This is the first biography of Crossman and its author has had access to the subject's private papers. Both Crossman's personal life and political carrer are scrutinized by the mind of an experienced political commentator. It is shown how a matrimonial entanglement wrecked Crossman's chances of becoming an Oxford don and made him turn to politics. And indeed Crossman's ambivalent attitude to politics is revealed in his diaries. Howard's previous books include "RAB: The Life of R.A. Butler".