Churchills in Africa

For the Churchill family, the 1890s were fateful years. The first half of the decade saw the tragic decline and death of Lord Randolph Churchill; the second half launched his young son, Winston, on his spectacular career. Both events were influenced by the turbulent state of affairs prevailing in South Africa; a place then attracting the attentions of ambitious men throughout the world. South Africa offered not only riches but also the chance of political involvement and military renown; behind the glitter of Kimberley's diamonds, the Transvaal's gold and the opening-up of Rhodesia, a situation was developing that led inevitably to the Anglo-Boer War. Such a set of circumstances proved irresistible to the spirited Churchills. In Churchills in Africa, Brian Roberts shows how, in their various ways, Lord Randolph, his remarkable sister, Lady Sarah Wilson, and the young Winston made their marks upon the African scene.Praise for Churchills in Africa: 'A clever and amusing piece of biographical reconstruction which not only puts Winston Churchill's exploits in the Boer War in new perspective but contains a shamingly hilarious account of his father's search of gold in 1891'- Sunday Times
'Dramatic and most readable . . . The author illuminates the story of Winston Churchill's capture, escape and return to battle with a valuable commentary of his own' - Sunday Telegraph
Brian Roberts, a distinguished historian and biographer, is an acknowledged expert on African history. His books include The Zulu Kings, The Diamond Magnates and Churchills in Africa. He spent many years in Africa and now lives in Somerset.