Dark Lady: Winston Churchill's Mother and Her World

by Charles Higham

In this sensational new book, bestselling author Charles Higham draws from previously overlooked sources in America and Britain to tell the fascinating story of Jennie Jerome, mother of Winston Churchill — feminist, advocate of Irish independence, and notoriously promiscuous society belle. It charts her luxurious New York upbringing, eyebrow-raising entry into the British aristocracy through marriage to Lord Randolph Churchill, her endless line of liaisons with much younger men and a very different sort of affair in the highest of places — with the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII (one of many kings and princes to win her affection). Long before women had the vote, Jennie broke the rules by campaigning in elections for her husband, Lord Randolph Churchill. A staunch freethinker, she edited her own magazine, fought for Protestant interests in Ireland and sailed a hospital ship to South Africa, where she risked her life in the Boer War. Passionately in love with life, expressive of her sexuality when women were supposed to hide it, beautiful and independent minded, Jennie Churchill was decades ahead of her time.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 2005

About the author

Charles Higham was an author and poet. Higham was a recipient of the Prix des Créateurs of the Académie Française and the Poetry Society of London Prize.

Reviews

[Luke Devenish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who's up who with Lord Whatsit. I reckon Charles Higham pops out a biog every other week. This started out very promisingly. Gossy and jolly, with a jaunty tone. Then the parade of aristos got a little confusing even for me, and I love a Victorian stuck-up. Jenny herself didn't take flight. The sparkling, forthright woman she must have been didn't quite come off the page. I was left wanting more personality, although I did enjoy the dashing lovers, especially Count Kinski. The end was a bit perfunctory. A tumble down the stairs followed by a very sudden curtain. I didn't know it was coming. Still, this short, sharp tome amusingly passed the time and I shall not turf it, nor resent it.

[Claire · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible writing. Jumps all over the show making it very difficult to follow. No acknowledgment of sources. Lazy use of adjectives making sweeping assumptions about people. Don't bother with it.

[Fran Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this book is somewhat misleading. Jennie Jerome Churchill was anything but dark. She accomplished much, was closely involved in British politics, and campaigned alongside and separately for both her husband and son, even before women could vote. She wasn't alive when her son Winston was at the peak of his success, but she helped guide him to it. She was beautiful, smart, and well versed in British politics, although she was born in the US. After Randolf, her first husband died, she married younger and then younger men, some younger than her son. She was reported to have had an affair with heir to the throne Crown Prince Edward. The book gives an interesting look at Victorian society towards the end of Victoria's reign.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennie Churchill was an American who married the second son of a duke. Writing speeches for him so he became a leading political figure. This work provides the history of her relationship with her husband, Lord Randolph, and other. In the fashion of the day, each had their lovers but stayed married until death took Lord Randolph. Winston's early life is also given space in this book and Jennie is given credit for his indomitable personality.

[Mick Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reasonably good book,if some what abridged at the end.quite a bit of name dropping.touches on Winston slightly towards the end.yes she brought money and backbone to the family,but is portrayed here as a bit wayward with men.

[Jackie Latham · Rating 1 out of 5]

He is so full of it. If he didn't make stuff up he just pretty much copied other books. I think he thought he was being provocative but in reality he was just being a snarky old man. HATED this book!!!!!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dark Lady: Winston Churchill's Mother and Her World (Hardcover)
by Charles Higham

Contains section of photographs of the Windsors; reproductions from newspapers, etc.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book makes Winston Churchill's accomplishments seem even more extraordinary. His mother was a piece of work. Contrary to myth, she did love and support him, but she lurched from one scandal to another, and even sued Winston and his brother for their inheritance at one point....A complex and interesting woman. The book feels rushed and it is full of typos, but the author breaks a lot of new ground nonetheless, because of his research in diaries of the period. For the specialist in late Victorian history, or Churchill fanciers.

[Kimber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very influential woman; her personality shaped the course of England in the 20th century.

[Jesapdrake PD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating. Could be a wonderful television series. Book was lacking elaboration. However with better elaboration it would have been 10000000 pages.