The Reluctant King: The Life and Reign of George VI, 1895-1952

by Sarah Bradford

The first major biography in over thirty years of the man who replaced Edward VIII on the empty British throne. After his older brother abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson, the younger George (born Albert) assumed the throne at a crucial time in history, with Hitler and Mussolini allied and Europe moving inexorably towards war. 16 pages of photographs.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Royalty, British Literature, World War II

506 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Educated at St. Mary’s Convent, Shaftesbury Dorset, where she won a State Scholarship and at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, where she won a College Scholarship in History, Sarah Bradford is an historian and biographer who has travelled extensively, living in the West Indies, Portugal and Italy. She speaks four languages which have been invaluable in her research for her various books, particularly The Englishman’s Wine, the Story of Port (the first book on the subject written by a woman), Portugal and Madeira. She worked in the Manuscript Department of Christie’s London, travelling for the Department and valuing manuscripts from the fifteenth to twentieth centuries, an experience which enabled her to write Cesare Borgia (used by the BBC as the source of their series ‘The Borgias’, for which she wrote the novelisation of the scripts) and, most recently, Lucrezia Borgia

Reviews

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Underdog Story

HM George VI lived through the greatest tests of a monarch in modern times, two world wars, the rise of socialism and the decline of British hegemony and the empire. On top of all of that he had to deal with a very much alive and active predecessor: his brother Edward VIII. George (or Bertie to his friends and family, his first given name being Albert) was not born as the heir, he was second in line, a shy man, with an outgoing grandfather, a loud overbearing father and extremely popular and social brother. Destined to the sidelines of history and a career in the forces, George would have been happy to sit there, due his duty and watch everyone else. History had other plans for him. In the face of adversity, he lead his country from one of its darkest times, the Second World War to become the nation’s unifying and beloved monarch.

The inheritance and world that George was born into in 1895, was a British epoch. One six of the globe fell under dominion of his great grandmother the Queen Empress Victoria. Wealth, confidence and protection of the sea all gave the British people a future to look forward to. George had a very Edwardian upper class childhood, sheltered and tutored at home, with distant parents. It is here he most likely developed his stammer, from a father and a life that expected much from the boy who was not suited to education methods thrown on him. His life is a story of having to overcome many difficulties, such which many others would have given up. He was born left handed and forced to use his right (a common cause of a stammer), with knocked knees which he had to endure leg splints. He went into the Royal Navy and was initially lumbered sea sickness. During the Great War, he suffered from an undiagnosed stomach ulcer which kept him on shore much to his frustration, but did see action in a gun turret at the Battle of Jutland. He then transferred to the army to get to the front like with his older brother, in the dying days of the conflict.

Later he married a popular, intellectual woman from the aristocracy, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon who would become his rock. It is here the true story of The King’s Speech is told, again having to overcome a mountain. Not a well educated or remarkably intelligent man, he was considered to be a good man by those that met him. He was even considerate to servants, courtiers and estate workers, something unusual at the time. Where he was talented was at sports, golf, tennis (playing at Wimbledon) and shooting.

1936 was an infamous year and the worse of George’s life. His father died in January and then with his brother becoming entangled with the twice married Wallis Simpson, the throne and empire became more shaky. Bradford explains why this was a problem for the head of the Church of England. Divorce was frowned upon at the time and monarchy was a firm, more important than a figure at the top of a family. The dominions where held together by the monarch and being religious could not accept a women with two living husbands on the throne. Wallis Simpson in any case was a god send, as Edward VIII for all his talents as a people person, was not interested in kingship and would have been a disaster for the United Kingdom. The Second World War could have been very different. George did it want to be king, but it fell to him and Edward abdicated to marry Wallis. Then came George’s finest hour.

The Second World War was the second great test of the twentieth century. The first having destroyed Europe and caused up to 22 million deaths, had ripped the old order apart and toppled ancient empires. George’s father had clung on through making sound decisions. WWII was a different trial, but could have ended a thousand years of continuity and history. It is an understatement to say George stepped up. His vital support for and relationship with Winston Churchill and later Clement Attlee ensure the prime minister was able to operate with pillar under him and a shelter over him in the dark and stressful days. Staying at Buckingham Palace whilst it was bombed, becoming extremely economical and visiting his subjects boasted morale exponentially. He was able to act as a great ambassador of the country, with FDR and Truman also becoming fond of the monarch. This was leadership in war in a constitutional monarch’s way. All of this, but still being dogged by his older brother, who in exile still continued to post an overbearing shadow.

