The King's Speech

How One Man Saved the British Monarchy

By: Mark Logue, Peter Conradi

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award, Solo Narration, Male, 2012

The King's Speech was written by London Sunday Times journalist Peter Conradi and Mark Logue - grandson of Lionel Logue, whose recently discovered diaries and correspondence contain fascinating details about these true events.

At the urging of his wife, Elizabeth, the Duke of York (known to the royal family as "Bertie") began to see speech therapist Lionel Logue in a desperate bid to cure his lifelong stammer. Little did the two men know that this unlikely friendship - between a future monarch and a commoner born in Australia - would ultimately save the House of Windsor from collapse.

Through intense locution and breathing lessons, the amiable Logue gave the shy young Duke the skills and the confidence to stand and deliver before a crowd. And when his elder brother, Edward VIII, abdicated the throne to marry for love, Bertie was able to assume the reins of power as King George VI - just in time to help steer the nation through the dark waters of the Second World War.

Bonus Audio: This special edition includes a recording of George VI's historic speech announcing to the British people the United Kingdom's 1939 declaration of war with Germany.

©2010 Mark Logue and Peter Conradi (P)2011 Tantor

Not Boring

I enjoyed the fact it stayed interesting. Kept to the historical record. Well read, and a pleasant change from other historical books.

As enjoyable as the film, and then some.

Written after the movie was already in production this books tells much more of the impact Lionel Logue had over Bertie. (The subtitle is a bit presumptuous that Mr. Logue did it on his own but the story doesn't make that mistake.) It's a look behind the curtain in how confidence was instilled in the future monarch by a self-trained commoner and their long friendship which followed. This book is also gives a glimpse at how the art of corresponding, journaling and diary keeping allows future generations to learn about their forefathers. The authors paint an interesting canvas of the times these persons lived and the adversities they endured. If you enjoyed the film and want to experience more of the relationship between the Prince/King and the commoner I believe you will find this enjoyable.

The King's Speech

This book is a story told through the diaries and letters of Mr. Logue and George VI. It's merit is in that actual letters tell the story rather than a modified script. We are a world entertained by enhanced reality. This story isn't going for the amazing turning point or surprise ending. The movie was wonderful--but it would have been less if not based on the reality of these two men. It moves us because the achievement was real and not invented.

Excellent on All Fronts

If you could sum up The King's Speech in three words, what would they be?

Biography, History, Drama

What was one of the most memorable moments of The King's Speech?

Listening to the actual broadcasts of the King as he progresses, both personally with his speech abilities and historically with the history of his country--just the right amount of footage

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene before, and through, the King's coronation speech

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Bertie's (later Duke and still later King) life as a young boy and young man

Any additional comments?

I had doubts that I would truly enjoy this, since I had loved the film and worried it would be a repeat. It adds much more to the story. Simon Vance is absolutely perfect as he narrates.

A Peak into the Life of Royalty

This book was fascinating and it gave a lot of background into the history of the Post WWI and up until 1950. This book is written from the letters and memoirs of the author's grandfather, who was the King of England's Speech therapist and friend. It was neat to see how much the royal family came to appreciate the help the king had been given with his speech. If you like history or enjoy learning about royalty, you will really like hearing this book. There is not much info on the type of speech therapy that was used. But it was encouraging to see how much change in speech that even an adult can obtain with the proper help and encouragement. I enjoyed the actual audio-recordings of the King's speeches that were included appropriately.

I can say that the book has no issues with swearing unlike the movie version. I could and will share this with the family.

Good listen

I liked the movie, and found more detail and a better story in the book. More than a highlight of one important speech, the book shows a long working relationship between two men in extraordinary circumstances.

Good history lesson

Any additional comments?

A very interesting listen! The book not only tells of the king's battle with stuttering, but offers insights into the events of the time.

An Engaging History

When I read that this was a "companion book" to the movie, I expected one of those quick rewrites of the movie script into a book. I was delighted to find that this is a legitimate history of Logue's life, companion to the movie only in that it was published concurrently.

It gives many more insights into his work and the true story of his relationship with the king up to the ends of both of their lives, demonstrating in the process where the movie is fictionalized. That enabled me to appreciate both book and movie, each for what it is.

It's disappointing that Logue didn't record more detail about his methods, but his grandson-biographer explains that honestly.

Note that it is both written and read in the audio version as a biography, not a story with voice acting. With that understanding, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

This book would have made a better movie, however

What did you like best about The King's Speech? What did you like least?

Hearing about the times and practices of this historic period.

Would you recommend The King's Speech to your friends? Why or why not?

Probably. It's worth the listen

Do you think The King's Speech needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Not really.

Very enjoyable book

What made the experience of listening to The King's Speech the most enjoyable?

I debated whether I wanted to get the hard copy or the audiobook, and I'm glad I chose the latter. Apart from the very good narration, this package includes materials that are not included in the book. Very interesting, and it works well as a primary source reader for historians as well. Highly recommended!

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is not a novel, so there are no actual characters. It involves the interaction between two men.

Which scene was your favorite?

Not applicable.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really. I am an Historian, so I keep pretty level-headed when reading this type of book.

Any additional comments?

I heartily recommend the book.