Rating: 
Summary: Churchill- Man of the Century
Review: It is difficult to comprehend the enormous challenges faced by Britain in the late 1930's- essentially alone against the Nazi aggression, save for a weakened and demoralized France, with the United States in an inexplicable isolationist phase, content to let Europe burn. In this context, the rise of Winston Churchill to Prime Minister can be seen as something of a miracle- one of those rare instances where the man fit his times perfectly. To that end, without his influence, it is easy to imagine revisionist history, with Europe divided between right-wing German and leftist Soviet spheres. How can one small island establish its force and might into this cause and thus preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy?
The answer, as given by Mr. Gilbert, is Sir Winston Churchill himself, and there is not much which can be argued on this point. If you only read one biography of a 20th century figure, then you should make it this book. Besides Adolph Hitler (to which I recommend Ian Kershaw's excellent two-volume biography), there can be no more influential figure of the last century.
And, besides, what a life! As Gilbert's biography makes clear, Churchill was never one to shun from action. There are multiple instances of Churchill, both young and old, tempting fate, either in battle or in his passion for flying. With bombs and bullets flying it seems Churchill was at peace, secure in the knowledge that God had a greater fate in store for him.
Gilbert, the official biographer of Churchill, has done a masterful job of condensing his multi-volume work into a readable 1,000 pages- it will go very fast, believe me.
All in all, the best in historical biography. Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Many good details, but much excitement missed
Review: Martin Gilbert has done an admirable job in condensing his milti-volume biography into one volume, but such an effort must necessarily involve many compromises. In this case, in an effort to bring about a more human picture of Churchill the man, he has sacrificed much of the fun of Churchill the public figure. Many of Churchill' most vivid and exciting incidents are passed over too quickly. Especially regretable is Gilbert's failure to include of many of Churchill's most enjoyable and amusing public dialogues with the other leaders of his day. Of all 20th-century leaders, Churchill was one of the most highly esteemed for his wit and eloquence in debate. A few examples show his eloquence; almost all of his wit is lost. The result is a book that is wonderful for those who already know Churchill, but, alas, is amazingly flat for anyone who has not read much about him. After reading it, one may admire Churchill's determination and leadership, but may wonder how he was able to claim the attention of the British people for so long.
Rating:
Summary: Prescience and Science of a Renaissance Man
Review: Martin Gilbert has realized an impressive tour de force in introducing us to an exceptional, unusual phenomenon of nature, Winston Spencer Churchill (WSC) in a single volume. WSC himself was conscious of his extraordinary destiny early. As he famously mentioned at the age of thirty-two, "we are all worms, but I do believe I am a glow-worm (pg. 185 and 285)." Many of his contemporaries shared that insight quite quickly (e.g., pg. 172, 212, 285, 320, 329, 334, 533, 547, 556, 613, 616, 637, 685, 773, 774 and 841). Describing WSC, however, is tricky. As one of his early conquests, Pamela Plowden, noted in 1905, "The first time you meet Winston, you see all his faults, and the rest of your life you spend in discovering his virtues (pg. 174)." In his final comments, Gilbert makes a short, penetrating portrait of WSC: Vision and foresight, humanity and sense of fair play, democracy and patriotism, formidable powers of work and thought ... and controversy, disappointment and abuse (pg. 959).
Vision and Foresight: e.g. Nature of the future Great War, its development and devastating consequences (pg. 143, 235 and 281), perils of curbing Free Trade (pg. 147), distinction between criminal and political prisoners (pg. 212), anticipation of "Blitzkrieg" (pg. 383 and 562), warning about the dangers of Communism and prediction of its ultimate downfall (pg. 403 and 884), comeback of a humiliated Germany with a vengeance (pg. 403 and 464), unwavering support for the cause of Zionism that will ultimately lead to the creation of Israel (pg. 429, 902, 903 and 947), collective security mechanism to preserve peace in Europe, precursor of article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty (pg. 556), bankruptcy of appeasement policy conducted with Nazi Germany from weakness (pg. 480, 564, 596-599 and 632), unfolding of WWII and its destructions (pg. 593, 611, 658, 694, 697, and 701), construction of a post-war European Union around the French-German axis (pg. 731 and 872), use of nuclear arm to conduct a new strategic policy and call for a balanced and phased system of disarmament down the road (pg. 857, 884, 935 and 936), special relationship with the United States of America (pg. 