Michel Thomas survived French concentration and slave labour camps, endured interrogation and torture and after the war became a Nazi-hunter, capturing important war criminals.



It was through these remarkable and terrifying experiences that Thomas came to develop his revolutionary language learning system - a system that is currently taking the world by storm.



This is his remarkable story, told by his friend and biographer Christopher Robbins.

The fascinating and thrilling biography of Michel Thomas, who survived torture and concentration camps to teach langauges to the stars.

About the Author
Christopher Robbins was born in 1946. He has won a number of awards for his investigative journalism for the Observer on topics such as world-wide smuggling, the treatment of political prisoners in Franco's Spain and CIA involvement in political assassination, including attempts on Fidel Castro, which was developed into a book - "Assassin". He has travelled widely in Russia, investigating the activities of the KGB.

Reviews
Chris Robbins has given us an irresistible phenomenon: obstinate, brilliant, morally incorruptible and one of the bravest men you will ever read about. * John le Carre *
The magnetic potency of Michel Thomas's teaching is partly explained by the Test of Courage, as much a thriller as a biography and not to be missed. * Emma Thompson, Academy Award-winning actress *
A vivid, life-affirming narrative that exerts considerable power. * The Times *
Steven Spielberg crossed with Tolstoy crossed with John Le Carre... * The Independent *
It gives a whole new perspective to the idea of being a hero...Fascinating. * Open Book - BBC *
This book is a right riveting read, a humdinger of a yarn... Michel Thomas has seen and done things the rest of us can only have a morbid curiosity about... One is left wondering about the nature of heroism itself, and of sacrifice. * Scotland on Sunday *
Fascinating... The Test of Courage chronicles, not only European history since the First World War, but also Michel Thomas's amazing acts of integrity and courage. * Jewish Telegraph *
Long ago the bestsellers were stories of wartime heroism... Thomas was a hero too but his exploits have had to wait until we were ready to dig a little deeper into the complexities of the war... The book is a long-belated catharsis... At one level it is an old-fashioned tale of wartime exploits; but the dark themes underneath are just right for post-Schindler Spielberg. * Hamstead & Highgate Express *
A remarkable biography of an astonishing man... the author paints an enthralling portrait of triumph against evil and adversity. * Kingsbridge Gazette *
A quite exceptional biography... moving... remarkable... * The Southland Times (New Zealand) *

This has to be the one of the best examples that we are all put on this earth for a reason... I could hardly put it down and only relented when I had to do some real work... I have now decided that I too can learn a language as his philosophy on learning is one that I can relate to and hope that in time educational institutions will too.

A truly inspirational read!!

* Reader review, Amazon.co.uk *
Michel Thomas' biography is a must-read for anyone interested in the triumph of humanity over the seemingly overwhelming forces of evil. * Reader review, Amazon.co.uk *
Five stars is not enough for this gut wrenching biography... an awe inspiring read, which really puts one's own meek trials and tribulations into perspective. The final chapter has a quote: "Often the test of courage is not to die, but to live." This sums the book up. * Reader review, Amazon.co.uk *
This book will stir your soul. * Reader review, Amazon.co.uk *



Book Information
ISBN 9780340812457
Author Christopher Robbins
Format Paperback
Page Count 416
Imprint John Murray Publishers Ltd
Publisher John Murray Press
Weight(grams) 461g
Dimensions(mm) 199mm * 130mm * 26mm