The Marlboroughs: John and Sarah Churchill, 1650-1744

John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, was not only the greatest military commander of his time, he was also the first British subject to play a dominating role in European affairs.

Born in the West Country, the son of an obscure squire who had fought on the losing side in the Civil War, he was found a place at court where, having become the lover of the King's mistress, he soon showed himself to be not only an officer of exceptional skill and bravery but a diplomatist of remarkable charm.

He served King William III and Queen Anne dutifully, yet, in his devious way, he kept closely and clandestinely in touch with the exiled Stuart court in France.

Endlessly entertaining and instructive, this book, by an author described as "one of England's greatest historical writers", is a worthy companion to Hibbert's highly praised biographies of two of the country's other heroes, Nelson and Wellington.