Mansholt. A biography

Mansholt, a biography is the inside story of one of the founding fathers of the European Union. As a European Commissioner the Dutchman Sicco Mansholt (1908-1995) initiated the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). A federalist and a Eurocrat who forced through an allegedly bad policy that is still a millstone round the neck of European taxpayers, Mansholt was also every inch a politician who had the courage of his convictions. A charismatic leader and a model for EU-statesmanship.

The book offers a critical appraisal of Mansholt's life and work as well as a concise history of 20th century Europe. According to Chancellor Adenauer Mansholt - being a socialist and a farmer - was too much of a good thing. President Kennedy welcomed him as a good European, while de Gaulle denounced him as an enemy of France. And as far as President Nixon was concerned Mansholt was 'that jackass in the European Commission in Brussels'.

Contents:
1. Leaving the polder
2. Pasir Nangka
3. Pioneering in the Wieringermeer
4. War
5. Minister of Food Distribution
6. Colonial war in Indonesia
7. Agriculture and politics 1948-1958
8. A farmer sees the world
9. A plan for Europe
10. Pioneer years in Brussels
11. The first European Minister of Agriculture
12. The grain is harvested, but the battle is lost
13. Frustration, trouble and strife
14. Radical finale
15. Dreams