"Jo Grimond, leader of the Liberal Party from 1956 - 1967, was a key player in British politics for over four decades. On his death in 1993, Paddy Ashdown paid tribute to Grimond as a "lion of the liberal cause". His numerous writings and his ten-year leadership of the Liberal party established him as one of the most influential figures in its history. Peter Barberis has produced a unique critical biography of this enigmatic figure based upon a careful examination of speeches, writings and archive material. He explores Grimond's ideas, politics and family environment to shed light on his life and the apparent contradictions in his thought. The book offers the reader valuable insights into the changing character of British politics and society from the Second World War to the age of Thatcherism."--Bloomsbury Publishing.