Churchill

by Ashley Jackson

"Winston Churchill attracted far more criticism alive than he has since his death. He was, according to Evelyn Waugh, 'always in the wrong, surrounded by crooks, a terrible father, a radio personality'. To others, he was the saviour of the nation, even of Western civilization, 'the greatest Briton' who ever lived. Whatever one's view, Winston Churchill remains splendidly unreduced. He also remains enormous fun--a cartoonist's and caricaturist's dream on the one hand, one of the most powerful and successful statesmen in modern history on the other. Globally famed for his role as a leader during the Second World War, this study resists the temptation to conflate Churchill's post-war career with Britain's demise on the international stage. Nor does it endorse the notion that Churchill became an anachronism as he lived and continued to work, at a prodigious rate, through his seventies and eighties. As well as being Britain's most celebrated politician and war leader, Winston Churchill was a Nobel Prize-winning author. He was one of the most prolific writers of his age and his accounts of the momentous events through which he lived have indelibly marked the way in which modern British history has been conceptualized. Uniquely endowed with talent, energy and determination, Winston Churchill was, as a close wartime colleague put it, 'unlike anyone you have ever met before'. Ashley Jackson describes the contours and contradictions of Churchill's remarkable life and career as a soldier, politician, historian, journalist, painter, amateur farmer and homemaker. From thrusting subaltern to high-flying politician, Cabinet outcast to elder statesman, this is the eternally fascinating story of Winston Churchill's appointment with destiny"--Publisher's description, p. [2] of dust jacket.

Genres: Biography, History, Politics, Nonfiction, British Literature, International Relations, World War II

352 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2011

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came up after a random google search for "best Churchill biography" in the mid-length category. Not having read any others, I can't say for sure, but I did learn a lot about Churchill. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a meaty but manageable book. The author is clearly a fan but also fair as to Churchill's shortcomings and mistakes. He also does a good job portraying Churchill's different moods at various times of his life...for example, after WWII ended (you know, the chapter in the book about it) I wasn't joyous...I was melancholy and concerned, like Churchill, who correctly foresaw the Soviet threat. There is not a ton of detail about his childhood or family life...just enough. It's a British book and assumes familiarity with British government election processes, but being British, it also provides a great point of view on the sunset of the British empire and Churchill's hopes for ever closer Anglo-American relations. Really enjoyed this.

[Bernadette · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to recommend one biography to get an understanding of the first half of the 20th century global politics I would choose this one about Winston Churchill. History professor Ashley Jackson has compiled an even-handed, highly readable account of this genius: military and political leader, prolific writer, historian and accomplished artist. Born into a high ranking political family, Winston served in the military earning medals and honors in order to get into his first love: politics. He was one of the youngest cabinet officials when he became Chancellor of the Treasury. Jackson writes "Churchill plunged in like a volcano spewing ideas and memoranda in all directions. He challenged Treasury orthodoxy and the advice of its officials." This pattern of working nonstop and looking for new ways of doing things served him in all his positions in British government including two stints as Prime Minister -- and drove his colleagues and staff near crazy. While Churchill is most often remembered as the formidable individual who galvanized the British people and the Allies in World War II, he was also both the maker of history and the historian who saw the decline of power of the British Empire (something he fought against) and rise of Communism. He served almost continually in British government for fifty years and even after he was out of official power was an influential international speaker and writer. His ability to foresee world wide trends was amazing; Germany's rise to power after WW I and later the need for an American-British alliance and the rise of American world power. Churchill was an extraordinary writer; news articles, opinion pieces, travelogues paid his rent in the early years. His 6-volume work on The Second World War, a huge undertaking, attests to his ability as writer and historian. He lived this period and documents his face to face conferences with Roosevelt and Stalin, traveling an unprecedented 110,000 miles by air and sea from the outbreak of the war until D-Day. Like any politician Churchill had his detractors, but he had the uncanny ability to change his mind and often even his party when it was needed. He wasn't perfect; he could be insensitive, long-winded and impatient. His wife Clementine is credited with being direct and calling out her husband for these traits.
The one activity that gave Churchill some respite from the nonstop daily trials was painting. He created hundreds of canvases over the years in locations throughout Great Britain, southern France, Italy, Morocco, anywhere his travels took him. When I finished the book I looked up some of his paintings online and they are beautiful, critically acclaimed. While I won't remember most of the political details of the Tory and Labour parties, I do have a good sense of who this man Churchill was and what was going on in the world while he lived. Excellent biography.

[Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not the definitive book on Churchill I have been looking for. It is best described as peripheral - it just skirts around the edges of what I wanted to learn about this man of history. I will look further for another book on Churchill. Most likely I will at some point read the Last Lion trilogy.

[Ahmad · Rating 3 out of 5]

The books does an admirable job of covering, in under 400 pages, the extraordinary life of a multifaceted icon and his half a century in public service during a tumultuous global era.

[Bill Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very readable biography of Winston Churchill. Not, perhaps, the most in depth biography but one that covered his entire career. Churchill's career was extensive, according to this book. He served in the British army in India, at the battle of Omdurman with General Kitchener and in France briefly during WWI. He was correspondant in South Africa during the Boer War. Actually, he was a correspondant and writer during most of his life. While serving as an officer during WWI he was also writing for reports for a newspaper and serving as a Member of Parliament. He was a MP for decades, sometimes as a member of the cabinet and sometimes not. And, of course, he was Prime Minister. Churchill had many accomplishments during his career and Ashley Jackson's biography is generally favorable.

