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Churchill and the King: The Wartime Alliance of Winston Churchill and George VI
For fans of The King's Speech , the intriguing bond between monarch and prime minister and its crucial role during World War II
The political and personal relationship between King George VI and Winston Churchill during World War II is one that has been largely overlooked throughout history, yet the trust and loyalty these men shared helped Britain navigate its perhaps most trying time.
Despite their vast differences, the two men met weekly and found that their divergent virtues made them a powerful duo. The king’s shy nature was offset by Churchill’s willingness to cast himself as the nation’s savior. Meanwhile, Churchill’s complicated political past was given credibility by the king’s embrace and counsel. Together as foils, confidants, conspirators, and comrades, the duo guided Britain through war while reinspiring hope in the monarchy, Parliament, and the nation itself.
Books about these men as individuals could fill a library, but Kenneth Weisbrode’s study of the unique bond between them is the first of its kind.
The political and personal relationship between King George VI and Winston Churchill during World War II is one that has been largely overlooked throughout history, yet the trust and loyalty these men shared helped Britain navigate its perhaps most trying time.
Despite their vast differences, the two men met weekly and found that their divergent virtues made them a powerful duo. The king’s shy nature was offset by Churchill’s willingness to cast himself as the nation’s savior. Meanwhile, Churchill’s complicated political past was given credibility by the king’s embrace and counsel. Together as foils, confidants, conspirators, and comrades, the duo guided Britain through war while reinspiring hope in the monarchy, Parliament, and the nation itself.
Books about these men as individuals could fill a library, but Kenneth Weisbrode’s study of the unique bond between them is the first of its kind.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 31, 2013
31 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth Weisbrode
28 books3 followersKenneth Weisbrode is Assistant Professor of History at Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey.
His specialist research area is the history of diplomacy, with a focus on American and European history of the 20th century. Within this field, he is concerned with the relations of official institutions – principally foreign offices – to informal diplomatic networks in the Atlantic region. His dissertation at Harvard University led to the book "The Atlantic Century: Four Generations of Extraordinary Diplomats who Forged America's Vital Alliance with Europe" (2009).
His specialist research area is the history of diplomacy, with a focus on American and European history of the 20th century. Within this field, he is concerned with the relations of official institutions – principally foreign offices – to informal diplomatic networks in the Atlantic region. His dissertation at Harvard University led to the book "The Atlantic Century: Four Generations of Extraordinary Diplomats who Forged America's Vital Alliance with Europe" (2009).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 20, 2025
The Dog and The Sparrow
Churchill and The King by Kenneth Weisbrode is an analysis into the wartime relationship between Sir Winston Spencer Churchill and HM King George VI who came together in their country’s hour of need, where their greatness and success relied on each other.
Both were very different and at the same time had a lot of similarities. WSC, the brilliant, charismatic hero who led the United Kingdom to victory during the Second World War, was divisive amongst contemporaries and George VI, plain, seemingly boring, but was hated by no one. Their dual lives are brought side by side to show how this relationship was essential for allied success in the war. George or ‘Bertie’ as he was known to his family and friends was the second son who could not keep up with his magnetic older brother, was never expected or educated on how to rule. He suffered from ill health and a severe stutter which almost destroyed him. But managed to see action as a sailor in the Battle of Jutland in the First World War, manning a gun on the bridge of a ship. WSC, the son of one of the most rhetoricians of late Victorian politics, a shining star who WSC looked up to his entire life, even after his early death. A man who had fought in five wars on four continents, was famously the scapegoat for the Gallipoli campaign and had just spent near ten years on the political wilderness before the countdown to war in 1939. Both had difficult school years and huge anxiety from strained relationships with their fathers.
Their relationship did not get off to a great start, WSC famously supported Edward VIII. But as war came, the two came together and met for weekly luncheons. The twos were essentially friendless and so needed each other to keep them and the country going. All formalities were off, no one else was around and they could rely on each other for advice and support to see through those most darkest of years. They only seemed to have disagreed once. Both wanted to go with the troops to Normandy, but both were to important to be killed. Bertie foresaw earlier then WSC and then had to convince the latter with some difficultly the same. Both knew it was right decision in the end.
