This astute biography brilliantly captures, in one volume, the full range of Winston Churchill's astonishing career. perhaps the greatest political figure of modern times, Churchill's achievement extended well beyond his emblematic role in the Second World War. Piers Brendon brings great wit and dozens of pungent anecdotes to this penetrating account, illuminating the 'monstrous compound' of courage and egotism, rudeness and humour, brutality and compassion that was Winston Churchill. What emerges from these pages is one of the most fascinating and colourful figures of the twentieth century. To rescue Churchill from being buried under millions of words Piers Brendon has written a brief but brilliant profile of the colossus.

Piers Brendon is the author of a dozen books, including biographies of Churchill and Eisenhower, the bestsellingEminent Edwardians,and, most recently,The Dark Valley, a hugely acclaimed history of the 1930s. He also writes for television and contributes regularly to the national press. He is a Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge.

'Excellent This book - neither hagiography nor critique, just a portra it, warts, wit and all - is a refreshing antidote to the vast tomes on Churchill. ' Guardian>