Book cover for The King's Grace (Biography) by John Buchan

The King's Grace (Biography)

2026 Released
162 Pages
2-3 Hours
Ebook Unavailable
Audiobook Unavailable
Hardback Unavailable
Alpha EditionISBN 9789374129104

A monarch's footsteps echo through the corridors of a vanishing empire-steady, resolute, yet shadowed by the tremors of a world at war. In the shifting dawn of the twentieth century, the British monarchy faced unprecedented trials, and its sovereign stood at the heart of a nation's transformation. This masterful biography brings to vivid life the era when the royal family's private struggles mirrored the public convulsions of British society. From the gilded certainties of Edwardian grandeur to the battered trenches of World War One, the narrative traces the intricate dance between constitutional monarchy and political leadership during war, revealing both the fragility and resilience at the core of British royal history. With a keen eye for detail and a rare sense of intimacy, the author explores the reign's pivotal moments: the challenge of maintaining unity as the British Empire began its decline; the subtle, often unseen dynamics within the royal family; and the profound impact of early 20th century politics on the very fabric of national identity. Readers are drawn into a world where duty and personal sacrifice collide, and where the monarchy's survival depended as much on human character as on tradition. The work's literary significance endures, not only as a cornerstone of John Buchan's historical works but as a lens through which to examine the ongoing evolution of constitutional monarchy. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, inviting both devoted students of British monarchy history and newcomers alike to reconsider the legacy of a reign that shaped modern Britain. In these pages, the complexities of political leadership, the shifting tides of British society changes, and the enduring question of royal relevance are rendered with rare insight and enduring grace.

John Buchan

Author of the iconic novel The Thirty-Nine Steps, John Buchan filled many roles including barrister, colonial administrator, publisher, Director of Intelligence, and Member of Parliament. The Thirty-Nine Steps, first in the Richard Hannay series, is widely regarded as the starting point for espionage fiction and was written to pass time while Buchan recovered from an illness. During the outbreak of the First World War, Buchan wrote propaganda for the British war effort, combining his skills as author and politician. In 1935 Buchan was appointed the 15th Governor General of Canada and established the Governor General’s Literacy Award. Buchan was enthusiastic about literacy and the evolution of Canadian culture. He died in 1940 and received a state funeral in Canada before his ashes were returned to the United Kingdom.

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