Paul French, Wallis Simpson: Her Lotus Year in 1920s China

The compelling story of Wallis Simpson’s controversial year in China, 1924-1925

New York Times bestselling author, Paul French, who specialises in the history of 20th century China, joins us to examine a controversial and revealing period in the early life of the legendary Wallis Simpson. French will reveal the untold story of what really happened to Wallis during that year in China, dispelling many of the myths and gossip surrounding it.

This event will include an audience Q&A and after the event there will be an opportunity to get your book signed by Paul.

Wallis Simpson: Her Lotus Year in 1920s China is due to be released in paperback on 10th July 2025 but early copies will be available to buy at this event.

Sunday 29th June, 12,00pm
Venue: Layer Marney Tower, Near Colchester, CO5 9US
Tickets: £14 (includes entrance to Layer Marney Tower and gardens)
Box Office: essexbookfestival.org.uk or Mercury Theatre 01206 573948

This event is part of our History Books day at Layer Marney Tower. Built as a statement house by Henry, 1st Lord Marney, Henry VIII’s Lord Privy Seal, in the 1520s, Layer Marney Tower is one of the jewels in the Essex ‘crown’. And, as such, the perfect venue for The History Books.

Make a day of it. Explore the UK’s tallest Tudor Gatehouse and stunning gardens for free with your Essex Book Festival ticket.

Find out more at essexbookfestival.org.uk/the-history-books-2025/.

The History Books Ticket Deal – £14 per event or all 3 events for £36
Discount automatically applied at checkout when tickets for all 3 events are booked:

12.00pm – Paul French, Her Lotus Year
2.00pm – S.J. Parris, Traitor’s Legacy
4.00pm – Gareth Russell, Queen James

Wallis Simpson: Her Lotus Year in 1920s China by Paul French

The compelling story of Wallis Simpson’s controversial year in China, 1924-1925.

Wallis Simpson by Paul French takes a headlong dive into what Simpson referred to as her ‘Lotus Year – her time spent in the chaotic and thrilling China of the 1920s.

French explores the untold story of a woman too often maligned by history. From the breakdown of her abusive first marriage to undertaking dangerous undercover diplomatic missions in a China torn by civil war, Wallis established her confidence and independence, developed her unique fashion sense, and forged lifelong friendships.

She emerged from that year in China as the elegant, stylish, cosmopolitan and worldly woman for whom a king gave up his throne.

Order a Hardback copy of Her Lotus Year by Paul French from the Essex Book Festival online bookshop at bookshop.org

Wallis Simpson: Her Lotus Year in 1920s China is due to be released in paperback on 10th July 2025 but early copies will be available to buy at this event.

Paul French

Photo of Paul French credit Sue Anne Tay

Paul French was born in London and lived and worked in Shanghai for many years. His book Midnight in Peking was a New York Times Bestseller and a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week. He received the Mystery Writers’ of America Edgar award for Best Fact Crime and a Crime Writers’ Association (UK) Dagger award for non-fiction. His most recent book City of Devils: A Shanghai Noir, received much praise with The Economist writing, ‘…in Mr French the city has its champion storyteller.’ Both Midnight in Peking and City of Devils are currently in development for film. He lives in central London.

Bluesky: @chinarhyming.bsky.social