Can History ever be True?
Robin Bruce Lockhart asks if eyewitness history is more reliable than that of the historians
Robin Bruce Lockhart asks if eyewitness history is more reliable than that of the historians
'You are Monarchial No. 1 and value tradition, form and ceremony.' But was Clementine Churchill's encomium of her husband always reflected in Winston's personal relations with Britain's kings and queens over six decades? Philip Ziegler presents an account of a colourful but chequered relationship.
Ronald Quinault wonders what Churchill would have made of Maastricht in the light of his post-war activities.
David Day argues that deft footwork, personal PR and skilful use of both patronage and rhetoric were key elements in sustaining Britain's wartime PM in a position intrinsically far weaker than has often been supposed.
In his actions and writings, Churchill made General Mackesy the scapegoat for the allied failure to recapture Norway in 1940. Was this a fair assessment? And why did Churchill pursue the cause with such bitterness? Mackesy's son explains.
Accounts of Winston Churchill's conduct of this office in 1910-11 generally underline those incidents of public disorder rioting coal miners in Tonypandy; besieged revolutionaries in Sidney Street. Victor Bailey asserts they reveal Churchill as an illiberal, sabre-rattler, eager for armed conflict between soldiers and workers.
R.F. Foster
An inspiring leader during the dark days of war, Winston Churchill was losing popularity with the Conservative defeat of the post war years. But despite growing pressure from his cabinet colleagues Churchill chose his own time to relinquish the office of Prime Minister.
The 'Churchill Question' is a complex one: a study in failure as well as success.