The Man Who Was Saturday

The Man Who Was Saturday

22,69 $

Patrick Bishop’s “The Man Who Was Saturday” (William Collins, 2020) is a gripping biography of Airey Neave, a WWII hero, Cold War warrior, and key figure in Margaret Thatcher’s rise to power. Neave’s life was extraordinary: from his daring escape from Colditz to his crucial role in aiding Allied soldiers evade capture, he lived a life of espionage and high-stakes political maneuvering. Beyond his wartime exploits and legal career at Nuremberg, Neave orchestrated Thatcher’s leadership bid. This book explores Neave’s remarkable achievements and investigates the unsolved mysteries surrounding his assassination by the INLA in 1979, providing new insights and perspectives, with support from the Neave family. A compelling read for history buffs, political enthusiasts, and those fascinated by true crime and espionage.

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SOLDIER, ESCAPER, SPYMASTER, POLITICIAN Airey Neave was assassinated in the House of Commons car park in 1979. Forty years after his death, Patrick Bishops lively, action-packed biography examines the life, heroic war and death of one of Britains most remarkable 20th century figures.

Airey Neave was one of the most extraordinary figures of his generation. Taken prisoner during WW2, he was the first British officer to escape from Colditz and using the code name Saturday became a key figure in the IS9 escape and evasion organisation which spirited hundreds of Allied airmen and soldiers out of Occupied Europe. A lawyer by training, he served the indictments on the Nazi leaders at the Nuremburg war trials. An ardent Cold War warrior, he was mixed up in several of the great spy scandals of the period.

Most people might consider these achievements enough for a single career, but he went on to become the man who made Margaret Thatcher, mounting a brilliantly manipulative campaign in the 1975 Tory leadership to bring her to power.

And yet his death is as fascinating as his remarkable life. On Friday, 30 March 1979, a bomb planted beneath his car exploded while he was driving up the ramp of the House of Commons underground car park, killing him instantly. The murder was claimed by the breakaway Irish Republican group, the INLA. His killers have never been identified.

Patrick Bishops new book, published to mark the 40th anniversary of his death, is a lively and concise biography of this remarkable man. It answers the question of who killed him and why their identities have been hidden for so long and is written with the support of the Neave family.

Dive into the thrilling and enigmatic life of Airey Neave, a figure who shaped 20th-century Britain, in Patrick Bishop's compelling biography, "The Man Who Was Saturday." More than just a retelling of historical events, this book unveils the multifaceted story of a soldier, escaper, spymaster, and politician whose life was tragically cut short by assassination. This meticulously researched biography transcends a simple chronological account, offering a nuanced portrait of a man driven by unwavering resolve and a deep sense of duty. Bishop masterfully weaves together historical context with personal insights, drawing upon the support of the Neave family to present a comprehensive and revealing narrative. Uncover Neave's daring exploits as a prisoner of war, including his legendary escape from Colditz Castle, a feat that cemented his reputation for courage and ingenuity. Learn how, under the codename "Saturday," he orchestrated the escape and evasion of countless Allied airmen and soldiers from Nazi-occupied Europe, becoming a pivotal figure in the IS9 organization. Beyond the battlefield, explore Neave's sharp intellect and legal expertise, which led him to serve indictments against Nazi leaders at the Nuremberg trials. His dedication to justice and unwavering stance against tyranny solidify his place in history. But Neave's ambition extended beyond the courtroom and the battlefield. Bishop delves into Neave's political career, revealing his pivotal role in Margaret Thatcher's rise to power. Discover how Neave's strategic brilliance and political maneuvering secured Thatcher's victory in the 1975 Tory leadership contest, forever altering the course of British politics. Was he a kingmaker, a loyal servant, or both? Bishop provides the evidence, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. The biography culminates in the shocking assassination of Airey Neave in 1979, a crime that remains shrouded in mystery. Bishop meticulously investigates the circumstances surrounding Neave's death, exploring the claims of responsibility by the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) and examining the unanswered questions that continue to fuel speculation. Was the INLA truly responsible, or were there other forces at play? Bishop sifts through the evidence, offering a compelling analysis of the possible motives and hidden agendas that may have led to Neave's demise. "The Man Who Was Saturday" is more than just a biography; it's a gripping historical thriller that exposes the dark underbelly of espionage, political intrigue, and international conflict. It's a story of courage, ambition, and sacrifice, told with precision and passion. Patrick Bishop's biography is a must-read for anyone interested in 20th-century history, military strategy, political maneuvering, and the enduring mysteries that continue to shape our world. Discover the truth behind the legend of Airey Neave, and understand why his legacy continues to resonate today. This paperback edition offers a portable and accessible way to delve into the life of this remarkable man.
Additional information
Authors

Binding

Condition

ISBN-10

0008309086

ISBN-13

9780008309084

Language

Pages

320

Publisher

Year published

Weight

180

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