George VI: The Dutiful King is highly readable of a unremarkable man who ended up being loved by all. He was not born to be king, but ended up being a great one. This is a favourable biography of George VI, but with any story of the king, it cannot be told without warts and all. After all his is the story of an underdog, a reluctant king who overcame less than average abilities to be a great man.

[Jill H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As his daughter, Elizabeth II celebrates 60 years on the throne, I felt it was time to read a little more about her father, George VI. This is the man who was never supposed to be King, nor did he want to assume the throne. But it was forced upon him when his brother Edward VIII (later styled as the Duke of Windsor) abdicated for "the woman I love". George (or Bertie as he was called) was not prepared for the job by his strict and less than loving parents and had to adapt, while struggling with his life-long stammer. But he married the right woman.....Elizabeth, who in later life became the iconic, "Queen Mum", and they formed a loving and supportive family. He was a popular King and his decision to stay in London during the Blitz endeared him further to his people.
The book can be a little static in sections but overall it is very well done and gives the reader an insider's look at the life of a well meaning and gentle man who gave his best to his country/empire and has been under-appreciated by those outside of Britain. Recommended.

[MTK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Διάβασα αυτή την βιογραφία του Γεωργίου 6ου της Αγγλίας, αφού είδα την ταινία "Ο Λόγος του Βασιλιά", η οποία, παρά τις δεδομένες σχεδόν ιστορικές ανακρίβειες, μου είχε αρέσει πολύ. Είναι η εξαιρετικά ενδιαφέρουσα ζωή ενός όχι απαραίτητα εξαιρετικού ανθρώπου, αλλά ίσως αυτό ακριβώς κάνει τόσο τον ίδιο όσο και την ιστορία του συναρπαστική. Για μένα τουλάχιστον, που δεν έχω σε ιδιαίτερη εκτίμηση το θεσμό της μοναρχίας (ακόμη και της κοινοβουλευτικής), με εξέπληξε ότι βρήκα την ιστορία ενός ανθρώπου, χωρίς ιδιαίτερα ξεχωριστά προσόντα, ο οποίος βρέθηκε σε μια συγκεκριμένη θέση μια συγκεκριμένη χρονική στιγμή και φαίνεται να αντιμετώπισε το όλο θέμα ως "δεν έχει σημασία πως, τι και γιατί, έχω μια δουλειά να κάνω και θα την κάνω όσο μπορώ καλύτερα", εώς και συγκινητική. Κατά τα λοιπά είναι καλογραμμένη και, απ' όσο μπορώ να καταλάβω, δεν περιέχει ιστορικές ανακρίβειες, εκτίμησα δε ιδιαίτερα ότι η συγγραφέας διαχωρίζει τα αποδεδειγμένα γεγονότα από τα συμπεράσματά της βάσει των γεγονότων και από αυτά που είναι απλές εικασίες, είτε δικές της είτε άλλων. Και θα έλεγα ότι δεν είναι ακραία μεροληπτική (πραγματικά αμερόληπτη βιογραφία δεν έχω διαβάσει ποτέ στην ζωή μου).

[Jamie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice royal biography, quite well written. It covers the 1936 abdication crisis in great detail, with a highly unflattering portrait of Edward VIII, whom the family considered to have behaved selfishly in his quest to marry Wallis Simpson. "Bertie" exceeded popular expectations, conquering a severe stutter and crippling shyness, to become a beloved and admired king.

[Lynne Stringer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't mind a detailed autobiography but this one was a bit excessive. The downside of this is that it made for a slow, ponderous read. There was still a lot of fantastic information about an admirable man whose humility and nobility shine through. I just wish the editor in charge had wielded his/her knife with a bit more severity.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting but some sections were a real slog. (The chapter 'The Year of Three Kings' was great, though.) A very detailed look at Albert 'Bertie', Prince of York who became King George VI - his childhood, early adulthood, married life, the abdication crisis, World War II, the loss of India and the building of the Commonwealth, and more.

