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

The second son of the prince who would become King George V was born while his grandfather was still Prince of Wales, and his great-grandmother Victoria ("Gan-Gan" to her descendants) was still Queen/Empress of the British Empire. That he would ever be called upon to ascend the throne seemed unlikely during his boyhood, but that possibility began casting a shadow over his young manhood as his elder brother lived an international playboy's life and showed none of the qualities required of a future king. To Prince Albert, whom his family called Bertie, the throne was indeed a shadow. Something he dreaded, as he lived happily with his wife and two young daughters. Then his father died, and his brother succeeded. But Edward (or "David," within the royal family) came to the throne determined to marry an American woman who had a husband already, plus two living ex-husbands. Instead of planning for his coronation, King Edward struggled with his ministers and with his love, Wallis Warfield Simpson, until he realized that he could not have both the throne and the woman of his choice. So Edward abdicated, and Prince Albert became George VI - the Reluctant King. This meticulously researched biography takes the reader through the entire course of George VI's life, and it makes a fascinating character study. The uncertain yet determined, sickly young man with the stammer wins a woman who makes him happy, and does his duty when his brother's choice requires it of him. George VI hates being king. Yet by the time of his early death, he has taken a throne that his brother made precarious and left it his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, as the most secure monarchy in the much altered Europe of the post-war years. He has also guided his country through the horrors of World War II, and dealt realistically with the changes afterward that transform his empire into a commonwealth. The politics of world history not only form the background for this book; they often take center stage, making it read like a textbook much of the time. The author's style makes it a highly readable textbook, though; and the tale of Prince Albert who became King George is a compelling one of old-fashioned moral heroism. I enjoyed it thoroughly. My one (somewhat) negative comment must be that had I not been fortified by a lifelong passion for this period in history, bringing much prior knowledge to the read, I might have found its density of detail overwhelming instead of enlightening. --Reviewed by Nina M. Osier, author of "Love, Jimmy: A Maine Veteran's Longest Battle"

I stumbled on this at the library and was soon engrossed. It is extremely interesting to see behind the stiffness of royalty, and to get another angle on the Abdication scandal, as well as World War II, the King's relationship with Roosevelt (and the delightful details about the King's visit to Roosevelt's country home), and about Queen Elizabeth (his wife)'s context and personality. Very enlightening if you are interested in Britain or in British royalty in the early 20th century.

The author wrote a sympathic, yet enjoyable biography of the late monarch. She full describe his personality, as well as explain how he overcame his disability, particularly when he ascended the throne after his brother gave up his position.