The accomplishments and diversity of the interests of Victor, third Baron Rothschild were remarkable. A zoologist by choice and training, he also formed the finest collection of eighteenth century English books in private hands. In the Second World War, he was head of counter-sabotage in MI5, was also responsible for ensuring that presents of food, drink and cigars to Winston Churchill contained no poison or bombs. He coordinated research for Shell, was the first director of Edward Heath's creation, and was known as the 'Think Tank'. He chaired the family business, N. M. Rothschild and Sons, and presided over the Royal Commission on Gambling. Then came the Blunt scandal. Ultimately declared innocent by Margaret Thatcher of having spied for Soviet Russia, Rothschild escaped prosecution for having breached the Official Secrets Act only after the humiliation of interrogation by Scotland Yard's Serious Crimes Squad. Yet, he was the victim of what Kenneth Rose, his biographer, sees as a cruel and relentless campaign of denigration that temporarily obscured his achievements.
- ISBN10 0297812297
- ISBN13 9780297812296
- Publish Date 13 March 2003
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 8 November 2006
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Orion Publishing Co
- Imprint Weidenfeld & Nicolson
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 320
- Language English