There is a dazzling light of intellect as much as a thunderous darkness of reality in her fine, humanising portrait

Scurr has an important tale to tell, and she tells it judiciously

Ruth Scurr's aim, in this well written first book, is to provide an accessible, up - to date biography that draws on all this work, and represents Robespierre as a human being rather than as a monster of legend. She succeeds impressively

This splendidly balanced account of an unbalanced mind proves that there are monsters of virtue as well as monsters of vice

It is judicious, balanced, and admirably clear at every point....It is quite the calmest and least abusive history of the Revolution you will ever read

Engaging and insightful biography... Scurr writes with sensitivity and clarity about this paradoxical individual

Ruth Scurr takes on one of the most enigmatic of historical figures in this thoroughly researched, well-written biography

Scurr brilliantly evokes the sheer speed and intensity of change after the fall of the Bastille

Fascinating, chilling meditation on good intentions twisted into evil deeds

This is a biography that will stimulate all those interested in the subject of state terror

As good as the author's previous biography of Queen Victoria's eldest daughter and that is saying a great deal

The sisters' story emerges from their letters, spiced in Jehanne Wake's entertaining narrative with aristocratic gossip and succinct accounts of (such) half-forgotten history

Wake has crafted an entertaining story, based on research of several letters from the period, about the sisters, their loves, lives and ambitions...as a historical account it comes recommended

Thorpe's superb biography leaves no primary source untapped, and bountiful anecdotes make this account of a truly three-dimensional character a joy to read.

Bringing 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.

He is an Aston Martin DB6 kind of writer, who is very English, very stately

Scholarly, 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

The best biography of a post-war British Prime Minister yet written.

A unique and astonishing social history book which is revolutionary in its concept, informative and entertaining