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The Third Man: Churchill, Roosevelt, Mackenzie King, and the Untold Friendships that Won WWII
The relationship between Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt was among the most momentous - and mysterious - in history. The story of how these fiercely independent leaders worked together to defeat Hitler's Germany has been divined mainly from their cautious letters and the comments of staffers. Meanwhile, the detailed record of their fellow head of government, Canadian Prime Minister William L. Mackenzie King, who knew each of them better than they knew each other, has been largely overlooked.
A sublime diplomat, King was determined, as leader of the largest British Dominion and America’s closest neighbour, to serve as a lynchpin between the great powers. Churchill and Roosevelt both came to rely upon him as their next most important ally, routinely confiding in him and never suspecting that he was meticulously recording every word, prayer, slight, and tic from their countless interactions in his voluminous unpublished diary.
The Third Man offers us a truly unique look at the personalities, the strategies, and the epic relationship that won WWII.
A sublime diplomat, King was determined, as leader of the largest British Dominion and America’s closest neighbour, to serve as a lynchpin between the great powers. Churchill and Roosevelt both came to rely upon him as their next most important ally, routinely confiding in him and never suspecting that he was meticulously recording every word, prayer, slight, and tic from their countless interactions in his voluminous unpublished diary.
The Third Man offers us a truly unique look at the personalities, the strategies, and the epic relationship that won WWII.
484 pages, Hardcover
Published February 16, 2021
3 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Neville Thompson
16 books14 followersNeville Thompson is the author of five novels and the editor of two collections of short stories written by Irish prisoners, collected when he was a part-time prison teacher at Midlands Prison and Portlaoise Prison.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 23, 2021
Not only is it the best use of Mackenzie King's diaries that I've read in some considerable time, it actually makes me appreciate King's skill in dealing with two competing world leaders, especially in war time, and the best use of soft power in a soon-to-be-super power world. Considering that I still believe King to be the most bonkers human being to ever occupy the seat of Canadian Prime Minister...that alone is a five star achievement.
August 29, 2021
Never have I read such a clear and enjoyable view of a historical time and its personage. Mr Thompson's insight into the great partnerships made for a truly outstanding journey.
May 3, 2025
I am very divided between giving this book 3 or 4 stars, but I went for 3 in the end. In some parts it does its job really well of describing the relationships and meetings between King, Roosevelt and Churchill through King’s perspective. I am also really glad that the author put footnotes on the pages on which they appear as it makes it easy to see where the author is obtaining their information from (mostly King’s diary but there are other sources). However, something makes me feel like the author wanted to write a history of King’s political career and Canadian WW2 history on top of the main subject of the book which makes it feel like this could’ve been 2 separate books.
I actually feel like I lost a bit of respect for King through this work. Maybe this is just the author’s interpretation, but it appears to me like winning elections was more important to King than matters I’d consider more pressing (like, I don’t know, WW2) and never backed anything that might be risky to his political standing (like opening a second front in Europe early which many American generals and British commentators were pressing for). Tory partisanship may have helped in this matter but it is a bit depressing to see America and Britain stand firm for the most part behind their leaders while Canada’s was more concerned with holding onto power.
On the other hand, Roosevelt and Churchill look like exemplary individuals in this book. Roosevelt being the leader of the sleeping giant who mobilized the country with such effectiveness that it could fight on several fronts while donating tons of equipment and money to that which it couldn’t actively engage in all while battling with his failing health. Churchill may not have been right in execution at all times but seemed to have been competent in predicting world events (the failure of appeasement and Barbarossa being two of them). Because of this, the book really makes little old King to be “The Third Man.”
I actually feel like I lost a bit of respect for King through this work. Maybe this is just the author’s interpretation, but it appears to me like winning elections was more important to King than matters I’d consider more pressing (like, I don’t know, WW2) and never backed anything that might be risky to his political standing (like opening a second front in Europe early which many American generals and British commentators were pressing for). Tory partisanship may have helped in this matter but it is a bit depressing to see America and Britain stand firm for the most part behind their leaders while Canada’s was more concerned with holding onto power.
On the other hand, Roosevelt and Churchill look like exemplary individuals in this book. Roosevelt being the leader of the sleeping giant who mobilized the country with such effectiveness that it could fight on several fronts while donating tons of equipment and money to that which it couldn’t actively engage in all while battling with his failing health. Churchill may not have been right in execution at all times but seemed to have been competent in predicting world events (the failure of appeasement and Barbarossa being two of them). Because of this, the book really makes little old King to be “The Third Man.”
