History has a funny way of smoothing out the rough edges. When you look at the Coronation Book of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, you’re seeing the glossy, official version of a moment that almost didn't happen. It’s heavy. It’s gold-embossed. It feels like stability. But if you know anything about 1937, you know the British monarchy was basically hanging on by a thread after the Edward VIII abdication scandal.
This book wasn't just a souvenir. It was a PR masterstroke.
People often confuse these books with simple programs you’d pick up at a theater. They aren't. They were massive, detailed records intended to prove to the world that the "Spare" was ready to be King. They wanted to show that the line of succession was unbroken, even though the previous guy had just walked away for love.
Why the 1937 Coronation Book was a big deal for the public
The 1930s were grim. You had the Great Depression lingering, the rise of fascism in Europe, and then the King of England quits his job. When George VI took over, he was terrified. He had a stammer, he hated the spotlight, and he was stepping into shoes that felt way too big.
The Coronation Book of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth served as the visual proof of his legitimacy.
Publishers like Odhams Press and others rushed to get these out. They were everywhere. You’d find them in doctor's offices, on the coffee tables of the middle class, and in school libraries. They contained everything: the genealogy of the Windsors, the exact route of the procession, and high-quality photographs of the crown jewels. Honestly, for most people in the British Empire, this was the only way they’d ever "see" the ceremony. No live TV back then. Just radio and these books.
The technical side of the printing
Printing technology in 1937 was actually pretty sophisticated for these special editions. They used a mix of photogravure and letterpress. If you run your fingers over an original copy today, you can feel the slight indentations of the type. It’s tactile. It’s real.
The color plates are what usually grab collectors. They used a process that gave the images a slightly dreamy, painterly quality. It wasn’t the sharp, sterile digital look we have now. It felt regal. You look at Queen Elizabeth—the future Queen Mother—in her Norman Hartnell gown, and the way the ink captures the silk is just incredible.
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What’s actually inside the pages?
If you crack open a well-preserved copy of the Coronation Book of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, you aren't just getting a list of events. You’re getting a deep dive into the mystical side of the British State.
There's usually a massive section on the "Anointing."
This is the part of the ceremony that wasn't filmed (even in 1953 for his daughter, Elizabeth II). It’s the most sacred bit. The book explains the significance of the Ampulla and the Spoon, which date back centuries. It’s wild to think that in an era of early aviation and radio, the British government was still obsessing over 12th-century spoons.
The Procession Maps
I’ve always found the maps the most interesting part. They show exactly how the carriage wound through London. It wasn’t just a random stroll; it was a carefully calculated path to ensure as many people as possible could see the new King. The books often include diagrams of the seating inside Westminster Abbey too. You can see where the foreign royalty sat versus the peers of the realm. It's basically a 1930s version of a VIP seating chart.
Finding an original: What to look for
You’ve probably seen these in antique shops for like £10 or $15. Most of them are the "Daily Herald" or "Odhams Press" editions. They were mass-produced. Millions of them.
But there are different tiers.
The standard cloth-bound versions are common. They’re great for history buffs, but they aren't exactly "rare." However, there were limited luxury editions. Some were bound in real leather with gold leaf edges. If you find one of those in a basement, you’ve actually got something special.
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- Condition is everything. Because these were often given to children or kept in damp English attics, the spines are usually shot.
- Check the plates. Sometimes people would cut out the color pictures of the King and Queen to frame them, leaving the book "incomplete."
- The Dust Jacket. If you find a copy with its original paper dust jacket intact? That’s the holy grail. Most people threw those away immediately.
Honestly, the smell of these books is half the appeal. That old, slightly vanilla-scented paper decay? It’s addictive for bibliophiles.
The "Queen Elizabeth" factor in the 1937 book
We can't talk about the Coronation Book of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth without focusing on Elizabeth. She was the secret weapon. The public adored her. In the book, she’s often portrayed as the grounding force.
There’s a clear narrative shift in the text compared to books from previous coronations. It emphasizes "family." You see photos of the young Princess Elizabeth (our late Queen) and Princess Margaret. This was intentional. They were rebranding the monarchy as a "Family Monarchy" to contrast with the bachelor-playboy image of the guy who just abdicated.
It worked.
The book highlights her crown specifically. It was the first one to be set in platinum. It featured the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which has its own massive history and controversy now, but back then, it was just the crowning glory of the "Queen Consort."
Common misconceptions about the 1937 records
One thing people get wrong is thinking there is only one "Coronation Book."
There were dozens of different publishers. You had the official "Approved" versions and then a bunch of unofficial ones that were basically the 1937 version of tabloid specials. The quality varies wildly. Some have great historical essays by people like H.W. Wilson; others are just a collection of captions and grainy photos.
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Another mistake? Thinking they are worth a fortune.
Unless it’s a signed copy or a rare leather-bound limited run for a high-ranking official, these are more "sentimental" than "financial" investments. But that’s what makes them great. They are accessible pieces of history. You can literally own a 90-year-old piece of the British Empire for the price of a decent lunch.
Actionable insights for collectors and history fans
If you’re looking to pick up a copy of the Coronation Book of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, or if you just found one in a relative's house, here is how you handle it.
First, check the publisher. Odhams Press is the most common. It’s a solid, well-researched book. If the publisher is "Country Life," you usually have a higher-end photographic record.
Second, look at the binding. If it’s blue cloth with gold lettering, it’s the standard edition. If it’s red or maroon leather, look closer. Check the flyleaf for any names. Sometimes these were presented as school prizes or gifts from local mayors, which adds a cool bit of local history to the item.
Third, storage. If you want it to last another 90 years, keep it out of the sun. The 1930s inks fade like crazy when exposed to UV. Keep it upright, not leaning, to protect the spine.
Basically, these books are time capsules. They capture a moment when the world was on the brink of war, yet people were still fascinated by the ritual of a man having oil poured on his head in a cathedral. It’s a weird, beautiful, and slightly propaganda-heavy look at a different world.
To start your own collection or research, browse local charity shops or online sites like AbeBooks or eBay. Look for "1937 Coronation" rather than just "George VI Book" to find the specific commemorative editions. Always ask the seller if all the "tipped-in" plates (the photos glued onto the pages) are still there. If they are, you've got a winner.