869) Humanity and Sense of Fair Play: e.g. "No political freedom without a measure at least of social and economic independence" (pg. 191, 206 and 231), perfectly conscious of the strain of his political life on his relationship with his wife, Clementine (pg. 207), scrupulous fairness to any man before WSC on a charge under his command in the Belgian trenches (pg. 343), fairness of his demobilization plan (pg. 406), his funeral oration in praise of Neville Chamberlain (pg. 683), his concern with the plight of German civilians at the end of WWII (pg. 816), "(His eyes) can be hard as he looks at you - or as tender as a woman's - they can weep easily" (pg. 858 and 859), his lack of pretentiousness and real charm to everyone (pg. 863), his acts of generosity towards his friends and family (pg. 887), his faith in the ultimate wisdom of humanity (pg. 945) Democracy and Patriotism: e.g. Successful withdrawal of anti-Semitic Aliens Bill (pg. 165 and 167), resolute opposition against both Communism and Fascism (pg. 403, 426, 506, 575, 658, 866-869 and 884), servant of the Nation at war (pg. 724), establishment of a post-war 'United States of Europe' excluding Russia (pg. 731), essence of Churchill's political philosophy reduced to seven questions (pg. 790 and 791), importance of the right to vote in a democracy (pg. 802) Formidable Powers of Work and Thought: e.g. "You inspire us all by your courage & resolution" (pg. 279), "Supreme quality which I venture to say very few of your present or future Cabinet possess, the power, the imagination, the deadliness to fight Germany" (pg. 320), "He has lion-hearted courage. No number of enemies can fight down his ability and force. His hour of triumph will come" (pg. 320), "Anything he undertakes he puts his heart and soul into" (pg. 547), "There is no doubt he was a very hard taskmaster. He drove us. And he rarely gave praise" (pg. 579), "No one like him. His devotion to work and duty is quite extraordinary" (pg. 764), Nobel prize for Literature in 1953 (pg. 919) Controversy, Disappointment and Abuse: e.g. Tendency to make "Unnecessary enemies" (pg. 101), "The restless energy, uncontrollable desire for notoriety & the lack of moral perception making (WSC) an anxiety" (pg. 186), "Much hated by those who have not come under his personal charm" (pg. 198), "When I am not consumed with inward fury at the damnable twists which I have been served with, and chewing black charcoal with all my might, I am buoyant and lively" (pg. 359), perceived as a danger across the political chessboard (pg. 374 and 556), "His 'private war' on Russia perceived as a repetition of previous excesses" (pg. 419), his decried "Mercurial temperament" (pg. 472), decade spent in the wilderness fighting Hitler and his regime alone (pg. 533, 613 and 616), "A wayward genius unserviceable in council" (pg. 569), sometimes "So tiresome and pigheaded" (pg. 764), grandeur in accepting political defeat after his victory at war in 1945 (pg. 855 and 856), at times "Very difficult and contrary" (pg. 863) Hopefully, our country will generate one day another Winston Spencer Churchill to rescue us in due time from the abyss of a major disaster that could endanger our place in the world.
Rating:
Summary: enthralling,exhaustively researched yet highly readable.
Review: Martin Gilbert has written,with a labor of love,a condensation
of Churchill's official multi-volume biography This is a complete, eminently readable look at one of the titans of the modern age.
However, this is not a balanced biography. Churchill seems to do no wrong ! Although his conflict with parliament
and members of his cabinet are well described, his conflicts with his generals
and admirals are not given enough weight. Nevertheless, this
is the best out there, especially if you believe, as I do, t
hat Winston S Churchill was the most clarivoyant, gifted, energetic leader of this century !
Alejandro L. Rosas, M.D.
Rating:
Summary: One of the better biographies I've read for some time......
Review: Martin Gilbert is a prodigious writer and a fine historian. In Churchill: A Life, Gilbert presents an encompassing view of Great Britain's most dynamic historical figure. Little need be said in this review about Churchill, a man larger than life, as that life has been voluminously recorded. However, Gilbert has provided an account that is eminently readable, fascinating in detail, thoroughly engrossing, and bottom-line, simply a pleasurable experience. As a biographical subject, Churchill has certainly received more negative analysis than Gilbert proffers, but Gilbert takes great care to explain where unwarranted criticism of Churchill's actions and beliefs are, in themselves, errant. Surely, Churchill's politics, in a career that spanned nearly a lifetime, will provide at least some fodder for anyone. By and large, however, Churchill was exactly the prescription required to pull Great Britain through the horrors of World War II. Not since Truman, by David McCullough, have I enjoyed a biography this much. I recommend the book highly as it deserves, every bit, a rating of five stars.
Rating:
Summary: If only all politicians were like this!
