Andrew Roberts Livres

Winston Churchill is a towering figure in twentieth-century British history, revered by many as the greatest man in the world by the time of his death in 1965. Andrew Roberts draws on over forty new sources, including King George VI's private diaries, to present a more intimate and persuasive portrayal than previous biographies. The work does not shy away from Churchill's faults, allowing readers to appreciate his virtues: his immense capacity for work and drink, his big-picture thinking, willingness to take risks, and presence in critical moments. His good humor in dire circumstances, strong friendships, and unexpected emotional outbursts are also highlighted. The biography delves into the roots of his personality, revealing a lifelong desire to please his father and an aristocratic disdain for others' opinions, alongside his love for the British Empire and a keen sense of history. During WWII, Churchill frequently summoned a young scientist for advice, who felt "recharged by a source of living power." Harry Hopkins, Roosevelt's emissary, noted that wherever Churchill was, there was a battlefront. Field Marshal Sir Alan Brooke, a key strategist and private critic, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such a remarkable man, recognizing that "occasionally such supermen exist on this earth."

Emphasizing the significance of popular culture, this comprehensive dictionary explores Czech daily life through its songs, movie stars, athletes, traditional dishes, and children's games. With six hundred cross-referenced entries, it provides English readers with an invaluable resource to understand a rich yet ephemeral cultural landscape. The accessible writing style ensures that a broad audience can engage with the material, making it a substantial contribution to the study of Czech popular culture.

Challenging the common perception of George III as a tyrant, this book reveals him as a wise and humane ruler who faced numerous adversities. Historian Andrew Roberts delves into extensive unpublished correspondence, uncovering the complexities of the king's character and reign. The narrative critiques the biased portrayals by revolutionary figures like Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson, highlighting how their agendas shaped public opinion. Through meticulous research, the book aims to restore a more nuanced understanding of George III's legacy.

It has become all too common for Napoleon Bonaparte's biographers to approach him as a figure to be reviled, bent on world domination, practically a proto-Hitler. Here, after years of study extending even to visits paid to St Helena and 53 of Napoleon's 56 battlefields, Andrew Roberts has created a true portrait of the mind, the life, and the military and above all political genius of a fundamentally constructive ruler. This is the Napoleon, Roberts reminds us, whose peacetime activity produced countless indispensable civic innovations - and whose Napoleonic Code provided the blueprint for civil law systems still in use around the world today. It is one of the greatest lives in world history, which here has found its ideal biographer. The sheer enjoyment which this book will give anyone who loves history is enormous.

Analyses how Axis strategy evolved. Examining the Second World War on different fronts, this book asks whether, with a different decision-making process and a different strategy, the Axis might even have won.

Uganda's natural history is legendary and this guide provides detailed coverage of all the species, including the rare mountain gorillas. It covers a wealth of practical information, as well as Uganda's attractions, from national parks and gorilla reserves to Lake Victoria and the Ssese Islands.

Edward Wood, 3rd Viscount Halifax, was a church-going, fox-hunting aristocat. It was his political guile that earned him his nickname. The author has had access to private documents which produce an interpretation at variance with the popular view of this influential politician.

Focusing on the British actors who rose to prominence in the 1950s, this book explores a transformative era for British cinema marked by the challenge of television and the influence of Hollywood. It delves into the careers and contributions of these stars, highlighting their impact on the film industry during a time of significant change.

Telling the story of the English-speaking people in the 20th century, this book covers the four world-historical struggles in which they have been engaged - the wars against German Nationalism, Axis Fascism, Soviet Communism & the War against Terror. It also deals with the cultural, & social history of the English global diaspora.

The last king of America, George III, has often been portrayed as a disastrous monarch who lost the colonies and succumbed to madness. However, this view is overly simplistic and fails to capture the complexities of his reign and legacy. Many Americans see him as a heartless ruler, largely shaped by the negative portrayals of revolutionary figures like Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson, who depicted him as evil to further their political goals. Award-winning historian Andrew Roberts has sifted through extensive unpublished correspondence to reveal a more nuanced truth: George III was a wise and humane monarch, plagued by skilled adversaries, mental health challenges, ineffective ministers, and sheer bad luck. In this exploration, Roberts presents a balanced portrait of the often-maligned king, highlighting his overlooked achievements. As we reflect on George III's reign, it is essential to reassess our understanding of him and recognize the complexities of the last time America was under monarchical rule. This reevaluation invites a deeper appreciation of a figure who has been unjustly caricatured throughout history.