In May of 1940, with France on the verge of defeat,Britain alone stood in the path of the Nazi military juggernaut. Victory hingedon the leadership of newly elected Prime Minister Winston Churchill. ButChurchill did not save Britain on his own.As prizewinning historian Jonathan Schneer revealsin Ministers at War, Churchilldepended on a team of powerful ministers to manage the war effort as he rallieda beleaguered nation. Selecting men from across the political spectrum—fromfellow Conservative Anthony Eden to leaders of the opposing Labour Party such asClement Atlee—Churchill assembled a war cabinet that would balance competinginterests and bolster support for his national coalition government. The grouppossessed a potent blend of talent, ambition, and egotism, but Churchillmasterfully kept their rivalries and political challenges in check.In this dramatic story of British high politicsduring World War II, Schneer shows how the cabinet’s teamwork—and Churchill’sbrilliant leadership—paved the way for Britain’s victory.