Review: Martin Gilbert writes an extremely engaging biography by letting Churchill speak for himself. Extensive use of Churchill's correspondance and diaries allows Churchills wit, imagination and determination to shine through. Although the book did not mention Churchill's famous love of alcohol and is positively biased, I still enjoyed it throughly. It also seemed to capture the spirit of the times of which he lived in. The biggest revelation for me was the insight into how the British political system works and how, although Churchill is seen as a bit of a dictator, was one of the first politicians to actively seek coalition between political parties. In addition, it also seems that a man of principles can survive in Parliament and that being persuaded to change policy is not a sign of weakness. If only the politicians of today were like this!!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful intoduction to Churchill
Review: Martin Gilbert, the immensly readible author of the official biography of Winston Churchill, here offers a one volume life of his hero. Not a condensation of the eight volume official life, it is instead a work that stands alone as perhaps the best one volume life of Churchill yet written. The book is a "cradle to grave" biography which consentrates, understandably, on the years during World War Two, when Churchill was Prime Minister. Gilbert's mastery of his subject is evident throughout, as he weaves domestic and foriern politics with ease, and gives us many interesting nuggets on Churchill's home life. This book again proves Gilbert to be the master Churchill historian of our era. Being familiar with the official biography, I am saddened by how much Gilbert had to cut out for Churchill: A Life. But condensation from eight volumes to one is no easy task, and Gilbert handles it wonderfully. For both the casual history buff, and the Churchill enthusiast, Churchill: A Life is a must read. I hope you do.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful One Volume Overview Of Winston Churchill's Life!
Review: No one short of Winston himself is more of an established authority on Winston Churchill than noted British author and historian Sir Martin Gilbert, who renders an intelligent, eminently readable, and carefully culled one-volume overview of his imposing eight volume history of Churchill that took over 25 years to finish. Unlike some of the other recent covers of Churchill, this carefully composed, organized and articulated work covers the entire story of Churchill's incredible life from childhood, supplying a steady stream of memorable anecdotes and constant good humor that punctuates the text and makes the usual drab early years much more entertaining and enjoyable. He takes great pains to describe Churchill's daredevil antics early in life, a man more foolhardy than fool, a man with piercing intellect and a sardonic wit. According to Gilbert, young Winston was always good company, with an endless store of stories he spun with great relish and amazing recall. He had an early sense about the possibilities of technology, and could fly a British bi-plane even before the onset of WWI. He seemed to recognize the potential of such new weaponry to revolutionize warfare, and often took pains to tell anyone who would listen how much more dynamic such things as tanks and artillery could make the modern battlefield. Of course, the events surrounding World War Two provided Churchill with the opportunity of a lifetime; the author argues he was exactly the right man to pull Britain out of its desperate doldrums and to jump fearlessly into the fray. For while he was no military genius, he was a singular statesman and leader, and he used his stirring orations to electrify the English populace and prepare them for the war of endurance he knew he struggle with Germany would certainly become. He threaded the delicate high wire of political negotiations with the Americans, and forged an unusually strong and open friendship with Franklin Roosevelt that was a dynamic factor in the Allied partnership. As Gilbert writes so memorably, he summoned forth the mysterious stuff of greatness to assume leadership of Britain when it was most isolated, threatened, and weak. In such circumstances, his own bulldog-like resolve and legendary stubbornness made those who oppose him rue the day. No one in modern history was so singularly responsible for the rescue of the world from the clutches of evil incarnate (as personified by Hitler and Nazi Germany) than did Winston Churchill. This is a masterful biography written in a magisterial fashion by the single greatest authority on Churchill. I highly recommend it. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent one-volume Churchill biography.
Review: Sir Winston Spencer Churchill, one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century, and probably one of the greatest men in history, lived a long, rich and controversial life. Martin Gilbert is his official biographer. "Churchill: A Life" is based upon Gilbert's much larger multi-volume biography, but it is not an abridgment. Gilbert tells Churchill's story in an elegant and straightforward manner. He moves the reader smoothly from Churchill's troubled childhood, through his brief military career and into his long career as a Member of Parliament. Churchill's rapid rise from House of Commons "back-bencher," to cabinet minister was phenomenal. So were his numerous falls from power, caused mainly by his uncanny ability to alienate nearly all his political colleagues. After eight years in the "political wilderness," Churchill reached the pinnacle of British political power, becoming Prime Minister in May 1940, just as Nazi Germany launched its attack on the Low Countries and France. Gilbert's treatment of Churchill's wartime and post-war premierships is fascinating, as is his narrative of Churchill's later years. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although I felt I didn't get to know Churchill as well as I did after reading William Manchester's two-volume Churchill biography, "The Last Lion." Gilbert's prose is much more "lofty" sounding and lacks some of the Manchester books' insightful analysis, incisive commentary, and historical background. Still, "Churchill: A Life" is a fascinating, if not especially penetrating, study of this colossus of British history. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: The Best One Volume Biography of Churchill
