The Life and World of Francis Rodd, Lord Rennell (1895-1978)

Francis Rodd lived a life shaped by war and with an enduring pragmatic commitment to the service of the state and to geographical thinking, whether about the Tuareg, international banking, Sicily during WWII or post-war African administration. This deeply researched biography both a faithful tribute and an intelligent historical commentary will interest many. Professor Charles W J Withers, Professor Emeritus of Historical Geography, University of Edinburgh, UK Who better than his grandson to tell the intriguing story of Francis Rodd, explorer, banker, intelligence officer and military administrator in Africa and Italy? This is an immaculately researched and written study which significantly adds to our understanding of the nature of the later British Empire. Saul Kelly, Reader at the Defence Studies Department, Kings College London Using the lens of biography, Philip Boobbyer shines a much-needed light on the activities of Francis Rodd who worked in and on a number of crucial activities in two world wars. This highly original contribution demonstrates how travel, intelligence gathering, diplomacy and allied liaison work intersected in the life of one man who was at the sharp end of British policy-making for almost 40 years. Dr Kent Fedorowich, Reader in British Imperial and Commonwealth History, University of the West of England, Bristol "The twenty-first century has taught us that the governance of conquered territory is difficult. Philip Boobbyer's The Life and World of Francis Rodd expertly illuminates the twentieth century's master of the art." Simon Ball, Professor of International History and Politics, University of Leeds "Boobbyers biography finally gives full credit to Major General Lord Rennells remarkably diverse career. From bold explorer to international banker to hammer of the Mafia, his service to his country and the wider world was extensive and ingenious a great British hero rediscovered." Tim Newark, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/thinking-man/lord-rennell-unsung-british-hero-took-mafia/#:~:text=When%2048%2Dyear%2Dold%20Francis,them%20with%20local%20Mafia%20bosses, 26 February, 2021"

Dr Philip Boobbyer is Reader in History at the University of Kent in Canterbury (UK).

List of Figures; List of Abbreviations; A Note on Names; Acknowledgements; A Personal Note; Introduction; Chapter One Family and Youth; Chapter Two The First World War; Chapter Three Into the Sahara; Chapter Four International Banker; Chapter Five Negotiating with Italy; Chapter Six West Africa, 1940; Chapter Seven East Africa in Transition; Chapter Eight AMGOT (Allied Military Government of Occupied Territories); Chapter Nine Jack of Many Trades; Conclusion; Sources and Bibliography; Index.