sections:
An intriguing look behind the congenial façade of Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, revealing how each jealously guarded knowledge from the other in pursuit of separate national interests. Theirs was a unique relationship, based on linked national histories and partially-shared nationality- Churchill was half-American-similarities in class and education, a special love for the navy, and a common belief in the superiority of Anglo-Saxon institutions. Above all, it was cemented by shared enemies: Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. On these foundations Roosevelt and Churchill constructed a fighting alliance unlike any other in history.
At the heart of this special relationship, hidden by layers of secrecy, was an extraordinary and far-reaching – although far from complete- sharing of intelligence and a fascination for clandestine operations. This was the most sensitive touchstone of their mutual trust, and a responsive barometer of both suspicion and discord.
book reviews
- M.R.D Foot, Sunday Times
‘Much of this book upsets accepted views; all of it is thoroughly based on sources, part in print and part in archive. Stafford has the precious gift of making technical subjects easy to follow; he writes clearly, and maintains a strong narrative flow. This is most readable history.’ - Trevor Royle, Glasgow Herald
‘The author has emerged as one of our leading historians on the intelligence aspects [of the Second World War] and his latest book does not disappoint.’ - New York Times
‘Stafford is a superb researcher and has a feel for when ‘secret’ meant ‘significant’ and when it did not… David Stafford’s fascinating book is, among other things, a useful reminder of how complicated the Grand Alliance actually was.’ - Irish Independent
‘An intriguing book which makes a very good read’
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