Anthony Eden : A Biography

Eden was Neville Chamberlains foreign secretary in the 1930s held the same position under Churchill during World War II and succeeded the latter as prime minister in 1955. Asked by Edens widow to undertake the project Jamesa distinguished historian (The British Revolution etc.) and member of Parliamentwas given access to Edens private papers including revealing correspondence with Churchill. The biography sheds new light on Edens 1938 resignation over Chamberlains policy of appeasement; his contribution to the 1954 Geneva conference (James argues that Eden “virtually single-handedly” kept America out of a war in Indochina); and examines the full context of Edens controversial leadership during the Suez crisis of 1956. A sympathetic but not uncritical portrayal of a complex figure who “brought honor and dignity kindness and loyalty to the often grubby trade of politics.” Photos. Major ad/promo; History Book Club selection. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information Inc.