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February 22, 2023I really enjoyed reading the Third Man. I never realized how much influence William Lyon Mackenzie King had in uniting both Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt . Canada had a huge and pivotal role in WWII, not just on the front lines but also behind the scenes as well.
February 23, 2021
I am a big fan of biographies, memoirs & books about historical figures/events. This book seemed to be just my sort!
I am very aware of Churchill & Roosevelt’s friendship during the war, I knew of Stalin & De Gaulle but I had never heard of the Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King. I was excited to find out about this mystery man who seemed to be a significant figure to both.
Whilst I enjoyed learning about Mackenzie King and uncovering new insights into Churchill & Roosevelt through him, I found the book very heavy going and very academic rather than flowing nicely. Most books of this type have some additional narrative or perhaps description of an event as it appears to the outsider/press & then the “behind the scenes” story but this was fact after fact. As an piece of academic research, this book s excellent, as a book to read for interest not so much.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#TheThirdMan #NetGalley
I am very aware of Churchill & Roosevelt’s friendship during the war, I knew of Stalin & De Gaulle but I had never heard of the Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King. I was excited to find out about this mystery man who seemed to be a significant figure to both.
Whilst I enjoyed learning about Mackenzie King and uncovering new insights into Churchill & Roosevelt through him, I found the book very heavy going and very academic rather than flowing nicely. Most books of this type have some additional narrative or perhaps description of an event as it appears to the outsider/press & then the “behind the scenes” story but this was fact after fact. As an piece of academic research, this book s excellent, as a book to read for interest not so much.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#TheThirdMan #NetGalley
February 21, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada's longest serving and 10th prime minister, was a go-between and occasional confidant of both Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill during WWII. This biography, making heavy use of King's own journals, chronicles the role he played. This is a meticulously researched, focused WWII book that I'm sure WWII aficionados and historians will enjoy. It is also quite focused for a book about WWII, somehow avoiding many rabbit holes and the need for lengthy asides.
As someone with rather basic familiarity about WWII and only moderate interest (I read 3 books about it last year, for example), I found this pretty hard to get through for pleasure reading. This is a book about a politician, and I wasn't surprised that it's primarily about politics. However, it's very much a "and then this happened" sort of telling rather than the historian imposing structure and interpretation on the events. This book made me realize I prefer the latter. The long descriptions of international meeting after meeting (broken up by King's comments about Churchill's siren suits or health) felt interminable. My three-star rating reflects this, but others will have their own experience. If I needed info about King for research, this would certainly be my go-to.
I was most interested in the politics of Britain's dominions during the war and how Canada fared. I had been expecting to see more about Canada's role in the war, perhaps with King functioning as a synecdoche of his state, or perhaps the occasional vignette about other important players or battles. Instead, this has a tight focus on King (who, alas, appears to have no vices other than perhaps a touch of sanctimony and a belief in mysticism.).
Mid-way through this, I asked a Canadian friend if she learned a lot about King in primary school, and she said "not really." Despite his work in WWII and his role in the development of a welfare state, he's considered rather boring as far as his personal legacy. I don't think this book will change anyone's mind, but it does flesh out a less well-known aspect of history.
William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada's longest serving and 10th prime minister, was a go-between and occasional confidant of both Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill during WWII. This biography, making heavy use of King's own journals, chronicles the role he played. This is a meticulously researched, focused WWII book that I'm sure WWII aficionados and historians will enjoy. It is also quite focused for a book about WWII, somehow avoiding many rabbit holes and the need for lengthy asides.
As someone with rather basic familiarity about WWII and only moderate interest (I read 3 books about it last year, for example), I found this pretty hard to get through for pleasure reading. This is a book about a politician, and I wasn't surprised that it's primarily about politics. However, it's very much a "and then this happened" sort of telling rather than the historian imposing structure and interpretation on the events. This book made me realize I prefer the latter. The long descriptions of international meeting after meeting (broken up by King's comments about Churchill's siren suits or health) felt interminable. My three-star rating reflects this, but others will have their own experience. If I needed info about King for research, this would certainly be my go-to.
I was most interested in the politics of Britain's dominions during the war and how Canada fared. I had been expecting to see more about Canada's role in the war, perhaps with King functioning as a synecdoche of his state, or perhaps the occasional vignette about other important players or battles. Instead, this has a tight focus on King (who, alas, appears to have no vices other than perhaps a touch of sanctimony and a belief in mysticism.).
