Author:A.N. Wilson
When this book begins, in the reign of Edward VII, Great Britain commands the mightiest empire the world has ever seen. By the time it ends, with the Coronation of Elizabeth II, Britain has emerged victorious from a world war, but ruined as a world power. How did Britain's power and influence decline? This is one of the questions which A. N. Wilson seeks to answer in his masterly follow-up to The Victorians.
No review can do justice to the richness, liveliness and sheer fun of this book. Wilson has written one of the books of the year
—— John Charmley , GuardianArgumentative, thought-provoking and very well-written
—— Andrew Roberts , Daily TelegraphHe shows that the issues which dominate our headlines - immigration, Iraq, religious tolerance - have their roots in decisions made, or not made, as long ago as the Twenties ... A compelling read
—— Kathryn Hughes , Mail on SundayThe practised columnist's ability to provoke new thoughts with an original and opinionated argument is evident on nearly every page... Coherent and absorbing
—— Michael Grove , The TimesA page-turner, lambent with fascination... One of the best things about the book is the use Wilson makes of the period's reflection in its fecund literature. And, indeed, his masterly piece of history is a work of literature too
—— A.C. Grayling , Financial TimesExceptionally well-written... Vigorous, lively and winningly eccentric
—— SpectatorReaders who enjoyed the last volume will not be disappointed. After the Victorians has exactly the same compelling blend of political gossip, literary sketches and deft character portraits... The sheer quality of his cracking prose... There is something simply irresistible about After The Victorians
—— Daily TelegraphA.N. Wilson is a literary virtuoso... Each chapter could be a synopsis for a fascinating volume in its own right
—— Roger Lewis , Daily ExpressHas all the hallmarks of another masterpiece... The range of Wilson's knowledge is breathtaking
—— Literary ReviewThe best single-volume work on the Victorian age yet written
—— Andrew RobertsWritten with verve and wit, this book is utterly compelling - erudite, intelligent and wise. Essential reading
—— Jane Ridley , SpectatorA provocative and spectacularly enjoyable history of the first half of the century
—— Nicholas Hytner , Sunday TelegraphA solidly buttressed biography that parallels his earlier works... Supermac is crammed full with interesting facts, germane and diverting by turns
—— Peter Clarke , TLSThorpe's superb biography leaves no primary source untapped, and bountiful anecdotes make this account of a truly three-dimensional character a joy to read.
—— TelegraphBringing together 35 years of research this biography of Harold Macmillan looks at both his personal and political achievements, conflicts, and events that defined his time. From Eton to prime minister, this is a compelling read.
—— Charlotte Vowden , Daily ExpressHe is an Aston Martin DB6 kind of writer, who is very English, very stately
—— Anthony Seldon , The BrowserScholarly, and thoroughly researched, Supermac should nevertheless appeal to the general reader through the accessibility of its proce and the assistance offered by placing events in historical context... Humane, benevolent, and considerable; much like its subject
—— Dr Martin Farr , BBC History MagazineThe best biography of a post-war British Prime Minister yet written.
—— Vernon Bogdanor, Professor of Government at Oxford UniversityA unique and astonishing social history book which is revolutionary in its concept, informative and entertaining
—— History magazine