This book of photographs and accompanying text offers a sympathetic (even worshipful) view of Diana Spencer, the "Princess Diana" who so captivated the world when she married Prince Charles of England. The book was completed late in 1981 before the birth of her first child, a time when (from all outward appearances), the royal marriage was a success. The book traces Diana's background, early life, and school years; her engagement to Charles; the wedding; and the first year of their marriage. Much attention is given to her personality and style, her taste in clothing, and her early months in the royal family. The color photographs (which make up most of the book) are serviceable, if standard fare, though some appear grainy in reproduction.

Given subsequent events, readers may wonder if any signs of incompatibility were apparent by 1981. Just a few are evident here. Charles appears rather set in his ways -- "closer to 40" than his age would imply, in the author's description. Asked on their engagement day whether he was in love, Charles grudgingly answers "whatever 'in love' means." He is quoted as noting several years earlier that when it comes to marriage, "that's the last decision on which I would want my head to be ruled by my heart". On this basis the author suggests that Charles embarked on the engagement with his fingers crossed, hoping that love would eventually flourish. On the contrary, his statements make questionable whether he held even these modest expectations of the marriage (as we now know, he continued his long term affair with a married woman, and his own marriage now seems chiefly to have been a way to obtain a royal heir). In contrast, Diana appears herein as charming and attractive, full of energy and spontaneity, and doing her best to fulfill her new role adn to use it to better the lives of others.

While there are many photograph - laden books available on Diana Spencer, this one has the small virtue of showing her in the years leading up to and including her happiest years, before reality brought the storybook fantasy to a close. ( )