I think I have to agree with the general opinion, which was that he was not anyone's first choice for King, but damn if he didn't do a good job given what he had to deal with. (And the Duke of Windsor was a real prat.)

Some repetition of quotes and incidents in this book, which was frustrating. And some reminders of who people were would be nice - at one point Lady So-and-So dies and the Queen is devastated. I had to look in the index to discover that Lady So-and-So had been mentioned once before, about 100 pages previous, and was in fact the Queen's MOTHER. I think the author could have made that more clear!)

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this years ago and although I do not have a retentive mind, I recall a great deal of this biography. King George VI emerges as a heroic figure, not only because he faced his affliction of stammering but because of his sterling character and behavior during World War II. The behind the scenes story of his relationship with his brother, his fine marriage and rearing made this an unforgettable read.

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 3 out of 5]

The biography of Queen Elizabeth's father, the 2nd son of George V. Talk about a dysfunctional family! He really did not want to be king. But he had a strong sense of duty and when his brother decided to chuck his duty and marry "the woman he loved" rather than rule the nation that loved him, his brother stepped into the vacancy. Quite frankly, I think the nation was better off with George VI than with Edward the VIII. He was the first to refer to the monarchy as "the firm".

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

spoiler alert: he dies at the end

[Tollula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of the most researched and thorough biographies I have ever read. King George the VI was an amazing man who took on his role as king when he was not prepared for it. The book itself wasn't that long but it took me a while to finish because there is so much detail that didn't want to miss a thing. It covers not only his personal home life, but the careers and main players that took part in politics during this reign.

This biography was the source for the film "The King's Speech" and is clearly a fundamental source for "The Crown". If you enjoy the show, this book is for you.

[Kristina Hoerner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good bio with a lot of interesting detail. It is also about the only one you can find that focuses on George VI

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since The King's Speech I've become fascinated with George VI, the father of today's Queen Elizabeth II. There was so much more to him than a stammerer who took over a kingdom unwillingly. So I've been waiting for this book for two years - the library messed up "royally"(!!). But now that I've gone through it, the wait was worth it.

The Abdication was something I'd always heard the official story about - King leaves throne for woman he loves. And I'd heard that Wallis Simpson was somewhat of a commanding personality. That's not the half of it. Edward VIII never understood that the English people did not approve of his desire to marry Wallis. The details of his personality show that he was a man that felt since he was charismatic and the Prince of Wales (and later King) that he could have everything he wanted. He never had the concept of "compromise" or "duty." After HE chose to leave the throne he began (with the push from Wallis) to say that a conspiracy had pushed him off his rightful throne. He turns out not to be the romantic figure of the story. Most of the politicians in England, as well as his brother George VI, were afraid that, given the chance, Edward would attempt a coup to regain the throne. It appears that is exactly what Wallis wanted.

The most interesting part of this story (the Abdication) was the decision of what title and name to give to Edward. Since the family name had been changed during WWI to Windsor, the obvious choice was Edward Windsor. But what about a title? If he was just Edward Windsor, he could run for Parliament's House of Commons. If he was Edward, Duke of Windsor, he would automatically be in the House of Lords. Therefore, it was finally decided to call his HRH (His Royal Highness) Eward, Duke of Windsor (or the Duke of Windsor) because designating him as a royal meant he couldn't serve in either House of Parliament. For Edward's entire life, Wallis and he (but especially Wallis) to have her designated as HRH also, which never happened. It was interesting to see how the "problem" of Edward was contained during his life.

