'This is how attitudes changed and hardened in twenty fateful years, illustrated by quotations from letters, speeches, memoirs. A valuable source book. Michael Foot, Evening Standard

'Martin Gilbert's book lays great emphasis on contemporary sources, quoting widely from all directions, from private letters to official documents. Through interpretation and comment he sets the reader thinking and re-thinking the curious flavour of a period when a war that was regarded as inevitable was nevertheless also considered to be avoidable.'

'...will make a valuable addition to the library shelves of anyone with a deep interest in history.' Teachers' World