[.ca] Diana: Story of a Princess (ISBN 0743422066)

From Amazon.co.uk:
Another book on Diana? In fact, Tim Clayton and Phil Craig's carefully researched biography Diana: Story of a Princess offers a more balanced and serious appraisal of the life and times of the Princess of Wales than most books published since her death in the summer of 1997. Having already collaborated on the award-winning book and TV series on the Battle of Britain, Finest Hour, Clayton and Craig's book tries "to weigh and get behind the rival versions of her story", which is, they argues, "long overdue". On the whole, they achieve a good balance between Diana and the Palace, despite being clear about who was more successful when it came to swaying the hearts and minds of the public: Whatever she did, Diana made an impact; but in no area more powerfully than in destabilising her husband's family. Effortlessly she outshone Guy Fawkes. Based on specially commissioned interviews with senior members of both Diana and Charles' households, Diana: Story of a Princess captures the realpolitik that led to Charles and Diana's marriage, the descent into infidelity, the absurdity of moments like "Squidgygate", and the remarkable impact on the nation of Diana's death. Clayton and Craig have written a lively, well-informed book that shows various sides of Diana's life. It will not be the last book on Diana, but it's one of the better attempts. --Jerry Brotton

Refreshingly Intelligent and Balanced:
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.

Excellent!:
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.

Diana : Story of a Princess:
By far, the most even-handed treatment of the Diana story that I've found. I've read numerous books on Princess Diana and the Royal Family and this one appears to come closest to what is likely the truth. The authors have gone to great measure to interview qualified individuals on both sides of the story and present their findings without drawing conclusions for the reader. I've also seen the companion video . . . excellent.

All parties treated fairly:
"Diana: Story of a Princess" is an excellent book about Princess Diana etc. that seems fair to all parties. This book chronicles the lives of Charles and Diana, their meeting, courtship, marriage, separation, divorce, lives after divorce and Diana's tragic death. This book is very interesting. It offers viewpoints from many different individuals on various aspects of Diane and Charles' story. I have read several books about Princess Di - all of them fascinating - though this book ("Diana: Story of a Princess") really gets into the aspect of the press and their role in Diana's life. Through this book I was able to envision a very vulnerable Diana. I also saw a person who loved much and needed much love. Princess Di was a very sensitive woman and I believe this quality made her the 'Queen of Hearts' and 'The People's Princess.'

A Compelling Book:
I found this a very revealing book about the workings of the Palace and how they systemically destroyed Diana. The staffs of Charles and Diana were petty and mean spirited, too. If only the press did not interfere so much in the lives of the Royals, they might do just fine. No wonder Diana was doomed to fail with little support from that cold fish Charles and his dysfunctional parents. She tried to bring them into the 20th century, but it didn't work! I still don't think they know what they lost.