Mid-way through this, I asked a Canadian friend if she learned a lot about King in primary school, and she said "not really." Despite his work in WWII and his role in the development of a welfare state, he's considered rather boring as far as his personal legacy. I don't think this book will change anyone's mind, but it does flesh out a less well-known aspect of history.
February 23, 2021
Neville Thompson's "The Third Man" highlights Mackenzie King's role during WWII. As a history major who learned a European-centric history of this time period and taught a U.S.-centric view of world history throughout primary and secondary school, I was surprised to learn the key role that King played during this critical time.
Thompson's book gives us a detailed account of King's individual relationships with FDR and Churchill as well as their interactions as a group. What I found most fascinating, however, was the unique context that King's perspective brings to the complex relationship between FDR and Churchill.
The Third Man provides so much detail about King and the relationship between these three men that it can be a slower read at times. While this is true, the context provided for the meetings and conversations between these three men was fascinating and made this account seem much more like "real life" than many history books lack when they fly at too high of a level.
Ultimately, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in WWII, Canadian history, FDR, or Churchill. It's likely not a book you could select for the casual reader, but I feel there's a lot in these pages that would be new and interesting to those with an interest in this specific historical period.
Thompson's book gives us a detailed account of King's individual relationships with FDR and Churchill as well as their interactions as a group. What I found most fascinating, however, was the unique context that King's perspective brings to the complex relationship between FDR and Churchill.
The Third Man provides so much detail about King and the relationship between these three men that it can be a slower read at times. While this is true, the context provided for the meetings and conversations between these three men was fascinating and made this account seem much more like "real life" than many history books lack when they fly at too high of a level.
Ultimately, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in WWII, Canadian history, FDR, or Churchill. It's likely not a book you could select for the casual reader, but I feel there's a lot in these pages that would be new and interesting to those with an interest in this specific historical period.
February 23, 2021
This book tells the story of Canadian PM Mackenzie King's relationship with Churchill and Roosevelt before and during the war, and the part that he played in it, relying heavily on his extensive diary entries. I didn't know anything about Mackenzie King before reading this well-researched book, which was quite enlightening. An old-fashioned liberal with a classical education, King shared much in common with these leaders, but he had to stand up to them in the interests of Canada.
Although he was very much against war at first, disagreeing with Churchill, and he found Churchill impulsive and prone to make mistakes, they got on fairly well. However, he was a confidante of Roosevelt, although he often seemed to misunderstand him. Being Australian, I was also interested in his opinion of Menzies, and the author's analysis that King handled Churchill better than the Australians who were too agressive and not diplomatic.
Although this book is useful for students of Canadian history and WW2, it is rather academic and dry for general reading.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Although he was very much against war at first, disagreeing with Churchill, and he found Churchill impulsive and prone to make mistakes, they got on fairly well. However, he was a confidante of Roosevelt, although he often seemed to misunderstand him. Being Australian, I was also interested in his opinion of Menzies, and the author's analysis that King handled Churchill better than the Australians who were too agressive and not diplomatic.
Although this book is useful for students of Canadian history and WW2, it is rather academic and dry for general reading.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 15, 2021
In many respects this is a rather remarkable book, as it highlights the pivotal role that Mackenzie King played in the relationship between Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt. As Canada's longest serving Prime Minister, King was able to act as a bridge between these two strong-willed leaders. This was particularly crucial when Britain was facing Hitler, largely alone, before America's entry into the war. King played a crucial role in establishing the links that resulted in the Lend Lease Program, a vital life line during this darkest hour.
King's role is often overlooked along with Canada's major contribution to the war effort. Author Neville Thompson draws extensively from King's personal diaries. In many respects the diaries give us an intimate look into the lives of these three wartime leaders. Their friendship was strong, genuine and abiding despite some marked differences in policy.
This book is ideal for those who value a close-up look at history and how it unfolds at the upper echelons of political power. In many respects, it is deserving of a five star rating, but it lacks the polish and top level editing needed for that score. Yet it's well worth reading.
King's role is often overlooked along with Canada's major contribution to the war effort. Author Neville Thompson draws extensively from King's personal diaries. In many respects the diaries give us an intimate look into the lives of these three wartime leaders. Their friendship was strong, genuine and abiding despite some marked differences in policy.
This book is ideal for those who value a close-up look at history and how it unfolds at the upper echelons of political power. In many respects, it is deserving of a five star rating, but it lacks the polish and top level editing needed for that score. Yet it's well worth reading.
