John Churchill may be considered one of England's greatest generals, if not the greatest. As the Duke of Marlborough he led a coalition of powers against the formidable Sun King, Louis XIV, from 1702 to 1712.

During a series of famous victories, including Blenheim and Ramillies, he shattered the French domination of Europe and paved the way for the establishment of the British Empire.

Yet Churchill was not only a military genius. He was a statesman too. His rise to fame threads its way through the reigns of four monarchs - from Charles II to Queen Anne. His life story is bound in intrigue, rebellion, war and treason. And his marriage to the beautiful and tempestuous Sarah Jennings, who was to become a favoured companion of Queen Anne, proved to be one of the great love stories of the century.

In this compelling biography Virginia Cowles presents us with astonishing battle scenes and political machinations. We get to know the man, as well as the soldier and statesman.