Who was Winston Churchill? Even fifty years after his death, he is one of the most iconic figures in British history. As a young man he was a maverick journalist; his many positions in politics before 1940 marked him as a courageous but foolhardy man. Yet it is Churchill’s record in war, which has recently been questioned, that confirms his genius as a military commander and national leader—someone who understood the dangers of Nazi Germany before 1939 and someone uniquely capable to lead the empire through the turmoil of the Second World War. Christopher Catherwood argues that it was Churchill’s stand in 1940-41 that saved Britain and that only he was able to bring together the allies that eventually defeated Hitler in 1945. Catherwood has produced a challenging yet lively reassessment of the life and career of Winston Churchill, lion of British history and flawed hero. "Christopher Catherwood is a master at explaining complex historical issues in an admirably clear way. In this fascinating account of Churchill's career he illustrates some very important features of 20th century history, at the same time as presenting a very human portrait of that great figure. This is a very fine book indeed." --Alexander McCall Smith "A gem. Brief, authoritative and fair in its judgments--an intensely readable introduction to this most complex and fascinating man." --Graham Farmelo, author of "The Strangest Man" Christopher Catherwood , as consultant to the Blair Cabinet’s Strategy Unit, worked in the Admiralty building where Churchill was based (1939-40) as First Lord of the Admiralty. He teaches history at the Universities of Cambridge and Richmond (Virginia), where he is annual Writer in Residence. His books include Why the Nations Rage: Killing in the Name of God , Britain’s Balkan Dilemma in World War II , Christians, Muslims, and Islamic Rage , and His Finest Hour: A Biography of Winston Churchill . Used Book in Good Condition