Winston Churchill and MacKenzie King - by Terry Reardon (Paperback)

About the Book

Born just two weeks apart in 1874, Winston Churchill and William Lyon Mackenzie King took different paths to achieve their objective of a parliamentary career, Churchill through military exploits and King through academic excellence. The Second World War brought the two leaders closer together, and this book traces the story of their relationship.

Book Synopsis

The story of the complex relationship between two world leaders during one of the greatest crises in human history.

Born just two weeks apart in 1874, Winston Churchill and William Lyon Mackenzie King had much in common. Both forged long parliamentary careers, and each led his country to victory in World War II. A BBC poll deemed Winston Churchill the greatest Briton of all time, and Mackenzie King has been judged by a group of historians as the greatest Canadian prime minister. Their parallel careers fostered a working relationship that lasted almost fifty years. It was not always an easy relationship, however. Churchill, famous for his drink and cigars, was impetuous and charismatic, an extrovert; King, a teetotaller during WWII, was noted for considering all options before cautiously proceeding. Fate threw this ill-matched pair together. For the first time, the vital relationship between these two very different men is explored in depth. It is the story not just of two extraordinary leaders, but also of the changing bonds between Britain and Canada.

Review Quotes

"This is a very informative, very entertaining book about so similar, so different, people."--Mike Duncan "co-host of Good Day GTA, Classical 96.3 FM"

"Until now there have been no books on the important relationship between Churchill and King; so thanks to Terry Reardon on filling this breach in a fascinating and absorbing book."--Steve Paikin "anchor of TVO's The Agenda"

About the Author

Terry Reardon began his career in English banking, continuing in Canada. Bridging both countries sparked his interest in the relationship between Churchill and King. A director of the International Churchill Society in Canada, Reardon is also on the editorial board of Finest Hour, the Churchillian magazine. He lives in Toronto.