The best sort of history – revealing, gossipy and acidulous.’ Piers Brendon, The Independent

‘An elegantly written, thought-provoking book . an essential reappraisal of British myths since 1939.’ Sarah Bradford, The Times

‘A book of quite exceptional quality . Roberts resembles Lytton Strachey in his iconoclasm, and the brilliance of his writing.’ John Grigg, The Sunday Telegraph

There is certainly enough irreverence here – at his best, Roberts can be a splendidly caustic writer – to keep the sceptics cheering.’Anthony Howard, Sunday Times

‘He argues powerfully – with a pen dipped in vitriol.’ Peter Grosvenor, Daily Express

‘Where Roberts outdoes Lytton Strachey is in his scholarship . Alpha double-plus.’ Niall Ferguson, Daily Mail