But back to George. He was actually well trained for ruling by his father, George V. Bertie (who was Prince Albert before taking the royal name of George)was part of the Navy (as a common sailor) during the first WW but was sickly and eventually left the Navy as a result. His illness turned out to be a nasty ulcer that no doctor diagnosed correctly until after the war. Because he could not serve, he spent much time with his father, learning the "family business." Throughout his life he also absorbed the family code of honor and duty. He remained a stickler for proper form and substance throughout his life. This actually made him the perfect king for the second WW. His steadfastness and "Englishness" kept morale up. His identification with the common people made them feel special (he had spent the inital part of his "career" working with coal miners and their union) and his Queen was the type of person everyone falls in love with. (I remember this about the Queen Mother.) The Windsor family also rationed water and fuel, keeping a line drawn on the bathtub to remind the family they were only allowed 5 inches of water in which to bathe, and using no fireplaces that weren't needed for immediate heating. They also rationed food, but obviouly not to the extent the commoners had to. But all of this George felt he needed to do as his duty to his people. Of course, this endeared him to them.

It was also his sense of duty that lead him to become King. For a long time, he had hoped that the "problem of 'that woman'" could be solved. He actually thought that his brother had his (George's) sense of duty and, with a choice between Wallis and the throne would choose the throne and his duty to England. When it became apparent that this would not happen, he realized his own duty and reluctantly became king.

He was a deeply devoted husband and father, making his wife his partner in all things, and loved his children dearly. The differences between Elizabeth and her sister Margaret are clearly noted her, and although Margaret was "the life of the party," George spent a great deal of time with Elizabeth, taking her hunting with him and other activities.

It was a tragedy that he died at 57.

Sara Bradford's style is amazingly pure and simple. I didn't feel like I was reading a biography. I had read nearly half before I stopped for my first breather. I'll definitely read her other works as well.

If you like British history and feel a little lost in the era between the two WWs, this is an excellent book for you. Also, of course, if you, like me, were fascinated by The King's Speech, you should read this. Or if you just like biography, pick this up. You won't regret it.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is also posted under George VI, by Sarah Bradford

I enjoyed this biography. Sarah Bradford's style is quite engaging. It's a combination of storytelling (where and when appropriate) and laying out the facts in a readable fashion. Don't be intimidated by the size of the book!

Many biographies follow a straight timeline, which is fine much of the time. Sometimes it is necessary to stop the main narrative and focus on a single topic that unfolds over a longer period of time. This may result in the clock being wound back, but Bradford does it with ease.

As to the historical facts: to use a modern expression, I was surprised at how George VI "stepped up" to his responsibilities as King (especially during the Second World War), and how he adapted the Monarchy as Britain evolved during and after the war. He didn't do it all on his own - certainly his wife (Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, as we know her) - played a major role. Nonetheless, he dragged the Monarchy kicking and screaming out of the harrumphing Colonel Blimp age and into a relevant role in the postwar world.

Note that some of the kicking and screaming was not from the Royal Family itself, but from the aristocracy, the Church, and even some politicians.

Along the way, Bradford provides fascinating insight into the Royal Family and the workings of the British constitution. A case in point is Edward VIII's abdication. We can look back with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight and dismiss the whole episode as a hallmark of a bygone era. He has to give up the throne just because he wants to marry a divorced American? Phhht, we moderns disdainfully roll our eyes.

Peeling things back a few layers, Edward VIII (a.k.a the Prince of Wales prior, and the Duke of Windsor after) just wasn't up to the task. There was a lot more to it than was in available in the public record at the time. Had it not been this, he would have been tripped up by something else, and more than likely that something that would have been the result of his own failings. Britain dodged a bullet when Edward VIII abdicated.

My only quibble is that in the many places where relationships between members of the various Royal families of Europe are explained, there had been diagrams to accompany the text.

[Sherry · Rating 1 out of 5]

From the CLEVENET Library Corporation:

Publishers Weekly
King George VI's ``great wartime partnership'' with Churchill, who ironically was very much his second choice for prime minister, helped sustain England through its darkest hour. An insecure man who approached his kingship with dread, he was forced as a child to become right-handed (he was born a leftie) and to wear wood splints on his legs to correct knock-knee. In this absorbing biography, Bradford ( Disraeli ) reveals the private side of a shy, beleaguered king who is often dismissed as a good but unremarkable man. She discloses his youthful affair with Phyllis Monkman, describes his historic visit to FDR in 1939, and provides a detailed account of his acrimonious running feud with his older brother, King Edward VIII (Duke of Windsor), who abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, whom George saw as a social predator. This exhaustively researched biography also gives a thorough account of Anglo-American cooperation to suppress damaging evidence of Edward VIII's prewar pro-Nazi leanings. Photos. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Booklist
As stated by Bradford, author of previously well received biographies such as Disraeli [BKL Je 1 83], historical regard for Britain's George VI, father of the present queen, has dwindled of late. At the time of his death in 1952, King George was highly thought of by his subjects and by the world community for the integrity of his leadership after the besmirchment of the throne caused by the 1936 abdication of his elder brother, Edward VIII. Bradford, in her discerning treatment of the king's life, based heavily on newly released archival material, disestablishes the contemporary view that George VI, while a perfectly nice individual, was inconsequential in the evolution of the British state during the immediate pre- and post-World War II period. Her interpretation sustains the opinion that held sway upon his death 38 years ago: that his see-it-through nature instilled courage in the British public, providing them with enough grit to endure Third Reich assaults

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading a book a few years ago about the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, I was intrigued to find out more about his younger brother, father to the current Queen Elizabeth II. Also, having seen the Academy Award winning movie, "The King's Speech," I was interested in finding out more about him as well as the relationship with his wife, Elizabeth (the late Queen Mother) and his family. Although the book can be a tough go at times due to the tremendous research and detailed information, especially surrounding WWII, it is a fascinating character study of many significant historical figures, including Winston Churchill. You come away with the sense that "Bertie" never aspired to be king, but he felt such strong devotion to the the monarchy and his people that he was bound and determined to stick it out and be as good a ruler as he could be. His relationship with his wife was obviously loving and he was devoted to his two girls. You get a pretty strong sense that had his older brother not abdicated, things could have gone very bad for the British in WWII. I think I now want to read "The Gathering Storm" by WInston Churchill as this book has piqued my interest in the events leading up the war.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Britain really owes the United States a debt of gratitude for Wallis Simpson. If she hadn't gone over there in the 1930's to distract the Prince of Wales, they might have been stuck with King Edward VIII, who would have been a dismal, if not downright treasonous, Monarch.
Instead, they got this dutiful and wonderful king, King George VI. You're welcome, Britain.
This book took me forever to get through but I loved every minute. This is the fascinating story of the man who didn't want to be King, but when the time came, he did his duty as he had been raised to do it. He was the right Sovereign at the right time for England. Author Bradford does not ignore his flaws and his struggles, and she tells his story fully. Except...my one quibble with the book is that there is not more about his relationship to his daughter Elizabeth, now Queen Elizabeth II. I would have loved to read some correspondence between them, or even her thoughts on her father. I understand why that isn't included, of course. She was and is the reigning monarch, and all of that is probably, even now, just too personal to share.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a brilliant book about an amazing man in a very interesting period of time. The book was long and I read it over a long period of time. I found some bits tough going but overall I enjoyed the book and some parts were totally gripping. I learnt a lot about my country, the royal family and also that period of history. I think that George VI was a very admirable man and was a very good king. Given the fact he was not trained to be king and never had it on his agenda as he was growing up but then stepped in and dedicated his whole life to the service makes him a strong role model. The last few pages of the book talk about the tributes left when he died and the sad thing is that not many people know much about George VI or "George the Good". I would certainly recommend this book to people who enjoy reading history or biographies and hope more people learn about this great man.

[Ann Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not generally a fan of biographies, history, or the royal family, so it's safe to say that I never would have considered this if one of my book groups hadn't chosen it. When my used copy arrived, a musty dog-eared paperback, and I saw that it was 600 pages my heart really sank.

Fortunately it turns out to be a great book. Extremely well-written. Obviously detailed (600 pages) but with a few rare exceptions none of the details seem superfluous. The lengthy discussions of the abdication and WWII are particularly gripping. I was fascinated by the travels, the interactions with Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and the wartime austerity measures at Buckingham Palace. Highly recommended.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

A seemingly well-researched biography with a wealth of information. I say seemingly because I am sure that us peasants will never be privy to all of the documentation produced by the royal family. Wills, for instance, are commonly sealed and never revealed to public scrutiny. Still this was a fascinating look at this period of history and particularly the abdication of Edward VIII and its aftermath, and a period that feels extremely distant with its emphasis on hierarchy, tradition, religion, and conformity.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been on my shelf for quite a while. I finally picked it up to read since I have two all essay tests for my Western Civilization class and the book had some things I can use to answer them. I really enjoyed it, I know more about Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother than I know about King George VI, the actual ruler. I'm glad the open book tests gave me a reason to finally pick up the book to finish it.