This quaint and charming book brings together the similarities, differences and the challenges they faced to understand this successful and essential relationship during one of the most difficult periods for the United Kingdom. WSC was remarkable figure, who had many faults, George VI was unremarkable with little faults. Both helped each other, work immensely hard and ultimately were the right people to guide Britain through WWII. There is nothing new in this book and it does not claim so, however it brings forward an extremely important aspect in the history of the UK, WWII and in both mens lives. Churchill and The King is a touching dual biography and it was a joy to read.
Churchill and The King by Kenneth Weisbrode is an analysis into the wartime relationship between Sir Winston Spencer Churchill and HM King George VI who came together in their country’s hour of need, where their greatness and success relied on each other.
Both were very different and at the same time had a lot of similarities. WSC, the brilliant, charismatic hero who led the United Kingdom to victory during the Second World War, was divisive amongst contemporaries and George VI, plain, seemingly boring, but was hated by no one. Their dual lives are brought side by side to show how this relationship was essential for allied success in the war. George or ‘Bertie’ as he was known to his family and friends was the second son who could not keep up with his magnetic older brother, was never expected or educated on how to rule. He suffered from ill health and a severe stutter which almost destroyed him. But managed to see action as a sailor in the Battle of Jutland in the First World War, manning a gun on the bridge of a ship. WSC, the son of one of the most rhetoricians of late Victorian politics, a shining star who WSC looked up to his entire life, even after his early death. A man who had fought in five wars on four continents, was famously the scapegoat for the Gallipoli campaign and had just spent near ten years on the political wilderness before the countdown to war in 1939. Both had difficult school years and huge anxiety from strained relationships with their fathers.
Their relationship did not get off to a great start, WSC famously supported Edward VIII. But as war came, the two came together and met for weekly luncheons. The twos were essentially friendless and so needed each other to keep them and the country going. All formalities were off, no one else was around and they could rely on each other for advice and support to see through those most darkest of years. They only seemed to have disagreed once. Both wanted to go with the troops to Normandy, but both were to important to be killed. Bertie foresaw earlier then WSC and then had to convince the latter with some difficultly the same. Both knew it was right decision in the end.
This quaint and charming book brings together the similarities, differences and the challenges they faced to understand this successful and essential relationship during one of the most difficult periods for the United Kingdom. WSC was remarkable figure, who had many faults, George VI was unremarkable with little faults. Both helped each other, work immensely hard and ultimately were the right people to guide Britain through WWII. There is nothing new in this book and it does not claim so, however it brings forward an extremely important aspect in the history of the UK, WWII and in both mens lives. Churchill and The King is a touching dual biography and it was a joy to read.
November 16, 2016
An interesting idea for a book, but it falls flat. Difficult for a historian to write about a relationship between these two men and leaders because they met in private. There is some correspondence and reference to a few well known incidents (the argument about Churchill wanting to observe the Normandy Invasion from the deck of a British warship), but for the most part what Weisbrode has written is a book about what other people thought of Churchill and the King.
There is some psycho-analysis (reminding me of my college days when we would have bull sessions at our favorite eatery just off campus) of the two men mixed with a review of their leadership styles. All in all the book is interesting in that it examines (albeit not in very great depth and sometimes drifting from the thesis) a relationship that has always fascinated me. However ,since there doesn't appear to be that much information about the actual working (i.e. day to day) relationship, the book comes across as one of those get wealthy by following the management styles of historical leaders books. I can see the title; "How to run your business like a wartime government and Win!".
Three stars for making an effort to examine something that hasn't received all that much attention, but end result shows why there hasn't been all that much attention on the topic. The relationship was private and there just isn't all that much material to support even a thin primer such as this one. However it's better than nothing.
There is some psycho-analysis (reminding me of my college days when we would have bull sessions at our favorite eatery just off campus) of the two men mixed with a review of their leadership styles. All in all the book is interesting in that it examines (albeit not in very great depth and sometimes drifting from the thesis) a relationship that has always fascinated me. However ,since there doesn't appear to be that much information about the actual working (i.e. day to day) relationship, the book comes across as one of those get wealthy by following the management styles of historical leaders books. I can see the title; "How to run your business like a wartime government and Win!".
Three stars for making an effort to examine something that hasn't received all that much attention, but end result shows why there hasn't been all that much attention on the topic. The relationship was private and there just isn't all that much material to support even a thin primer such as this one. However it's better than nothing.
