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Summary: Brilliant
Review: Brilliant biography by an author who is to the political left of his subject. Manchester doesn't let his political beliefs color his judgement of Churchill. The Victorian Era comes to life with Manchester's prose. The author's defense of Churchill's strategy in the failed Dardanelles campaign is convincing.
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Summary: An exhaustively researched masterpiece
Review: The author must have read every letter, press release, and article ever written about or by Winston Churchill! I was enthralled by the depth with which he treated his subject We see the greatness and pettiness, the calmness and bombastic spontaneity of the great man. The author is not afraid to throw in a little subjective judgement of his own which contributes to the reading enjoyment, although one must always keep on his toes not to get caught up in his opinions. I recommend it but probably not to the casual reader, it is full of detail on mine strikes, the Irish situation, social mores of the Victorian era, dispatches of wars and battles, etc... I think you must be interested in history to really follow all of the developments of one of the most important eras of human history.Brilliant work.
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Summary: a very good book
Review: It was a very informative book on Winston Churchill and the events during his time
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Summary: I long for Volume 3
Review: I have never been an amateur of history. This author is a master in my view. I could not let either volumes down ! I search and search obsessively for volume 3 and do not understand why Manchester would let us languish so long. Don't make us wait 20 years like Lucas and the Star Wars Episode 1. If anyone sees Vol 3 please contact me. Thanks in advance to all. I know now I not the only one waiting. RC
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Summary: Monumental, terrific work
Review: Manchester's first two volumes on Churchill make for some of the most compelling biography ever written on one of history's largest figures. As a reader and admirer of Manchester's greatest works (e.g., The Arms of Krupp), I can only ask: Why is he spending time and energy on lesser works (e.g., A World Lit Only by Fire) when he should be completing the Great Work? As someone wrote of George MacDonald Fraser regarding his Flashman series (fiction), the author should now drop all other writing commitments and finish his most important project.
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Summary: Buy it, read it, you'll enjoy it.
Review: One of my most favorite books of all time. I've recommended and given it to many friends, and none have been disappointed. Great for history lovers of course, but also for people who just want a good read or to learn about a most fascinating life.
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Summary: interesting insight to family values of England pre WWII
Review: Interesting and enlightening one line comments throughout the entire book. From the English family value and class sytem of England in pre WWII up to the influence of Ghandi, which I agree with Churchill and the Pope of that period, should have been ignored. The Empire of England and the good it did the world, through teaching, trading, culture and discipline at the sacrifice from their many young educated and sometimes rich, citizens. They wanted the rest of the world to experience the good life that they had and to benefit children and families around the world. It was a military "chain of command" leadership, but the ideals it gave to fathers, the heads of families, was a great of contribution any one could give to following generations. And sometimes at the sacrifice of Englands own sons and daughters. Now the world, through primitive Christianity, has decided to pay back that inspiration and dedication by destroying the Empire that gave it the start over the last 2000 years. Those who have found out how really good life can be are taking from the heritage of those that built it all, and they will lay claim most likely to the credit of advanced civilization. It was many men and women of the militaries who were able to save that influence over the many years. It was men like Winston Churchill who spoke exactly what they believed and gave the people the fortitude and courage to fight those who wanted to take freedoms from England and other countries. The men and women led, and they let people choose the paths they wanted to follow. They gave direction while protecting the lives and employment of the English populace and those that could not defend themselves. Honest democracy is hard to find anymore, especially from the people who are supposedly setting the example.
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Summary: Tremendous!
Review: The introduction alone is some of the most stirring prose ever written. I cannot recommend this book too highly. Hope there's a third in the series.
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Summary: All Manchester needs is a subject- and here is a Great one
Review: A truly great subject- Churchill- and one of the best non-fiction writers of the century combine here. It is a long book, but you'll go cover to cover. Manchester doesn't just take you to Churchill, his writing will take you into the time and places of Churchill.
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Summary: Manchester is the best and shows it again here
Review: William Manchester has no peer now living for writing history and biography. He shows it again here. At just the right times, he interjects himself into the narrative to call the reader's attention to points that might be missed by someone not familiar with British politics or with the times. He also essentially "solves" the riddle, to the extent it can be solved, of why Churchill was ignored when he was so right. Churchill occupied such a leading position in British public life for so long that he was able to commit several big mistakes. Unfortunately for Britain, two big ones - his emotional commitment to the British raj in India, and his emotional commitment to Edward VIII - and particularly the second, came at times that compromised his otherwise clear understanding and vision. Churchill was not a conventional politician, and, in many respects, not a politician at all. That is one reason why he was so misunderstood by contemporary professional politicians. Churchill was a visionary who well understood that, under the guise of merely reflecting the sentiments of his listeners, he could actually cause his listeners to rise to the level of his sentiments. This he did for the British, to their eternal distinction. Churchill is remembered for his erudition because of his voluminous writing, but he is really a monument to character, and, most of all, to courage. The great man of the century, brilliantly presented here in the context of his times and with all his faults.
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