This study examines the historical and polemical writing of the late A.J.P. Taylor, Oxford don and television star. It provides a close examination of both historical interpretations and polemical arguments that appeared in books and essays for the popular press. The book covers Taylor's major historical and journalistic efforts from "The Italian Problem in European Diplomacy" in 1934 to "Beaverbrook" in 1972, looking for an explanation of his own judgement on his place within the historiographical community, that he was "the traitor at the gates". Other titles by Robert Cole include "Britain and the War of Words in Neutral Europe, 1939-45", "A Traveller's History of France" and "The Dissenting Tradition".