Wavell was one of Britain's greatest military leaders in the Second World War and, as Viceroy of India, a remarkable statesman. With extraordinary resilience, he faced triumph and disaster in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Yet behind such distinction lay an enigmatic man, also celebrated for his unexpected silences, his prolific memory and his love of poetry. Drawing upon unpublished letters and diaries, together with interviews with those who knew Wavell, Victoria Schofield explores the private man behind the high offices. In a world where the origins of today's conflicts lie in yesterday's wars, Wavell's story holds a timeless fascination.