Beneš' role in the history of Czechoslovakia and of Europe remains controversial even after one reads this excellent biography by his former secretary and adviser. Taborsky was close to Beneš during this critical decade, and his book is well documented. He defends Beneš against the most severe of the criticisms of his dealings with, and misjudgment of, Stalin, but his estimate also includes the traits and weaknesses which led Beneš into his errors, faulty decisions, and ultimate capitulation.