Perhaps the best one-volume biography of de Gaulle, by the deputy
leader of the opposition in the British House of Lords. Although
this furrow has, as the author modestly acknowledges, been "well
and truly ploughed by many...much better qualified than myself" and
relies heavily on secondary sources, Williams has had the benefit
of discussions with many who knew de Gaulle and brings a
sympathetic understanding to a man whose relationship with Britain
itself was at best ambivalent, at worst vindictive. De Gaulle took
extraordinary risks in the course of his career, beginning with his
arrogant advocacy of a war of maneuver before the Second World War,
when almost every French general was in favor of the static,
Maginot Line approach. As a two-star general, he wrote a blistering
letter to Prime Minister Paul Reynaud after the latter had
appointed "men of yesteryear" to lead the French Army: Two days
later, Reynaud appointed de Gaulle undersecretary of war. He had
volcanic rows with the British and the Americans - justified,
perhaps, by their mistreatment of him. After the war, de Gaulle
quickly assumed power in France, outwitting both the Communists and
the Resistance, but he left office quickly, when he felt that the
Constitution provided for too weak a presidency. Then, after ten
years in the wilderness, he returned to power, being the only man
in France who enjoyed enough public confidence so that he could
take the ruthless steps to extricate France from Algeria by what
Williams calls "a mixture of strength and calculated deception."
Even in old age, de Gaulle's vanity shone, as expressed in his
efforts to recast the nature of Europe by pulling France out of
NATO. In telling this well-known story, Williams gives a good sense
of a man who in public was "very cold, ruthless and proud" but at
home could be "very affectionate, emotional and private." Lord
Williams's understanding of France, his sensitivity, and his
experience of politics combine to make this a memorable
achievement. (Kirkus Reviews)
Critical acclaim for The Last Great Frenchman
"This is a splendid popular biography . . . recounted with verve and anecdotal warmth, along with fresh appraisals of de Gaulle's career as soldier, politician, and head of state." —Publishers Weekly.
"Highly readable. . . . It is to Williams' credit that he is able to get so close to such a prickly personality." —San Francisco Chronicle
"Charles Williams has matched a great subject by something near to a great book." —Daily Telegraph (London)
"Marvelous vignettes. . . . Williams tells his story with pace and skill." —Martin Gilbert
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