After King George's death it was decided that his biography should be written in two installments. A private life was prepared by John Gore ("King George V. A Personal Memoir," London, Murray, 1941). Mr. Nicolson was chosen to chronicle his public life. He has been remarkably successful in presenting the King against the background of the two major themes: the functioning of a monarchy in a modern state and the changing power and influence of the monarchy during the 25 years' reign.