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. _x000D__x000D_A man of vision, Grimond was the party's most fertile ideas man since Lloyd George. He was published widely and as well as being a compelling platform speaker he became a master of the new television medium. He led the way on policies such as Britain's role in Europe and on devolution and his efforts inspired the Liberal/SDP alliance from which the Liberal Democrat party was born. But in later years some of his critics saw him as proclaiming common cause with New Right conservatism. _x000D__x000D_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.