An interesting contribution to the literature of the war period -- for this is more than a biography of the king of the Belgians, it is a graphically told history of the tense period preceding the Great War, during and after it, written by a journalist equipped to observe and comment, and himself an eye witness. Under his hands the character of Albert comes to life, -- silent, pessimistic, morbidly sensitive, indifferent to praise, a brave personal leader, of iron will, clear judgment, quick decision. His upbringing was sketchy -- there was no thought of his reaching the throne. He loved his people and knew them intimately; he consulted the leaders of the three parties, and had decided sympathy for the Socialistic point of view. A very human person. In his marriage and home life he was singularly fortunate. Interesting sidelights on notable personages of the time. The style of the book is informal, sometimes brusque, but it reads easily and absorbingly.