[Karen (Living Unabridged) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent effort but not breaking any new ground. I would rate this higher but Bradford references The Duke of Windsor's memoirs without the skepticism they deserve, especially when referring to the childhood of the future George VI. She in unnecessarily harsh toward George V (father of George VI), even contradictory at times. I would recommend this book for anglophiles and royal watchers only, who can compare it to other books and form a more rounded picture.

[Tom Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well documented, detailed life of an extraordinary king. Bradford tells the compelling story of George VI's life, his famous stutter, infamous brother's abdication, and most importantly his public role leading Britain through and after WWII. This is an excellent academic biography, not a quick profile. Definitely worth a read if you are a serious buff of the Royals, England, or WWII history.

[Christine Posinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been obsessed with George VI since seeing the film The King's Speech. This biography was not easy to read - lots of detail - particulary during the war years. What a good man he was and what a lovely marriage he had.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed, well-researched book. Author highlights the King's good qualities (of which there are many) and mentions his less pleasant traits but doesn't dwell on them. Her discusses the Duke of Windsor's behavior during before and WWII which is revealed as abominable, almost treasonous.

[Dorian · Rating 2 out of 5]

A weighty tome - almost 500 pages of rather small print - but a little disappointing. The writing is pedestrian, the treatment of its subject verging on hagiographic. It was interesting, but not as much so as it could have been.

[Robert Boyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written biography, with good historical detail. Reinforces the feeling that the Brits and the rest of the Commonwealth benefited from the abdication of Edward VIII.

[Michiko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well written that didn't want to finish it. Plenty of detail about the king, his family and the era.

[Virginia Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and plowed through it all despite its long chapters, long paragraphs, and small print. The information shared made me feel like a “fly on the wall” (sorry for the cliche) - I felt like I was privy to countless private conversations during the time period of George VI’s reign. I came away with a tremendous regard and respect for George VI as king. Always in the background during his youth, as “the spare”, he idolized his older brother David (the future Edw VIII) and was emotionally abused by his impatient and insensitive father whose manner towards him created the stammer he struggled with. It was with humility to the nth degree that he took on the throne, which he did not want, when Edw VIII made his choice. I was impressed with how he mastered his job as king, possibly doing the best job in that role in all of history. He made sure he was well informed on all issues and met with presidents and other dignitaries, with intelligent, well-formed curiosity that gained him respect. He took his position so seriously it eroded his health, leading to a premature death. His simple pleasures in life included love of family, and the beauty of nature. This man was the opposite of his older brother, and his loyalty and integrity brought England through WW2 along with Winston Churchill who loved the man. George VI did all this while “on the run” - as Edw VIII would not go away, and his flashy charm was a constant threat as he wanted to return to England. I have found my favorite king, and am on to another book on the Windsors.

[Rachael Hewison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Queen Elizabeth II has celebrated her Platinum jubilee this year, a feat achieved in part by the early death of her father. I thought it an opportune moment to learn more about King George VI and I'm glad I did. I learnt much about him in Bradford's biography.

Bradford depicts a nervous young man with a difficult childhood, who at age 41 was thrust reluctantly onto the throne by the actions of his older brother and Bradford builds up a picture of why this was such a personal ordeal for King George. She follows King George as he deals with being monarch of a country at war and the issues that followed which led to his premature death. Bradford writes in such detail and whilst a lot of the time it was interesting, my attention did wander at certain parts so it's taken a while to get through it.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting book, giving a unique perspective of an important part of 20th Century history.

Bradford’s biography of George VI, however, comes across as very complimentary to the former monarch and does not read as an impartial biography, which is somewhat disappointing. The biography is, in parts, long winded and certain points could have been shortened or omitted.

Regardless, I found it interesting, informative, well researched, and enjoyable. Recommended for those seeking an insight into Britain’s early years and challenges in the early 1900’s