Churchill and Company: Allies and Rivals in War and Peace

Churchill continues to dominate the history of the 20th century and this stimulating and original new work by David Dilks, the eminent historian of modern Britain and Churchill scholar, is a fascinating source of new discoveries and insights. Dilks shows Churchill, not only as a war leader and international statesman, but also as a private person — with a rich variety of interests, enthusiasms, friendships and rivalries. New and penetrating light is directed on Churchill in the lead-up to World War, his relations with Ramsey MacDonald and Neville Chamberlain's appeasement policy. There is the dramatic and troubled relationship with de Gaulle — but here political problems are softened by Churchill's 'love affair' with France. The aftermath of World War II, relations with Stalin, the Soviet Union and the Cold War all dominated Churchill's post-war career. Whether in or out of office, Churchill's influence was felt in all areas of British politics and national life and his imperial enthusiasm, never dimmed, found expression as a British Commonwealth elder statesman. David Dilks brings Churchill to life for all those interested modern British and international history whether student, specialist or general reader.