Some of the insights, research and commentary here is new, fascinating and very readable.

Tim Bouverie's book is a masterpiece of careful detail, yet often reads like a suspenseful thriller. The cast of characters is familiar but Bouverie paints them in a revisionist light. His mapping of the rise of authoritarian forces and the almost helpless slide to war is chilling, and deeply relevant for our own times.

There are so many books about this period in history and this is one of the best I have read in recent years. Well illustrated and an easy read.