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.

Terry Reardon began his career in English banking, continuing in Canada. Bridging both countries sparked his interest in the relationship between Prime Ministers 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.

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Elizabeth McIninch is an international business consultant and editor of the Friendship Beyond Borders Series. A former Canadian history and government professor at John Abbott College, she has been archival assistant to the Right Honourable John Napier T

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“This is a very informative, very entertaining book about so similar, so different, people.”

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.”

anchor of TVO’s The Agenda