This biography investigates the complex character and political influence of King Edward VII, examining how his personal life and diplomatic efforts shaped the British monarchy during a period of significant transition. Philip Magnus, a noted historian, utilizes extensive archival research and correspondence to construct a comprehensive portrait of the monarch. The work argues that Edward VII played a more pivotal role in European diplomacy and the modernization of the British crown than his reputation as a socialite might suggest.

Historians and scholars frequently cite this work as a definitive and balanced account of the Edwardian period. Readers often note the academic rigor and the clarity of the prose, which makes the complex political landscape of the early 20th century accessible to a general audience.