April 21, 2021
It’s just a diary, right, how involved could it be? We are not talking about a few sentences each evening for a few years, no it’s 30,000 typed pages that begin in 1893 and stops just three days before he dies in 1950. He was Prime Minister of Canada on and off for twenty two years. After reading this book and allowing for self-centeredness and perspective I do believe he was a very important man whose name should have been mentioned with Winston Churchill, President Theodore Roosevelt and World War II. I would not try to list all Canada did for both wars but their contribution in money, and time seemed impressive. The meetings, and friendship between the three leaders solidifies the impression of the Third Man. Since I cannot vouch for the contents, the sheer uniqueness give it an automatic 5 for me.
February 4, 2021
Neville Thompson shines a brilliant, fresh light on the relationship between Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Canada's 10th prime minister, the infamous William Lyon Mackenzie King. Mackenzie King and I have never gotten along much on a personal level, but this book changed some of how I saw and thought of him. Neville Thompson does a wonderful job of portraying how Canada's prime minister helped Churchill and Roosevelt navigate some of the most difficult times in world history's recent memory.
August 17, 2025
3.5 / 5 - interesting read. It was nice to read a biography about WLMK that didn't focus on his obsession with spiritualism and the occult, as it's only briefly mentioned. This book illustrates his capabilities as a strong statesman working in the shadow during the time of colossal figures such as Churchill, FDR, Stalin, and later Truman. King is an often overlooked figure in the history of WW2 and diplomatic relations between Britain and the U.S, despite being close friends with both of the Western leaders. This book notes a lot of the forgotten or overlooked aspects of King's tenure as a politician probably come from being bland or boring in comparison to other leaders at the time, and then after he died and his interest in the occult became public knowledge through the publishcation of his diaries - he became a caricature of sorts.
This book uses King's diaries to give a new perspective on government leaders during WW2, and Neville Thompson does a really great job at compiling and doing a bit of interpreting of the diary entries alongside other sources. Was great to see the role Canada played through the eyes of its Prime Minister during this time period and why certain decisions were made. This book also doesn't shy away from the problematic aspects of WLMK's history (refusing to admit Jewish refugees to Canada and the widespread antisemitism in Canada and the Canadian government at the time + King's decision to quote Hitler in his diary at a time that they were well into the War and his optimistic views of Hitler after meeting him before two years before the War started).
I would recommend this book to people who are interested in Canadian history or politician biographies - there is a lot of solid parts about Churchill and Roosevelt in this book that some people may enjoy. That said, it is a really dense book in some spots with a lot of names and figures to remember, not something I would recommend to the casual reader.
PS: really relatable that King wasn't even the star of his own story in his OWN diary.
This book uses King's diaries to give a new perspective on government leaders during WW2, and Neville Thompson does a really great job at compiling and doing a bit of interpreting of the diary entries alongside other sources. Was great to see the role Canada played through the eyes of its Prime Minister during this time period and why certain decisions were made. This book also doesn't shy away from the problematic aspects of WLMK's history (refusing to admit Jewish refugees to Canada and the widespread antisemitism in Canada and the Canadian government at the time + King's decision to quote Hitler in his diary at a time that they were well into the War and his optimistic views of Hitler after meeting him before two years before the War started).
I would recommend this book to people who are interested in Canadian history or politician biographies - there is a lot of solid parts about Churchill and Roosevelt in this book that some people may enjoy. That said, it is a really dense book in some spots with a lot of names and figures to remember, not something I would recommend to the casual reader.
PS: really relatable that King wasn't even the star of his own story in his OWN diary.
May 1, 2022
This was a long book for me to finish considering I had to deal with the second semester of University, but I have to give massive props to Neville Thompson, To read the many diary entries of Mackenzie King and using them to explain the events that happened during the Second World War was wonderful to read. Churchill was definitely right about King being a bridge between him and Roosevelt. My favourite parts was the chapters on the Quebec conference and how Canada played a role around the development of the Atomic Bomb.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2022
Comprehensive in its understanding of Mackenzie King, this book uses great primary sources to step through his relationship with two titans. At times, it reads more like a diary recitation than actual analysis. I wish the historian had provided more commentary on some sections instead of jamming in more information.
January 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. While it's certainly not for everyone, the book paints a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at WWII and the relationship between Churchill, Roosevelt and King. The fact that King was able to maintain the loyalty and respect of both men was remarkable.
October 29, 2021
A great read! This is about the 8th book I’ve read on these three gentlemen and there are a lot of new insights in this one. A little fawning of King though.
November 17, 2021
Great book, i learned alot.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews