"In Command of History: Churchill Fighting and Writing the Second World War" by David Reynolds is a meticulously researched book that explores Winston Churchill's six-volume memoir, "The Second World War". Reynolds sheds new light on Churchill's roles as warrior, statesman, politician, and historian, revealing how he shaped his narrative to influence public perception and protect his legacy.

Through unpublished archive materials, drafts, and correspondence, Reynolds exposes the intricate process behind Churchill's writing, including ¹ ²:
- Censorship and Secrets: Churchill's manuscripts were vetted by Whitehall to conceal sensitive information, such as the Enigma codebreaking, and he edited the volumes to avoid offending post-war leaders like Tito, Charles de Gaulle, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
- Historical Revisions: Churchill reworked his narrative to rebrand himself as a consistent advocate for the D-Day landings and manipulated his account of the atomic bomb's development.
- Research and Writing Process: Reynolds highlights the significant contributions of Churchill's six-person research team, known as "the Syndicate", in shaping the final product.

Reynolds' book offers a nuanced understanding of Churchill's life, particularly his "second wilderness" years (1945-1951), during which he wrote himself into history and delivered pivotal speeches, including the "iron curtain" speech. "In Command of History" is a masterful work that challenges conventional wisdom about World War II and Churchill's legacy, earning its place as a notable book of the year according to The New York Times ¹.