The story begins at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, on the great estate built by John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough. His descendant, Winston, visited often and, while there, developed an interest in history, war, and writing. Fascinated by his ancestor, Winston later began his biography of John--Marlborough: His Life and Times.

In 1932, Winston--then a low-level, out-of-power politician--visited Germany to do research for his biography and saw first-hand the rise of Hitler. Recognizing the patterns in the conflict between John Churchill and French king Louis XIV, Winston predicted imminent war in a time when peace was desired at all costs.

As World War II raged, Winston succeeded Neville Chamberlain as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. And while France faced total Nazi occupation, Winston drew upon the lessons of Marlborough’s war leadership, particularly in the Battle of Ramillies, to eventually win the war.