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Winston Churchill
Book by Reynolds, Q.
183 pages, Library Binding
First published November 1, 1963
About the author
Quentin Reynolds
88 books16 followersBorn in the Bronx, New York, on April 11, 1902, to a school principal and his wife, Quentin James Reynolds grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from Manual Training High School. He enrolled at Brown University and excelled in football, boxing, and swimming. In fact, after earning his Ph.D. he spent a year on a professional football team. Going from job to job, Reynolds couldn't find a career he enjoyed. His father suggested law school, and by the time he earned his degree, Reynolds had finally figured out what he wanted to do.
Journalism, not law, appealed to Reynolds, and he worked as a reporter and then a sports columnist. In 1933 he was sent as a feature writer to report on Germany and the rise of Hitler. At that time, Reynolds was writing for the International News Service. The Germans didn't approve of Reynolds's slant against the Third Reich and national socialism; however, from the article Reynolds gained employment at Collier's Weekly for whom he eventually penned 384 articles and short stories over a fifteen year span, eventually rising to the position of associate editor. A prolific writer, Reynolds's fame came during an assignment to cover the erupting World War II.
Reynolds spent time in France and then fled to England. While there he came to appreciate and respect the British. In account after account he portrayed the strong will and determination of a nation fighting for its very survival. He penned seven books about the war, broadcasted for the British Broadcasting Company, narrated two film documentaries, and lectured in the United States. Reynolds's popularity soared as people learned of his bravery and the risks he took to get the story.
Unfortunately for Reynolds, not everyone found him admirable. A Hearst columnist disputed his claims and suggested Reynolds was cowardly. After five years in the court system, Reynolds won over $175,000 in the libel judgement. This wasn't his only time he was brought to the public's attention for questionable acts. In 1952 Reynolds had penned a book about a Canadian spy, only to later find out that he had been duped and misled into believing a false tale. The publisher in turn changed the book from nonfiction to fiction.
When Reynolds traveled to Manila, Philippines, to research the president for a biography, he became ill with abdominal cancer. He passed away on March 17, 1965 at the age of sixty-two.
Journalism, not law, appealed to Reynolds, and he worked as a reporter and then a sports columnist. In 1933 he was sent as a feature writer to report on Germany and the rise of Hitler. At that time, Reynolds was writing for the International News Service. The Germans didn't approve of Reynolds's slant against the Third Reich and national socialism; however, from the article Reynolds gained employment at Collier's Weekly for whom he eventually penned 384 articles and short stories over a fifteen year span, eventually rising to the position of associate editor. A prolific writer, Reynolds's fame came during an assignment to cover the erupting World War II.
Reynolds spent time in France and then fled to England. While there he came to appreciate and respect the British. In account after account he portrayed the strong will and determination of a nation fighting for its very survival. He penned seven books about the war, broadcasted for the British Broadcasting Company, narrated two film documentaries, and lectured in the United States. Reynolds's popularity soared as people learned of his bravery and the risks he took to get the story.
Unfortunately for Reynolds, not everyone found him admirable. A Hearst columnist disputed his claims and suggested Reynolds was cowardly. After five years in the court system, Reynolds won over $175,000 in the libel judgement. This wasn't his only time he was brought to the public's attention for questionable acts. In 1952 Reynolds had penned a book about a Canadian spy, only to later find out that he had been duped and misled into believing a false tale. The publisher in turn changed the book from nonfiction to fiction.
When Reynolds traveled to Manila, Philippines, to research the president for a biography, he became ill with abdominal cancer. He passed away on March 17, 1965 at the age of sixty-two.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 2, 2019
What a perfect introduction to Winston Churchill!!! It may have been written for middle schoolers, but I found it fascinating! I loved learning more of Churchill’s early life. I never knew that he was a POW who ESCAPED! The writing was was easy yet never dumbed down. At one point, I even wept when the author described Churchill’s own tears at hearing of the death of Roosevelt. When my boys asked me why I was crying, I sobbed, “Roosevelt is dead!” Now, that is great writing!
May 16, 2019
Inspiring
November 27, 2019
Biography for form 2 British History.
November 21, 2014
A good ol' fashioned biography for "kids." Very readable story of all the various stages and adventures of Churchill's life --- student, soldier, journalist, painter, parliament member, PM and war leader --- oh, and son, husband, and father, too! An honest telling of Churchill being in and out of favor with the public, as well as his own party (which changed over time.) His adventures as a young soldier and war correspondent in India and POW in Africa (with a successful solo escape)were new to me. I appreciate that the author (who shares a personal meeting with WC in the epilogue) spends as much time with stories of the early years as he does with the more famous WWII years. I'd highly recommend this for the middle school and high school student (Hey! I liked it!) to spend time with the man and making real the times and the people and events that led up to WWII.
December 20, 2012
A fascinating and brief look into a giant of a man and his amazing life.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews