An account of the World War II prime minister's early career covers his contributions to building a modern navy, his experimentations with radical social reforms, and his lesser-known romantic pursuits.

The prime minister -- The young titan -- A new world -- A family affair -- Born for opposition -- The duke's smile -- Empire dreams -- The great rift -- Departures -- The bachelor and the heiress -- Fortunate son -- Winners and losers -- The world at his feet -- Private lives -- The political maiden -- A place in the sun -- Best-laid plans -- The castle -- Eminent Edwardian -- Sound and fury -- Life and death -- Valiant -- Storm signals -- Armada -- The old man and the sea -- Wings -- Countdown -- Last stand.