Churchill's Citadel

“In this fascinating book, [Carter shows how] Churchill used his years of exile at Chartwell to rebuild his life and his political career . . . [and] paints a delightful portrait of a family home in its many off-duty moments.”—Kathryn Hughes, Mail on Sunday

“Ms. Carter organizes her book around 12 prominent visitors to Chartwell over the course of the 1930s. . . . Each conversation . . . is enriched by her narrative. . . . These important, and before now underappreciated, conversations amplify the roar of England’s ‘last lion.’”—Larry P. Arnn, Wall Street Journal

“A stimulating and enjoyable work that shows us interwar politics from an unfamiliar angle.”—Richard Vinen, Literary Review

“Riveting. . . . The author has a wonderful style, breezy yet authoritative.”—Jim Kelly, Air Mail

“Chronicles the political life of the house throughout the 1930s via its visitor’s book and with such relish that one can smell the cigar smoke exude from every page.”—Peter Caddick-Adams, The Critic

“This is an absolutely fabulous book, full of anecdotes and deep insight.”—History of War

“As well as looking at the story of the house leading up to World War II, Carter repositions it from scenic backdrop to centre stage.”—This England, “Best Books Winter 2024”

“No one could be better qualified than Katherine Carter to write this fascinating account of the way that Winston Churchill used Chartwell Manor as the indispensable centre of his political, social, literary, familial and also espionage operations during his Wilderness Years. Carter’s passion for her subject and evident scholarship and writing ability positions her perfectly as a prime custodian of the Churchillian story for future generations.”—Andrew Roberts, author of Churchill

“To paraphrase Churchill himself, this is a ‘joyride in a visitors’ book.’ Chartwell comes to life in vivid colour, wrapped in cigar smoke and extraordinary conversation. This is not just excellent history, it’s fun!”—Michael Dobbs, author of House of Cards

“A brilliant idea, brilliantly done: not just the most original account of the build up to the Second World War you will read, but immensely entertaining as well.”—Tom Holland, author of Pax

“Meticulously researched and highly readable, a fascinating book written from an entirely unique perspective.”—Annie Gray, author of Victory in the Kitchen

“A superb history of Churchill’s so-called wilderness years, during which he worked tirelessly from Chartwell to convince his country to prepare for war. . . . To add to the existing volume of scholarship on Winston Churchill is quite a feat. Carter has succeeded brilliantly.”—Cita Stelzer, author of Dinner with Churchill