ABSTRACT
Marlborough's character, unlike that of other famous men — unlike that of his famous contemporaries Bolingbroke and Swift — never discommoded his capacities. His military genius moved unflaggingly forward to make history; his character unmade nothing more than his own reputation. But the character of the Duke of Marlborough has a claim to study beyond its psychological interest, since it calls into question that always likely cleavage between the genius and the great man. The conjunction of the Duchess with the Duke was no mere routine of marriage. Sarah Churchill strongly influenced Marlborough's career. As the Queen's favourite, as the Whigs' unofficial adviser, as the recorder of the pulse of England when the Duke was fighting abroad, she had great political importance. Before the War of the Spanish Succession ever began, Marlborough was known to be England's greatest soldier, and his being chosen captain-general by Anne was due as much to reputation as to friendship.