October 11, 2014
I enjoyed this book, although it was sometimes pretty verbose. The author showed a bit of history that I was familiar with from a new perspective, making connections that I hadn't always noticed before. It was interesting to see how the two men grew to respect and admire each other, and how that affected the war effort. As I said, it can get verbose at times. The author sometimes uses some obscure words and overly long descriptions that can get confusing, but it isn't so distracting that you can't still enjoy it. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading about Churchill, King George VI and/or World War II.
January 8, 2018
A very interesting and readable history of the friendship and alliance between two remarkable men, King George VI & Winston Churchill.
February 13, 2018
It is actually embarrassing how little my knowledge is around World War One and Two. Of course I know the main important events, but the specifics is very limited.
This book focuses on the unique relationship between Churchill and King George VI during World War Two. Frankly, I am glad that Edward VIII abdicated because based on what I know about him I am not sure he would have been able to handle the war like his young brother King George VI.
Churchill is a fascinating public figure and I am excited to read more about him.
Fantastic book, especially for a beginner. 4 stars
This book focuses on the unique relationship between Churchill and King George VI during World War Two. Frankly, I am glad that Edward VIII abdicated because based on what I know about him I am not sure he would have been able to handle the war like his young brother King George VI.
Churchill is a fascinating public figure and I am excited to read more about him.
Fantastic book, especially for a beginner. 4 stars
February 8, 2025
It was a great book for fans of Churchill but was as much about Churchill and his relationship with other major figures in the war as it was about his relationship with King George vl but still worth reading beautifully narrated and at times made me laugh at Churchill’s mannerisms and behaviour that we know so well .
January 6, 2021
This is a charming read about a bygone era and two heroes from that time. I believe anyone with an interest in either person will find this to be a delightful read.
October 15, 2014
Weisbrode starts off mentioning the movie "The King's Speech" and that pretty much sets out the tone and depth for the book. In short this is a book about Churchill (surface deep) and about King George VI (surface deep and given that he was not a "deep" man.....) but it is not a book about any relationship between the two. He works hard to make it seem that way, but the evidence just isn't there. Why? The Sovereign and his/her Prime Minister meet in private. Unless details are shared in their own diaries or paraphrased in an assistant's diary, there is no record of what they discussed, let alone what they actually said.
The author has a lamentable habit of only citing sources for some comments. The writing is in the new style of "breezy, quick-reading" history which is fine, except it takes the subject less seriously.
The writing is sometimes confusing such as when writing of King George V's death, he lumps it in with his 1928 illness and leaves the reader confused as to whether it was in '28 or '36 that the Prince of Wales rushed home from Africa. He also quotes "Dickie" but doesn't tell us until a later paragraph that this is Mountbatten--fine for me, I've read everything there is on the man. There are other lapses like this--someone mentioned only by their last name. A reader not versed in Churchill or Royalty would be left wondering who that was.his is not a heavy duty book, but it is a pleasant enough read.
The research IS there--for a surface deep analysis of this so-called relationship, but when an author does not take time to match source to quotes the reader is left to sort out what is first-hand, what is second-hand and what may be "representational" of the "type" thing they might have said.
Overall I was not surprised by any of this--its the current trend in history writing unfortunately. To sell books they must be palatable to suburban book clubs who do not want a huge-footnote-laden tome of REAL history.
The author has a lamentable habit of only citing sources for some comments. The writing is in the new style of "breezy, quick-reading" history which is fine, except it takes the subject less seriously.
The writing is sometimes confusing such as when writing of King George V's death, he lumps it in with his 1928 illness and leaves the reader confused as to whether it was in '28 or '36 that the Prince of Wales rushed home from Africa. He also quotes "Dickie" but doesn't tell us until a later paragraph that this is Mountbatten--fine for me, I've read everything there is on the man. There are other lapses like this--someone mentioned only by their last name. A reader not versed in Churchill or Royalty would be left wondering who that was.his is not a heavy duty book, but it is a pleasant enough read.
The research IS there--for a surface deep analysis of this so-called relationship, but when an author does not take time to match source to quotes the reader is left to sort out what is first-hand, what is second-hand and what may be "representational" of the "type" thing they might have said.
Overall I was not surprised by any of this--its the current trend in history writing unfortunately. To sell books they must be palatable to suburban book clubs who do not want a huge-footnote-laden tome of REAL history.
