Title: Wavell: Soldier & Statesman
Author: Victoria Schofield

Publication date: 2006
Publisher: John Murray
ISBN: 0719563208
Format: Hardback 290 pages

Wavell (Wykehamist 1896 -1900) was one of Britain`s great military leaders, facing triumph and disaster in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. His renowned victory in the Western desert was matched by the ignominy of the surrender at Singapore and the evacuation from Burma. Wavell`s appointment as Viceroy of India was even more challenging, as he began its arduous move to independence. Yet behind such distinction lay an enigmatic man, equally celebrated for his unexpected silences as for his prolific memory and love of poetry. From this beautifully written, well-researched book Wavell emerges as a man of tremendous sensitivity, a soldier and a statesman, for whom duty was paramount and who, despite his taciturn behaviour, inspired exceptional loyalty. In a world where the origins of today`s conflicts lie in yesterday`s wars, the story of Wavell`s life holds a timeless fascination.

Strongly Recommended.

Price: £30.00