EDWARD VIII (1894-1972, King of Great Britain, Later the Duke of Windsor)

Engaging and unusual Autograph Manuscript signed at the head "Edward of Wales" on each sheet, being his answers to two parts of his English exam at Osborne, in the first he is to re-write a story (about a Bishop of Bourges and a thief who stole his candlesticks), "adding your own details to heighten the interest", the second is a Dictation (about Buddhist pilgrims to Western India who failed to record the details of the countries they passed through), both marked in blue pencil for spelling and occasional misuse of commas, with the printed exam paper headed 'English, Fourth and Fifth Terms', 2 sides 8vo., the manuscript answers are on 3 single sides 4to, Royal Naval College, Osborne, Christmas corners a little dog-eared

Prince Edward uses his imagination well - the candlesticks had been in the Bishop's family "about 200 years", the gendarmes were "rather glad they had not to trouble about the man any longer", and he appreciates the final twist when the Bishop calls the thief back "in a calm and quiet voice", not to forget the candlesticks. Prince Edward's spelling is not perfect, the thief gets "upstrepulous" with "the gendarmes", but he has clearly taken the exam very seriously.

Item Date:  1908

Stock No:  55594      £2250

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