents helps to reveal important aspects of the life and personality of this remarkable twentieth century monarch.… (más)

This book is the first pictorial chronicle of the former Princess Marie of Edinburgh, granddaughter of Queen Victoria and Tsar Alexander II, illustrating the life, times and legacy of this flamboyant Balkan monarch of English and Russian extraction. It presents a vivid insight into European royal circles and the momentous events of the late Victorian era and the inter-war period.

Queen Marie of Romania is famous not only for her glamorous lifestyle and literary pursuits but also for her charitable work on the frontline during the First World War and the unofficial diplomatic representation of her country at the post-war peace conference. She was a highly-qualified witness of a period of great historical upheavals and transformations, and this record in fascinating images is a fitting tribute to her memory.… (más)