But not quite so favorable that one is unaware of his flaws and the enormous advantages he had. He was the grandson of Duke, the son of an MP who had been Chancellor of the Exchequer, and was born in one of England's premier palaces. His mother used her connections to further his career. He was committed to British Imperialism, which is nice if you are English, but did not play as well in the colonies. He could be extremely self-centered.

Churchill seemed to be the kind of man who could write histories, biographies, and newspaper articles while also being in command of army units, rally a desperate country as Prime Minister, negotiate treaties and find time to paint accomplished landscapes, but not prepare a meal for himself. With all his contradictions, strengths and weaknesses, he provides much to write about. There are many, many biographies of Churchill. The others I'm aware of are more extensive, but this was the right depth for me.

[Adam Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

A frustrating book - wanders quite close to hagiography. Seeks to play down any controversial element in Churchill's career (imperial or labour policy, any military failings, possible depression) but deals in declaratives rather than offering much of a discussion. The words 'show, don't tell' come to mind.

The range of sources seems curiously limited for what is quite a comprehensive book - mostly relies on quotations from other politicians of the time, some of Churchill's own writings and contemporary news reports.

Overall gives the impression of being written to counter certain interpretations of Churchill that the author disagrees with but without wanting to go into the depth (or explicit academic debate) that would require.

[Clay Olmstead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cramming 90 years of British history into less than 400 pages required some shortcuts: what's missing is the historical context. If you're well versed in British history, it may not be a problem. I felt like I was continually missing out: by not knowing what happened in 1702, not inderstanding the ins and outs of the British electoral process, and not knowing who all the political players were - many introduced to the story with no background information. Yes, you can look all that up, but it got irritating after a while.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable introduction to Winston Churchill. It is by no means an exhaustive or definitive biography of him. Nonetheless, it is a helpful survey of his life, seeking to show how he was shaped by his own family heritage and the history of England as a whole. The author seeks a balanced portrayal of Churchill and I think overall achieves this goal.

Again, this is an enjoyable read and helpful for those seeking an introduction to Churchill, or simply wanting a brief survey of his life.

[Steven Kuehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, well-balanced biography of Winston Churchill; in depth coverage of his formative years, his early years in the military and political arenas, and his role leading up to and during World War II. In contrast, discussion of his post-war career seemed cursory in comparison and somewhat rushed. While this volume may lack some of the details found in other Churchill biographies, it does provide a solid summary of the life and character of the subject.

[Les Hopper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, medium-level biography

This biography struck the right balance for me between being too detailed and too shallow. It was just right.

It belongs to the family of Churchill biographies that are broadly favourable and avoid revisionist views, but it doesn't avoid criticism.

Overall a good, well-researched and well-referenced read.

[Riverreed Greenland · Rating 2 out of 5]

An extremely biased account, where the author attempts to appear unbiased by throwing in occasional disparaging remarks, and neatly glosses over war crimes that cost the lives of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of innocent civilians that Churchill was responsible for.

[Michael L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, learned a lot about Churchill.

[Tika Diagnestya · Rating 2 out of 5]

heavy reading.. much like history book. I understood that the writer is a professor.

[Oolalaa · Rating 2 out of 5]

8/20

[Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-researched and well-written. Perhaps just a tad too apologetic. Certainly recommended as a first or second book.

[David Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

8.6/10

[Sambasivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In less than 400 pages, it is indeed incredible that the author has narrated the breathtaking life of Winston Churchill. According to me Churchill is one of the most versatile and indefatigable personalities of the twentieth century and shaped the course of the ending of the Second World War. The author has carried out a prodigious research but still maintains a level of objectivity that is praiseworthy. The focus is on his official life and for all intents and purposes, Churchill lived an open life. His great communication and leadership skills along with a never say die attitude enabled him to become what he became. A life worthy of knowing and emulation.

[Jill Lejcar · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a slow read for me, because it turns out I'm not as interested in early 20th century British politics as you might think. I enjoyed the beginning - not knowing anything about his upbringing (an American mother!), and sped through the (long) chapter on WWII, but it was the middle bits that were tedious to me - his military service and early political career. Oh, and I wanted more of his quotes.

Regardless, I now know a bit more about this fascinating individual and might, just might, pick up one of the memoirs he authored.

[Boney Antony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this account a mentally draining yet very satisfying read and it motivates me to read deeply about Sir Winston Churchill in addition to the major actors and world history through the time period. Thoroughly fascinated by his achievements, eccentricities, flaws, talents and absolutely colossal contributions to the planet and the course of humankind.. Tremendous..

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light yet sufficiently detailed book on Churchill's life. Loved every second of it. Extremely well written and never tedious.

[Ian B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant biog. of the great man. Not weighed down with uneccessary detail and moves at the right pace to keep your interest. A well rounded, superbly written account of a fascinating life.

[Sherri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tedious is the only word that comes to mind. I tried, but just couldn't bring myself to finish it. I would like to know more about Churchill's life, but I will have to find another way or book.

[Duncan Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read that puts Churchill in his correct context, warts and all.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written biography... Scandalous fasts are tastefully camouflaged or glanced over. Joy to read!

[GP Fu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.