The King's speech

Written by Mark Logue, the grandson of Lionel  Logue, and Peter Conradi this book tells the story of the relationship between Lionel Logue and King George VI as Logue assisted the king with overcoming his speech impediment. It is also provides an account of the British monarchy from the 1920s to the early 1950s.

The 20th century introduced the age of communication by radio and public figures were expected to be able to make public speeches as required. As the second son of a king Albert did not expect to be king himself but he still had to represent his family at official functions - not an easy task for someone with a stammer. It was not until he met an Australian, Lionel Logue, that his ability to talk improved. When his brother abdicated and Albert became King George, Logue was always there to help him prepare for the many major speeches that he was required to make, checking the speeches for phrases that may cause problems substituting more suitable words or phrases in their place and generally encouraging the king.

The recent film, The King's Speech, outlines the story until the coronation. The book contains additional information, particularly for the period of World War II. The account provided in this book has been prepared from Logue's diaries and scrapbooks and describes the close relationship that developed between Logue and the King and Queen and also the close relationship between Logue and his wife, Myrtle.