Review: The 90 year life of Winston Churchill is so eventful and important, it is difficult to chronicle in a single volume. Indeed, Churchill's official biography, of which Martin Gilbert was a major author and collaborator, consists of eight volumes. That said, the average reader, interested in the facts of Churchill's life and times, does not have time to read multiple volumes. Thus, a top quality single volume work becomes imperative. This is not simply a condensation of the eight volume work but is rather a new work in its own right, which draws on the eight volume work as a major source. Gilbert also relies heavily on Churchill's own archives, the archives of his wife Clementine and the materials of important persons in Churchill's life such as Lady Asquith. As with all of Gilbert's books, this volume is thorough, authoritative, factual and slightly prosaic. One advantage though is that the book is liberally filled with Churchill's actual written and spoken words. Churchill's words are never dull and liven up the text considerably. The book follows Churchill's life in chronological order from his birth in 1874 through his death in 1965. Although all aspects of his life are touched on, Gilbert's emphasis is on Churchill's public role. The reader unfamiliar with Churchill will be amazed at the number of events of British history in which Churchill played a primary part. In his early twenties, Churchill saw action as an officer and then as a journalist in a number of British colonial wars. Most notably, he was taken prisoner by the Boers during the Boer war, from which he escaped. Originally elected to Parliament as a Conservative during the reign of Victoria, Churchill soon broke with the Tories over the issue of tariffs, which Churchill adamantly opposed. Joining the Liberals, Churchill soon rose to high office. Together with David Lloyd George, Churchill was a major figure in the passage of numerous social and labor reforms. By 1911, Churchill was named First Lord of the Admiralty, where he prepared the British Navy for the conflict with Germany that he sensed was coming. Churchill's career stalled during the First World War when his sound plan to capture Constantinople via Gallipolli, was undermined by the military men charged with carrying it out, Churchill was forced to resign the Admiralty and ultimately saw action as the commander of a Brigade in France. He returned to the cabinet as Minister of Munitions prior to the war's end. After the war, Churchill served as Colonial Secretary where he supported the Zionist movement for a Jewish homeland in Palestine and had much to do with the issuance of the Balfour declaration. He never wavered from his position that a Jewish homeland in Palestine was not only just but that it served British interest. In this, as in so many other areas, Churchill stood largely alone. In his role as Colonial Secretary, Churchill essentially created the modern Arab nation states including Egypt, Jordan and Iraq among others. Churchill also served as Home Secretary where he worked out the settlement with Michael Collins and Sin Fein that created the Republic of Ireland. Churchill moved away from the Liberals as they began to lose ground to the Labour party who he adamantly opposed. For a number of years Churchill was essentially an independent supported by the Conservatives. He was finally invited back into the Conservative fold, serving in the opposition shadow cabinet of Stanley Baldwin in the late 1920's. Churchill again broke with the Conservatives over the party's policy favoring centralized Indian home rule. This was an issue over which all parties were largely in agreement yet Churchill was adamant in his opposition. He believed that the end of the British Raj in India would lead to the Hindu persecution of lower castes and slaughter between Hindu and Muslim nationalists. History has, of course, proven him right and gradual independence might have saved millions of lives. At the time, however, he was subjected to the worst ridicule and ostracized. Churchill's stance seemed to spell the end of his career. All through the thirties, he maintained his seat in Parliament yet was never asked to serve in a government. He was ignored, in succession by Ramsey McDonald (head of a Labour/Conservative coalition), Baldwin and Neville Chamberlain. His warnings about Hitler, the threat from Germany and Britain's growing weakness were utterly ignored. Only when the war began in September 1939 was Churchill invited back into the Admiralty and into the War Cabinet by Chamberlain. Finally, in 1940, when Chamberlain was forced to resign, Churchill was asked by the King to take his place. At 65, in the hour of Britain's greatest peril, Churchill was Prime Minister and the head of a national unity government determined to defeat the Nazi menace. Gilbert spends a disproportionate amount of space on these vital five years. At the age when most people are retiring, Churchill with enormous vitality was traveling the globe in support of the British war effort. Upon Germany's defeat, in July 1945, Churchill was promptly turned out of office and the Socialists took over. He continued to lead the Conservative party in opposition and was returned to power in 1952. At first, an outspoken critic of Stalin's Soviet Union (he coined the phrase "the iron curtain") Churchill came to favor a political resolution of differences between the West and the Soviets. Finally, retiring as Prime Minister and head of the party in 1955 at the age of 81, Churchill's final words of advice to his successors was to "stand with the Americans." Winston Spencer Churchill is one of the pivotal figures of the twentieth century and one of the greatest men of all time. This book does justice to his greatness. For a much greater insight into Churchill's character and personal life, I recommend the two books in "The Last Lion" series by William Manchester. This book is clearly superior to the recent biography by Roy Jenkins. It is the finest one volume biography available.
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