August 10, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Churchill and the King was a fascinating exploration of the relationship between the two men and provided a look at what went on behind the scenes in England during the Second World War. Weisbrode did an excellent job putting this book together.
It is a good idea to know about England and the country's history around that time, or you're not going to understand everything the book talks about - I found that out firsthand and ended up having to do a bit of research to really know who/what it was talking about at times.
Overall, though, one of the best nonfiction books I've read recently. Highly recommended.
Churchill and the King was a fascinating exploration of the relationship between the two men and provided a look at what went on behind the scenes in England during the Second World War. Weisbrode did an excellent job putting this book together.
It is a good idea to know about England and the country's history around that time, or you're not going to understand everything the book talks about - I found that out firsthand and ended up having to do a bit of research to really know who/what it was talking about at times.
Overall, though, one of the best nonfiction books I've read recently. Highly recommended.
March 14, 2014
Well researched and written,this book takes the reader inside the relationship between two of the most important figures in Britain during World War II. Even though he wanted his friend Lord Halifax to succeed Chamberlain as Prime Minister, King George VI had no choice but to invite Churchill to form a government. Kenneth Weisbrode follows the development of the bond between these two men as they form an alliance that saw Britain successfully through the war.
September 20, 2021
If you knew nothing about the private interactions between Winston Churchill and King George VI during WWII before reading this book, you will still know nothing at the end. The author sums up his knowledge of their relationship by stating they always met behind closed doors. The only time they disagreed was a matter of public record and concerned whether either of them should be on a warship in the English Channel observing the D-Day invasion. One of the best things that happened to England prior to WWII was the abdication of David, Edward VIII, in 1936. The Nazi leanings of Wallace and the former king could have had dramatic effects. George VI did not want to be king and believed he was ill-suited to the job. He was an honorable individual who would have preferred to live his life as a devoted husband and father to Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret. He was a quiet image of strength for the nation. The other great event for the progress of the war was the intelligence and tenacity of Winston Churchill. If you want to know more about him, read a biography. If you do not know about the history of WWII, this book is a brief summary of events. As an avid reader of WWII history, I found this book to be pointless and totally lacking in any new information whatsoever!! Kristi & Abby Tabby
May 23, 2018
This is a good book for someone looking to dip their toe into the vast scholarship available on Winston Churchill. It's quite short and I think glosses over a lot of significant events because of that. I was hoping for more insight into King George VI, but the book contained far more information on Churchill (probably explains why it's called Churchill and the King, rather than vice versa, but what do I know?) Still a nice book to pick up if you're looking for a quick historical/biographical read.
January 4, 2018
A curious book. While it did have more to do with George VI than most biographies of Churchill during WW II, it was essentially just a bio of Churchill. The book barely touched on what happened during the 200+ meetings between Churchill and the King. And it didn’t really go into any depth as to how either man helped the other. It was a good idea but wasn’t particularly well realized. It was a decent war bio of Churchill, however.
December 3, 2024
I was very surprised at the quality of such an English subject in this book written by an American author. He seems to have thoroughly investigated this and come up with a relationship for Winston Churchill that has been little investigated through the extensive library written about this great man.
The book flowed well and the audiobook that I used was read with excellent accents to denominate to speaking.
I thoroughly recommend it
The book flowed well and the audiobook that I used was read with excellent accents to denominate to speaking.
I thoroughly recommend it
August 6, 2017
This book is fairly short and very readable. It can be taken as an introduction to larger biographies of both Churchill and King George VI. The best of it is an understanding of how important both the PM and the monarchy were to the British during World War II and how their friendship played its part in bolstering the confidence and morale of the British people during a very dark time in history.
May 16, 2020
Despite the claim of one reviewer that this was "highly readable" I found it hard to read. I first attempted to listen to it, but that was impossible. This fellow bandies about from point to point, in a verbal "hopscotch" that makes any actual point unintelligible.
I'm really starting to wonder at the honesty of publishers in these times. The caliber of writing has certainly taken a downturn.
I'm really starting to wonder at the honesty of publishers in these times. The caliber of writing has certainly taken a downturn.
June 13, 2023
A very good examination of the relationship between Churchill and George VI during WW2. While I knew that the two men had lunch together almost every Tuesday during the war, I was not aware of the way they relied on one another for advice and support. I suppose that I should have known or at least guessed, but I assumed that the king's role was much more symbolic than substantive.
