Churchill's Citadel
Chartwell and the Gatherings Before the Storm
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Yale University Press
Published:24th Sep '24
Should be back in stock very soon
A major new history of Churchill in the 1930s, showing how his meetings at Chartwell, his country home, strengthened his fight against the Nazis
In the 1930s, amidst an impending crisis in Europe, Winston Churchill found himself out of government and with little power. In these years, Chartwell, his country home in Kent, became the headquarters of his campaign against Nazi Germany. He invited trusted advisors and informants, including Albert Einstein and T. E. Lawrence, who could strengthen his hand as he worked tirelessly to sound the alarm at the prospect of war.
Katherine Carter tells the extraordinary story of the remarkable but little known meetings that took place behind closed doors at Chartwell. From household names to political leaders, diplomats to spies, Carter reveals a fascinating cast of characters, each of whom made their mark on Churchill’s thinking and political strategy. With Chartwell as his base, Churchill gathered intelligence about Germany’s preparations for war—and, in doing so, put himself in a position to change the course of history.
“In this fascinating book, [Carter shows how] Churchill used his years of exile at Chartwell to rebuild his life and his political career . . . [and] paints a delightful portrait of a family home in its many off-duty moments.”—Kathryn Hughes, Mail on Sunday
“A stimulating and enjoyable work that shows us interwar politics from an unfamiliar angle.”—Richard Vinen, Literary Review
“Chronicles the political life of the house throughout the 1930s via its visitor’s book and with such relish that one can smell the cigar smoke exude from every page.”—Peter Caddick-Adams, The Critic
“This is an absolutely fabulous book, full of anecdotes and deep insight.”—History of War
“As well as looking at the story of the house leading up to World War II, Carter repositions it from scenic backdrop to centre stage.”—This England
“No one could be better qualified than Katherine Carter to write this fascinating account of the way that Winston Churchill used Chartwell Manor as the indispensable centre of his political, social, literary, familial and also espionage operations during his Wilderness Years. Carter’s passion for her subject and evident scholarship and writing ability positions her perfectly as a prime custodian of the Churchillian story for future generations.”—Andrew Roberts, author of Churchill
“To paraphrase Churchill himself, this is a ‘joyride in a visitors’ book.’ Chartwell comes to life in vivid colour, wrapped in cigar smoke and extraordinary conversation. This is not just excellent history, it’s fun!”—Michael Dobbs, author of House of Cards
“A brilliant idea, brilliantly done: not just the most original account of the build up to the Second World War you will read, but immensely entertaining as well.”—Tom Holland, author of Pax
“Meticulously researched and highly readable, a fascinating book written from an entirely unique perspective.”—Annie Gray, author of Victory in the Kitchen
“A superb history of Churchill’s so-called wilderness years, during which he worked tirelessly from Chartwell to convince his country to prepare for war. . . . To add to the existing volume of scholarship on Winston Churchill is quite a feat. Carter has succeeded brilliantly.”—Cita Stelzer, author of Dinner with Churchill
ISBN: 9780300270198
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
432 pages