State Secrets : Behind the Scenes of the 20th Century (a first printing)

There is something very rewarding about stumbling on a secret - and even better if it reveals the cunning, humanity or plain eccentricity of those in power. Here the "National Archives" takes a glimpse behind the scenes of the twentieth century, presenting 80 stories of the 'news behind the news' on subjects from world war to political scandal to the royal teabags. This thought-provoking collection paints a rich portrait of the British ntional character as ti responded to a turbulent century, recalling some familiar institutions like Dad's Army and James Bond shedding new light on events we all think we remember.

Chris Pomery is an ex-Times correspondant whonow works as a freelance writer. His historical interests range from the Ebglish Civil War to twentieth-century current affairs. Recent publications inclde DNA and Family History as well as articles in the BBC's History magazine and the Daily Express.