This book is a biography of Winston Churchill through the houses he lived in and the gardens he made. It culminates with the full story of his purchase, alteration and creation of Chartwell, Kent, where he lived for more than 40 years before and after the war, and which is now, in keeping with his intentions, owned and run by the National Trust.
Churchill was born amidst the splendour of Blenheim Palace but, ever a restless spirit, he owned or rented many houses, both grand and relatively modest, over the course of his long life, including country retreats, modern town apartments and, as First Lord of the Admiralty, Admiralty House. But it was his house at Chartwell that would be for ever associated with his name.
Based on extensive and scholarly archive study, this unique book brings to light an array of previously unpublished details and reveals a fascinating side to Britain's greatest war leader.
A phenomenal amount of research (mainly of original sources) has been cloaked in a racy, highly readable style and Buczacki gets marks for a copious amount of good quality illustration. - Historic Gardens Review
A thoroughly indispensible "standard work" as important for the library of any serious Churchill student, as the memoirs of close associates like Jock Colville and Anthony Montague Brown. What closer associates did Churchill have than the houses he lived in? - Finest Hour
This fascinating book uncovers the private - and therefore more compelling - passions of our 'Greatest Briton'. - National Trust magazine
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it is well presented, readable and illustrated with photos of many of his other houses as well as Chartwell. The title of the book is certainly accurate. - Professional Gardener
Publication Details:
Binding: Hardback, 336 pages ISBN: 9780711225350 Format: 234mm x 156mm
200 archive illustrations and colour photographs
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