cover image Randolph: A Study of Churchill's Son

Randolph: A Study of Churchill's Son

Brian Roberts. H. Hamilton, $0 (392pp) ISBN 978-0-241-11109-3

Early in this candid portrayal, it is apparent that the boy Randolph's arrogance and confidence about a brilliant political career were abetted by Winston's prediction that his son was ""going to be a great man.'' However, Roberts (The Mad Bad Line and Churchills in Africa explains persuasively why despite the family's strong political position and Randolph's many assetsintelligence, good looks, courage and oratorical skillshe failed as a politician and in his personal life. While he flourished on the rough and tumble of political debate, his belligerence and acid pen made more enemies than friends, and he lost elections. Although a prolific writer, he didn't match his father's mastery of language. Both his marriages ended in disaster, and his love affairs were unhappy. Perhaps the shadow of his father, Roberts suggests, accounts for Randolph's basic insecurity, which, in turn, was the root of his often outrageous behavior. It is certainly evident that the strong but stormy relations between father and son were a determining force in Randolph's destiny. Photos. (April)