Churchill's Cigar: A Lifelong Affair Through War and Peace

A charming story of a love affair that went up in smoke daily

During World War II, Winston Churchill's cigar was such an important beacon of resistance that MI5, together with the nation's top scientists, tested the Prime Minister's supplies on mice rather than risk sabotage. Today, Churchill and his cigar remains a global icon, memorialized by a 151-foot statue of a cigar in Australia, while his cigar stubs are treasured as relics. Using original archival research and exclusive interviews with Churchill's staff, Stephen McGinty explores Churchill's passion for cigars and the solace they brought. He also examines Churchill’s lasting friendship with Antonio Giraudier, the Cuban businessman who for 20 years stocked Churchill's humidor, before fleeing Castro's revolution.