George VI

by Denis Judd

George VI was the man not born to be king. He nonetheless rescued the British monarchy in the aftermath of the abdication crisis and cemented its prestige with his well-judged performance during World War II and the Blitz. In this acclaimed biography, Denis Judd tells the story of Prince Bertie's transformation into King George VI including his struggle with a crippling shyness and sense of inadequacy, exacerbated by the stammer which was the focus of the Oscar-winning film The King's Speech. His marriage to the self-assured and supportive Elizabeth Bowes-Lyons and his unexpected accession to the throne in 1936 changed the direction of the young prince's life for good. Once on the throne, it was he who bore the weighty responsibility for restoring the nation's confidence in their monarchy following his elder brother's abdication, and for maintaining morale during the darkest days of World War II, when, together with Winston Churchill, his dignified presence functioned as a beacon of reassurance to civilians and military alike.
Denis Judd provides a fascinating, if sometimes controversial, reassessment of the man who, quite unexpectedly, came to occupy an extraordinary position in a time of unprecedented change.

Genres: History, Biography, Royalty, Nonfiction, Historical

304 pages, Paperback

First published July 19, 1973

About the author

Denis Judd was born in Northamptonshire in 1938 and educated in a village primary school before passing the 'Eleven Plus' and entering the local grammar school. He won a State Scholarship to Oxford, where he took his first degree in Modern History at Magdalen College, going on to study for a PhD at London University, on: 'A. J. Balfour and the evolution and problems of the British Empire 1874-1906.' He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

He has been Head of History, and is now Professor Emeritus of Imperial and Commonwealth History, at the London Metropolitan University. In his research, writing and broadcasting he has specialised in the British Empire and Commonwealth, especially South Africa and India. He has also written extensively on British history, on aspects of the monarchy, and among his biographies is the authorised life of the children’s author Alison Uttley.

Reviews

[Ashley Hobgood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read this book out of curiosity. I enjoyed reading this book because I learned more about King George VI's childhood, his education, his naval career, his marriage to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, and his reign. I loved that it was informative and engaging. I thought the book was well written and well researched. It is a must read.

[Jackie Hamel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me a bit longer to read just because I had to stop often and look someone up on Wikipedia. I admit, my knowledge of WWII and British history in the 30's, 40's and 50's is lacking.

However, this book was well done and interesting if you are a fan of the royal family.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

ngl i still think sarah bradford did a better job

but oh to live in England in the year 1936 under three different kings in a single year

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short account of the life of the father of Queen Elizabeth II. George VI was the man for the job at a time when the job needed him. Thrust into the role of King of Great Britain after the abdication of his brother, King George VI brought a sense of calm and stability to the nation, which was reeling after the crisis enacted by Edward VIII. His leadership during WWII further endeared him to his people.

I read this book seventy years after the death of George VI. This, simultaneously, was also his daughter's Platinum Jubilee. So, 70 years on, I was looking to read a concise, all encompassing report on the life of this particular monarch. I feel that I got that here. This was by no means in-depth. I did noticed a mistake when the author mislabeled the famous Marie of Romania ("Missy") as her daughter Marie of Yugoslavia ("Mignon"). Minor quibbles aside, this was an excellent overview of a life well lived in service to his country.

[Carolyn Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, well written biography of King George VI, which discusses his personality, struggles with public speaking, marriage and family life and reign. The author includes interesting details about his diplomatic role during the Second World War including his correspondence with other European monarchs. The book would be enhanced by more material about the 1939 royal tour as the king's six weeks in Canada are summarized in a single paragraph. Concludes with the tributes to the King from around the world at the time of his death in 1952.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The biography is painted in broad strokes (which fits my attention span). It shows its validity and truth by regular inclusions of letters written by the important people of the day==the king’s parents, the king’s letters and letters of other prominent people. Shows a man who dedicated himself to his country and courageously and uncomplainingly took the responsibility of King and brought the office honor.

[Fastidious Kingdoms · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

While this book provides a basic review of George VI’s life, the information is dated. For example, it has come to light that Bertie had dalliances before his marriage. So overall, while the author has described these historical figures, I don’t feel like he’s illuminated them.

That said, if you want a basic introduction to George VI’s life, this is a good start.

[Jae Roth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well told and understood. He was an exceptional man whose life was way too short.

[Elma Voogdt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Koning George VI, vader van Koningin Elizabeth, een man waarvan ik graag wat meer wilde weten. Zo doende kwam ik bij het boek ” King George VI van Denis Judd ” terecht. Een al oudere biografie uit 1982. Maar zoals ik altijd zegt ook oudere boeken zijn de moeite waard om te lezen. Zo ook deze.