May 21, 2019
A very interesting read and well written. Some of his comments about the Duke of Windsor show a little less research in that area. It certainly gets the mind thinking about why we have a lack of good leadership nowadays and what constitutes good leadership and a good working relationship.
January 1, 2023
This book is a good illustration of how differing personalities compliment each other for something greater. I appreciated how separating state and political leaders (King & Prime Minister vs President) can effect negotiations etc
July 28, 2023
This is a great book. The author is a skilled nonfiction writer. The focus on the relationship between the King and Churchill is a very important piece of the story of WWII and I think this book does it justice. If you enjoy WWII history, give this one a read.
June 7, 2018
Excellent book analyzing Winston Churchill and his relationship with King George VI during WWII.
June 4, 2020
A concise war journal whilst describing the similarities of the two great men
October 16, 2022
This is a good insight into the relationship between Winston Churchhill and King George VI during WWII.
December 18, 2024
A very good insightful book on relationship between the king and Churchill during the war and afterwards. It shows you have the right people the right time events turn out as they should
December 30, 2024
Final chapter makes the book. Not my cup of tea respectfully.
March 29, 2019
If you happen to be a fan of Churchill or King George VI, then this book is a real treat. A book that discusses their interaction and almost symbiotic relationship as they led the nation through WWII. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history or wants to learn a new topic.
October 16, 2020
A book that criticizes The King's Speech right off the bat is something I would normally pass on, because that movie is THE GREATEST AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT! But, alas, the reading challenge awaits... so I continued on.
I felt the book took too long to actually discuss the relationship between the King and Churchill; in fact, the actual war itself wasn't discussed until the last three chapters. However, there were some interesting tidbits sprinkled throughout for me, but that may be because I'm not as informed about the British side of WWII as I am the American. If you're looking for a good starter book in regards to each figure, this might be it. However, if you happen to be someone who already knows a great deal about the war and the figures who participated in it, then you might want to skip this one, since it seemed like it didn't really provide a lot of in-depth information. It's an incredibly dry and factual book, and I felt it focused way more on Churchill than the King, but either way I'm glad I finished it. Because reading challenge!
I felt the book took too long to actually discuss the relationship between the King and Churchill; in fact, the actual war itself wasn't discussed until the last three chapters. However, there were some interesting tidbits sprinkled throughout for me, but that may be because I'm not as informed about the British side of WWII as I am the American. If you're looking for a good starter book in regards to each figure, this might be it. However, if you happen to be someone who already knows a great deal about the war and the figures who participated in it, then you might want to skip this one, since it seemed like it didn't really provide a lot of in-depth information. It's an incredibly dry and factual book, and I felt it focused way more on Churchill than the King, but either way I'm glad I finished it. Because reading challenge!
February 6, 2017
This book explores the fact that Winston Churchill was a pivotal player in his role of the British Prime Minister in the years leading up to and during the 1940 World War II blitz of London. George VI was thrust on the English throne upon the abdication of his brother who would not give up Wallis Simpson. Churchill and George VI were from different yet, in some ways, similar backgrounds. Churchill, brash, dynamic, and not always the best decision maker career-wise, and George VI, quiet, respectful, well-mannered came together to lead the British people through the worst days of the war.
The reading of the book was somewhat difficult because the author continually mentions people involved in the government at the time who are unfamiliar (to me), and does not provide any explanation. However, the details about the interactions and thoughts of both Winston and "Bertie" were enlightening. Quite.
The reading of the book was somewhat difficult because the author continually mentions people involved in the government at the time who are unfamiliar (to me), and does not provide any explanation. However, the details about the interactions and thoughts of both Winston and "Bertie" were enlightening. Quite.
December 10, 2013
This book provides a good peek into the similarities between Churchill and King George VI that strengthened their partnership during WW2. It touches on the relationship between the two men and shows how get respected and relied on each other while facing the adversities of leading England during the war. I would say that one does need to go into this book with some previous knowledge of England before and during the war in order to get the most out the book. I quite enjoyed the anecdotes that were included; they helped make these two men more personable and real to this 1980's baby.
December 30, 2013
It has an interesting premise, and makes for a light, concise read. But I do feel that it meanders a bit too often, and tends to focus far more on Churchill than King George. Ironically, the book discusses asymmetrical alliances and friendships...a concept that could apply equally well to the division of topics within this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews