That these people were then never, ever, brought fully to account at the outbreak of war, is appalling and reflects poorly on the establishment of public school, upper class politicians at this time. These people are clearly shown to be liars, deceivers, fools and schemers. Refreshingly it excoriates the misconduct of Henderson, the arch-nazi sympathiser and appeaser, who served as the British ambassador to Germany. However, unusually - but interestingly, this book fully exposes his cohorts, especially Halifax ( foreign secretary) Wilson, the civil servant/cabinet secratary and unelected 'advisor' to Chamberlain. His utter arrogance, stubborness and vainglorious manner in pursuing appeasement is beyond belief.

The poor conduct of Chamberlain is perhaps better known. Following Baldwin, the book moves on to Chamberlain. It exposes his conceit, vanity and self interest, and in incredible detail. He had even deliberately lied/mislead Parliament about the risks in Europe, simply in order to secure his re-election. Baldwin's blatant, cynical, obstinacy and obsession with appeasement lead to him publicly admitting, finally, that he had put his party before country. What I found particularly intereting was the absolutley appalling conduct of both prime ministers. It highlights especially his incredible personal (and lonely) determination to bring to the notice of the Governments - the first lead by Baldwin and then by Chamberlain - and his repeateded attempts to stir them into action in rearming and excercising far more caution in their dealings with Hitler. It then outlines his extraordinary prescience in identifying the real risks with the rise of Nazi Germany. The work covers Churchill's lonely years out of power in the 1930's. Extremely well written, not over poweringly statistical, easy on the eye and fast paced.

This is really an outstanding piece of work.

The last lion churchill