Bertrand Russell, 1921-70.

This new volume has at its centre the tragic and deeply moving story of Russell's relationship with his first son, John. Previous biographies have concentrated on his public activities, and while this is covered in abundant detail in this book, it is the illumination it throws on the most important relationship in Russell's life that sets it apart. It was the relationship in which he invested the most time and emotional energy and one that has, until now, remained largely untold. This book traces that story, from Russell's ecstasy at John's birth to his frightened dismay at John's collapse into madness. Russell's hopes for John provide a microcosm of his hopes for society at large, and, in both cases, the scale of his disappointment can only be appreciated by understanding the extent of his expectations. By describing the private as well as the public sides of Russell's life, this book at last does justice to the complexities of one of the most extraordinary men  of the 20th century.