Throughout a long and utterly unique and controversial life of public service, one of the towering figures of the 20th century Winston Churchill had an equally extended, far less known, but no less fascinating involvement with Spain and its people. Much of this was conducted in secret, and yet it played a crucial role in forging Churchill's character and sense of mission.

Written by prize-winning Anglo-Spanish journalist and author, Jimmy Burns, Churchill's Spanish Odyssey explores the extraordinary story of some of Churchill's most controversial personal friendships and tactical alliances spanning more than half a century of key moments in modern history, on both sides of the Atlantic, from Havana to Madrid, via London, New York and Gibraltar.

Burns reveals how Churchill developed his love of cigars and painting and afternoon 'siestas' alongside an understanding of military tactics as a young soldier in Cuba. He shines a light on Churchill's eccentric friendships with the Spanish aristocracy, from his cousin the Duke of Alba to King Alfonso XIII, attachments which saw him playing polo and enjoying the culinary delights of a French master chef, while secretly gaining intelligence on German war aims and Spanish support for the allied cause. The book also documents Churchill's secret support for General Franco, his controversial non-intervention in the Spanish Civil War and the key role played by Spain and Gibraltar in the allied strategy during World War Two.

This is a must read for anyone interested in the history of secret intelligence, the Spanish Civil War, World War Two and the man himself, Winston Churchill.

Jimmy Burns is a prize-winning author and journalist. Among his books are The Land that Lost its Heroes (winner of the Somerset Maugham prize for nonfiction), Barça: A People's Passion, Papa Spy, La Roja, Pope of Good Promise, and Cristiano & Leo. He lives in London with his wife and two daughters.

www.jimmy-burns.com
Twitter: @jimmy_burns