A Spirit Undaunted
Political Role of George VI
Published on 12. November 1998
Book
Hardback
384 pages
978-0-316-64765-6 (ISBN)
Description
The survival of the British monarchy is a phenomenon of modern world history, and conventional wisdom holds that this success is due in large part to the royal family's subservience to Parliament, especially since 1688. Arguing that the reality is very different, this book explores the political role of the monarchy from George III to George VI, with particular emphasis on the political insight of the latter, the author sets out to show just how close was the relationship between the King and Winston Churchill during the darkest days of World War II, and the extent to which an underrated monarch helped to steer Britain towards victory. Offering a wide-ranging survey which aims to be both entertaining and informative, the book provides insights into issues of constitution, duty and influence, and represents an examination of the way Britain has been run.
Reviews / Votes
A thought-provoking book on a subject which is presently at the cutting edge of politics - constitutional reform Rhodes James has given us a text which leads us mightily to think.' LITERARY REVIEWRhodes James s notable book is a significant contribution to recent political and constitutional history' SUNDAY TIMES
Amid the plethora of (mainly worthless) books on living royals, it is a relief to find one on a sovereign who ... is genuinely part of history, and by an author of proved excellence SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
'Full of shrewd analysis.' MAIL ON SUNDAY
'Anybody who takes a serious interest in these matters should welcome a book written with such authority, and made so readable.' GLASGOW HERALD
'This is an eminently enjoyable account of the achievements of a man who found himself thrust into a role for which he was unprepared.' THE WEEK
'What Rhodes James does admirably is show that George VI deserved the title of this book.' DAILY TELEGRAPH
'Stimulating.' MAIL ON SUNDAY
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
16 b&w illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 165 mm
Weight
795 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-316-64765-6 (9780316647656)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Robert Rhodes James is a distinguished historian and writer, and was MP for Cambridge between 1976 and 1992. The author of over a dozen books, he has also edited the diaries of Sir Henry Channon and the complete speeches of Sir Winston Churchill.