Roosevelt and Churchill
By David Stafford
A THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF THE VITAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TWO OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT STATESMEN DURING WORLD WAR TWO.
Roosevelt and Churchill were titans of the twentieth century with a unique relationship. It was based on interlinked national histories, partially shared nationality (Churchill was half-American), 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, Churchill and Roosevelt constructed a fighting alliance unlike any other in history.
A Combined Chiefs of Staff, Anglo-American war-making boards, and an atomic alliance helped to deliver victory in 1945. The two men also developed an extraordinary personal relationship, communicating almost daily. Their camaraderie ended abruptly with Roosevelt’s death on 12 April 1945, just hours before American and British troops liberated Buchenwald and Belsen.
At the heart of this special relationship, hidden by layers of secrecy, was a far-reaching sharing of intelligence which would endure well beyond their own premierships.
In this fascinating account, David Stafford draws on declassified information and his own specialist understanding of intelligence to illuminate the relationship between two men who, as leaders and allies, were towering figures of twentieth-century history.
PRAISE FOR ROOSEVELT AND CHURCHILL:
‘However much they valued their special relationship, neither man allowed it to trump national goals. David Stafford’s fascinating book is a useful reminder of how complicated the Grand Alliance actually was.’ New York Times
‘An intriguing book which makes a very good read.’ Irish Independent
‘A swift, well-documented assessment of the relationship’s “volatile mix of friendship, rivalry and resentment”.’ Kirkus Reviews
‘Much of this book upsets accepted views . . . 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.’ The Sunday Times
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