Wavell: Soldier and Statesman

"Archibald Wavell was one of Britain's greatest Second World War military leaders as well as a remarkable statesman. With extraordinary resilience he faced triumph and disaster in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. His renowned victories in the Western desert and East Africa were contrasted by the ignominy of surrender at Singapore and evacuation from Burma. His appointment as Viceroy of India was even more challenging as he began the arduous negotiations towards Indian independence. Yet behind such distinction lay an enigmatic man also celebrated for his unexpected silences, his prolific memory and his love of poetry." "Drawing upon unpublished letters and diaries, together with interviews with those who knew Wavell, Victoria Schofield explores the man behind the high offices. She reveals his personal hopes and fears as well as the difficulties he faced. Appointed and yet chastised by Winston Churchill, the failure of one of the most important relationships in the Second World War is laid bare."--BOOK JACKET.