Drawing on an unparalleled network of sources, contacts, and first hand testimonies, Con Coughlin takes us to the centre of Saddam's complex and bewildering regime. In 1979 Saddam took power and immediately set about controlling every aspect of Iraqi life. The Kurds and Shiites have been subjected to horrendous genocidal attacks, thousands of political prisoners taken, many tortured for Hussein's own gratification. Even his own two sons-in-law were murdered on Saddam's direct orders. More than this, Coughlin takes us behind the palace gates to view Saddam and the contradictions of his private life. His sponsoring of Islamic fundamentalism is at odds with his whisky drinking and womanising; his reliance on and celebration of family negated by his violent and temperamental treatment of them. With evidence from both family members, servants and staff, Saddam: The Secret Life is unique in its representation of his illusive and secretive world. Insightful, penetrating and shocking, Con Coughlin has written the defining biography of one of the most dangerous men in the world. 'Excellent and disturbing... the case for getting rid of this terrifying madman as soon as possible is overwhelming' William Shawcross, Sunday Telegraph