'His book is a rare intellectual achievement, speaking lucidly both to historians and the general reader.' Independent 'Evans hits his target. His outspoken and courageous book deserves to be essential reading for coming generations.' New Statesman 'This is a wise and sensible book, which should be read by anyone who cares about the past and the way we think and write about it.' David Cannadine (Independent on Sunday Books of the Year, 1998)