George VI: The Dutiful King

by Philip Ziegler

Written by Philip Ziegler, one of Britain's most celebrated biographers, George VI is part of the Penguin Monarchs series: short, fresh, expert accounts of England's rulers in a collectible format.

If Ethelred was notoriously 'Unready' and Alfred 'Great', King George VI should bear the title of 'George the Dutiful'.

Throughout his life, George dedicated himself to the pursuit of what he thought he ought to be doing rather than what he wanted to do. Inarticulate and loathing any sort of public appearances, he accepted that it was his destiny to figure conspicuously in the public eye, gritted his teeth, battled his crippling stammer and got on with it.

He was not born to be king, but he made an admirable one, and was the figurehead of the nation at the time of its greatest trial, the Second World War. This is a brilliant, touching and sometimes funny book about this reluctant public figure, and the private man.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Royalty, British Literature, Ebooks, War

94 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2014

About the author

Philip Ziegler was a British biographer and historian known for his meticulously researched works on historical figures and events. After studying at Eton and New College, Oxford, he served in the British Foreign Service, with postings in Laos, South Africa, Colombia, and NATO. He later transitioned into publishing and writing, eventually becoming a distinguished biographer.
His notable works include Mountbatten: The Official Biography, Edward VIII: The Official Biography, and The Black Death. He also wrote about figures such as Lord Melbourne, Harold Wilson, and George VI. Over the years, Ziegler contributed to major publications like The Spectator, The Times, and History Today.
His personal life was marked by tragedy when his first wife was killed during a home invasion in Bogotá in 1967. He later remarried and continued his literary career until his passing in 2023 at the age of 93.

Reviews

[Geevee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful account in just over eighty pages of the life, reign and death of this successful but reticent king.

His early life was one of struggles both academically and with his speech impediment, and he lived much in the shadow and indeed in awe of his elder brother David (later Edward VIII).

George's reign was defined by his ascending the throne on his brother's abdication in 1936, and his place as head of Britain and the Empire during the Second World War. These aspects are covered well for such a short book (standard for this welcome and enjoyable series).

There is some detail on his marriage to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and her support to him as king. His relationships with his prime minsters Baldwin, Chamberlain, Churchill and Attlee are also discussed as is that with his father and his brother post-abdication.

The book will not provide much if any new material for those who have read or studied George VI in any detail, but it is a worthy addition to the wider series and has good suggestions for further reading.

All in all a solid book about a good, committed and respected monarch who served his country and empire well.

Edited 9th April 2018 to correct spelling mistake on David (Edward VIII).

[Carolyn Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

George VI: The Dutiful King presents Queen Elizabeth II’s father as a monarch who spent most his life overcoming his personal inclination for a quiet, retiring life to do his duty as King after the abdication of his elder brother, Edward VIII. Philip Ziegler, who previously wrote a full length biography of Edward VIII, provides a nuanced portrait of George VI as a political figure, especially his popularity during the Second World War. Ziegler pays less attention to the King’s personal life. George VI’s successful marriage to Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother) receives some attention but the example and training that George VI provided for his daughter and successor should have received greater attention in this otherwise insightful biography.

[Thomas James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book to get a foothold in to the life of this great king. A great overview of his life and work, I did not expect much detail from an 80 page book of a king who reigned 26 years, considering there are books 3 times its length on a monarch like Edward VI who died in his teens. Would recommended anyone who wants a foothold or an insight in to George VI. I now feel I can go on to read more detailed books on his life with the overview I have gained. Well written and easy to read

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Ziegler is a well-known historian, this short biography, part of the new Penguin Monarchs Series, feels like he didn't devote much time or energy to the project. There's really nothing new or insightful in this biography, which is simply a compilation of well-trod ground. Fine for an introduction to George VI, but nothing more than that.

[Verity W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think this told me anything I didn't already know about George VI, but as it's a short guide and I've read a fair few books about this period, that's perhaps not surprising.

It is however a good primer on George VI - covering the major events of his life (albeit not in much depth) and giving an overview of the man.

[Ervin Vice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, beautifully written introduction to George VI, with particular emphasis on what shaped his character and why his character became so important during his reign. I learned enough about him to want to learn more, which seems to me the entire point of these brief little bios of the monarchs. I have scanned some of the two-star reviews, and it seems to me that much of the complaining stems from two things: 1) the book is short and 2) it didn’t tell them anything they didn’t already know. Well, 1) it is intended to be short in order to be less intimidating to those who are new to the subject and 2) it’s also intended to be an introduction. If you are already an expert, deeply versed in the details, why on Earth would you pick this up?

[Debbie O'Boyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping this might be one of those "little gems" I come across in my study of George VI, since I like Philip Ziegler as a writer, but it really wasn't. There are a few obvious mistakes; for example, his second name was Frederick, not Ferdinand, and I always wonder how very simple facts like that can go uncorrected. Makes one suspect of the whole text, honestly. But in fairness, it's pretty good in general - a "nuanced portrait" as another reviewer stated. Just feels a little half-hearted.

I do love the cover art though!

[Dain Keating · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very very short

So short it’s more of an essay than a biography. Didn’t inform me at all, apart from some detail about the death of the king, which I hadn’t know. An easy read, but not recommended.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second read in the Penguin Monarch series, and I really enjoy these short biographies on the monarchs of Britain. Long enough to give a good view of their lives, short enough to remain interesting; the books are a good introduction.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it was a quick read, it didn't offer any new insights about King George VI that I haven't already read.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, short book to get some background!

[David Highton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short biography of the wartime King who reluctantly took the throne after the abdication in 1936

[John Glasscock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceedingly good book about a man who did his duty to his name, his country, and his family.

[Steven Beningo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good biography of the father of Queen Elizabeth II.

[Callum Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but informative overview of a man not meant for high station, yet who discharged his duties to the best of his ability. The Penguin Monarchs series is at its best when it blends delving into the character of the person themselves and the events surrounding them. After reading this book you can understand where the late Queen inherited her sense of duty from

[Dayna Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a beautiful insight into a King who is sometimes underlooked in British history. Would definitely recommend for any history lovers looking for a good book on the royal family!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5