The essays included in this volume constitute the first dozen Crosby Kemper lectures delivered at the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library in Missouri, USA. The works interpret Churchill's political actions, review his historical contributions and present anecdotes about his personal life.

Ziegler, Earl Mountbatten's biographer, examines whether Britain should have granted independence to India in 1947, taking as his departure Churchill's unequivocal belief that Britain's rule there was a sacred trust not to be betrayed. Martin Gilbert, Churchill's biographer, examines the origins of the Cold War and the "Iron Curtain" speech. Sir Michael Howard, Lovett Professor and Naval Historian at Yale University, further examines Churchill's role during the Cold War and the formulation of his "two-track" strategy that pushed for military strength while persistently striving for peace with the Soviets. John Colville, Churchill's private secretary, ponders the extent to which great men are made by circumstances, citing Churchill's peccadilloes and strengths. Churchill's daughter Mary Soames and granddaughter, the sculptor Edwina Sandys, also give portraits of a family man. This study brings this leader to life in the process of interpreting his political actions, reviewing his historical contributions and sharing anecdotes about his personal life.