King George VI

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This definitive biography of George VI explores the life of the king who faced immense challenges during his reign. Ascending to the throne after his brother's abdication, George encountered the upheaval of European politics leading to World War II, the war itself, and a subsequent era marked by austerity, social change, and the decline of the British Empire. Unprepared for kingship and burdened by a stammer, public appearances were often difficult for him. Growing up in the shadow of his charismatic brother, who was idolized by the public, George's journey to greatness was unexpected. Sarah Bradford's sympathetic portrayal reveals how, despite these challenges, George VI emerged as a respected monarch. Praised for her lucid and fair writing, Bradford's work is described as a triumph, with her insights into George's character and reign providing a vivid and thorough understanding of his legacy. Bradford, an accomplished historian and biographer, has written extensively on various historical figures, including Cesare Borgia, Disraeli, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Currently, she is working on a comprehensive biography of Queen Victoria, further establishing her reputation as a leading royal biographer.