Hitler and Churchill: Secrets of Leadership

Publisher and industry reviews

Jacket review

'Writing with his customary verve and wit -- Christopher Hirst THE INDEPENDENT 'he presents his material impressively... the relaxed, lucid prose is accessible to anyone with an interest in the topic.' OBSERVER 'it is an illuminating essay on the two behemoths written in an accessbile and often witty style -- Martin Tierney THE HERALD 'this superb book.' SUNDAY TIMES

UK Kirkus review

One of them led his nation to victory through bloody-minded determination and defiant speeches. The other brought his people to the verge of victory largely by the force of his personality, then blew it and led them to disaster instead. But does this mean that Churchill was the genius and Hitler a no-hoper who got found out in the end? This question and its complex answers underpin what this book is about. From the outset, Andrew Roberts acknowledges the extraordinary talents of Hitler and Churchill. In terms of personality, habits and political opinions they could scarcely have been more different but both exuded a charisma and self-belief that inspired millions. Whether they did it consciously or not, they were drawing upon the gifts possessed by leaders through the centuries. The techniques may vary but similarities occur again and again. 'Leadership - like courage and even sincerity - can be completely divorced from the concepts of good and evil,' Roberts writes. He points out that both Hitler and Churchill were brave and sincere in their beliefs, each grudgingly admired his adversary and each knew that the other possessed formidable talents. Hitler's style of leadership was instinct-based, almost messianic in its intensity, while Churchill proved to be much more of a bully behind the scenes although he was more willing than Hitler to listen and accept advice. In the end, perhaps the dividing line between the two men was who had the greatest nerve. It proved to be Churchill, who - according to Andrew Roberts - brought off one of history's greatest con tricks. He talked of victory and made his people believe in their destiny, while at the same time he hadn't a clue as to how he was going to get the better of Hitler. The book forms a fascinating study of the two men, exploring their psyches as few others have done. It was written to accompany a BBC series about great leaders but it stands alone as a penetrating study in its own right. Andrew Roberts won the Wolfson History Prize (the historians' equivalent of the Booker) for his book Salisbury, Victorian Titan. He will be in the running for further honours with this one. (Kirkus UK)

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