In this controversial and challenging study based on extensive new work on Chamberlain's papers, John Charmley argues against the commonly held view that Chamberlain's policy of appeasement towards Hitler was naïve and weak.

By presenting the conflicting views of Chamberlain, Eden and Churchill from the perspective of the pre-war years, this study intends to out forward the view that Chamberlain, correctly foreseeing the long-term damage the war would do to Britain, was justified in pursuing the chance of peace.