Koning George VI was van december 1936 tot aan zijn dood in 1952 koning van het Verenigd Koninkrijk en van de Britse overzeese gebieden. Hij was van 1936 tot 1947 de laatste keizer van Brits-Indië en tot 1949 de laatste koning van Ierland. George VI stond ook bekend om zijn stotterprobleem, wat hij uiteindelijk redelijk onder controle kreeg.

In het boek van Denis Judd blikken we terug op het leven van George VI, eerder bekend als Albert Hertog van York. Het boek begint bij zijn geboorte en zo gaan we stap voor stap door het leven van de jonge George. Zijn leven bij de Royal Navy, opleidingen, de kennismaking met zijn latere echtgenote, het huwelijk, zijn activiteiten en dan met name voor de Engelse industrie. George zijn leven als familieman, het leert ons dat hij dol was op zijn dochters Elizabeth en Margaret. Uitgebreid wordt er stil gestaan bij de crisis binnen het koningshuis halverwege de jaren 30 en de kroning van George VI. Natuurlijk ontbreken de oorlogsjaren 1939-1945 niet. Een koning die zich in die jaren veelvuldig onder de bevolking gaf. Ruimte is er ook voor Philip Mountbatten, ja de echtgenoot van Elizabeth. We leren hoe George VI omging met het loslaten van zijn dochter. Zo gaan we in het boek toe naar zijn laatste jaren waarin zijn gezondheid steeds meer achteruit ging hij tenslotte op 6 februari 1952 op 56-jarige leeftijd overleed…

Het is moeilijk oordelen of dit een goede biografie is, daar het mijn eerste biografie is die ik lees over Koning George VI. Het boek oogt compleet, dus vele in dit geval zwart- wit foto’s ontbreken niet. Bekende maar ook veelal onbekende foto’s komen voorbij. Het boek is een goede start om de kennis over deze koning uit te breiden. Zeker geen spijt van deze aanschaf, mooie aanwinst voor de boekenverzameling.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this biography after seeing The King's Speech. Not a lot of biographies on him. It is amazing to think that King George VI (1895 - 1952) was the chosen king under such unlikely circumstances - Edward's abdication and during such a difficult time - World War II and the dismantling of the British Empire. The book was published in 1982 (Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married in 1981) - almost 19 years ago. The author is always upbeat and positive about the King. At times, he tries to be critical but hardly. It helped me understand more about the family (father and mother) of George VI. Fun to see pictures. Also, to learn a bit more about his wife - the Queen Mum - Elizabeth - born 1900 and died in 2002 - fifty years after her husband! Maybe I might read the recent biography on Elizabeth - I gave it to my "mum".

[Umar Tosheeb · Rating 3 out of 5]

George VI accidentally became the King after his brother abdicated because he wanted to marry a divorced American. I knew very little about George VI except that he is the father of current British monarch Queen Elizabeth and younger brother of famous king who gave up his thrown for love.
Albert, nicknamed Bertie, who became King George VI, had to overcome many obstacles in his life, including speech impediment. Most of his life, he was under the shadow of his more famous and popular brother Edward VIII. Nonetheless, he was a good husband, great father, and did what he was suppose to do diligently.
This book is a good read on his life.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information presented in a typical bio format. I enjoyed learning more about the king I only grew up knowing as the father of Queen Elizabeth, the one with his face on the Canadian coin. Having watched the video of "The King's Speech", I was prompted to read more about this man. I am glad I took the time. As usual the movie played loose with some of the facts. The interesting fact was that the Bertie did not have a stammer when he felt comfortable in his relationships. Now I might just branch out and learn more about King Edward VIII.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this earlier this summer in honor of the new royal baby George. It's been a while since I've read biographies of the British royal family, though I did read some a few years ago (especially Victoria & Eliz. I). I enjoyed this book and I like George VI. The book ends with Elizabeth and Philip's marriage and George's death, making me want to pick up where it left off with another round of biographies.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good biography and this was a good one. It's the story of a rather ordinary man who becomes king unexpectedly and rises to the occasion very admirably. He was the perfect guy for the job during WWII. It's inspiring that he was very happily married when it seems the royals have a hard time in this regard today. I very much enjoyed this book.

[Gordon Kwok · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent biography on an excellent monarch. Deservedly, history has and will remain kind to King George VI.