1936 George V and Edward VIII: A Royal Souvenir – Hardcover Pre-Abdication Commemorative Book in Gilt Royal Purple Cloth

Published in 1936, this large-format commemorative volume captures one of the most pivotal and dramatic transitions in British royal history. Written by F. G. H. Salusbury and published by Daily Express Publications, it was issued following the passing of King George V to honour his reign and celebrate the accession of his heir, Edward VIII—notably printed before the historic abdication crisis later that same year.  

Bound in royal purple buckram cloth with gilt-embossed crown insignia and spine lettering, the book is richly illustrated throughout. Inside features colour portraits, sepia photographic plates, family portraiture, and historical chapters chronicling royal duties, state affairs, and early 20th-century history. A striking decorative coffee-table piece or collector’s volume for British history enthusiasts.  

Key Details & Dimensions

Title: George V and Edward VIII: A Royal Souvenir  

Author / Publisher: F. G. H. Salusbury / Daily Express Publications, London

Publication Date: 1936 (First Edition)

Binding: Hardcover; textured purple woven cloth with gilt-stamped crown and titles  

Contents: Monochrome photo plates, chapter portraits, and full-colour frontispiece plates  

Height: Approx. 31 cm (12.2 in)  

Width: Approx. 27.5 cm (10.8 in)  

Thickness / Spine: Approx. 2.5 cm (1 in)  

Condition: Good vintage condition. Tight, intact square binding and clean, readable pages with light historic age-toning to the page edges. The purple cloth cover shows gentle surface sun-fading and light shelf bumping to the corners and spine tips consistent with its 1930s origin.