John Willis is one of Britain's best known television executives. He is former director of programmes at Channel 4 and director of factual and learning at the BBC. He was vice president for national programs at WGBH Boston. In 2012 he was elected chair of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). He was educated at Eltham College and Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge where he read History. He started his career as a documentary maker and won a string of awards for his films including Johnny Go Home; Alice: A Fight for Life, Rampton: The Secret Hospital; and First Tuesday: Return to Nagasaki. He was Chief Executive of Mentorn Media - producers of Question Time for the BBC - and he now chairs the board of governors at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. He divides his time between London and Norfolk.
'Spellbinding, horrifying...The writing is compelling and the research absolutely riveting in its detail. I found the book a staggering read' - Jon Reid, author The Captain was a Doctor. 'A remarkable book...the Nagasaki Prisoners have been largely forgotten. Their resilience and strength of spirit deserves to be remembered and Willis's book is a fine tribute to them.'-Nick Rennison, Daily Mail 'It is a great read...this popular history shows clearly the complexities of World War W Two and many of the serious consequences years later. Highly recommended'-Choice connect, USA. 'The PoW's testimonies give a chilling insight into the horror of nuclear war.': - the Times, London 'Well researched, well-rounded view...the final chapter moved me to tears'-Java Journal