Ferdinand I. Regele cel loial al Romaniei Mari

This book traces the life of Ferdinand I. He went from German prince to king of Romania. Adrian Cioroianu and Andrei Radu wrote it for children and teens. This life story belongs to the series “Regii și Reginele noastre”.

The story starts with his birth in late summer 1865. He was born in a castle on a hill. Thick woods grew near it, close to the Danube’s source. His father was a German prince. His mother was a Portuguese princess. His family knew him as Nando. His parents gave him love, but his schooling was strict. His uncle, Carol I, had no successor. Ferdinand thus became heir to Romania’s throne. He spent 25 years at his uncle’s side, learning to rule.

The book links his reign to the First World War. It also covers Romania’s union in 1918. His coronation took place at Alba Iulia in autumn 1922. The book traces changes to land and voting laws. It also covers the constitution of 1923. These changes helped shape the country he ruled. He was the first king of Greater Romania.

The story explores duty and its cost in his private life. Germany rejected Ferdinand when the war began. One son died, and another betrayed him. He had broad learning and felt called to military life. He also loved roses. He led with a firm hand in war. In peace, he could show a gentle side.

Both authors study and write about history. Cioroianu was born in 1967. He also writes essays, news pieces, history books and school texts. He has taught at the University of Bucharest. He has also led its history faculty. He served as foreign minister in 2007–2008. From 2015, he served as Romania’s ambassador to UNESCO.