Churchill

Ballantine's Illustrated History of World War II / the Violent Century: War Leader #16

by David Mason

Used; Very Good TRADE PAPERBACK Used; Very Good. 8-D-36 Ballantine 1972 Paperback. Previous owner's name stamp on outer page edges. Text is clean and unmarked. Covers have light wear. Spine is tight. Book Condition; Very Good . 1972. TRADE PAPERBACK.

159 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

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Reviews

[Barbara Ab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and interesting little books full of pictures. It is an essential biography of Churchill in war time perfectly supported by fascinating old pictures.

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gotta say this is the most bizarre "Biography" of Churchill I have read- and I have read a few. I guess the author David Mason- took the brief of the series he was writing for- this is "War Leader" Book number 16 in the Ballantine's Illustrated History of the Violent Century - literally. The book starts with his ascension to the Office of the Prime Minister - does a tiny bit of his history before that- then plunges into his management of the war. Then it ends with his defeat at the polls at the war's end. Churchill, had been dead for seven years when this book came out in 1972- but I still thought it a strange way to discuss one of the most important and controversial characters on WWII and the 20th Century writ large. It's good if a bit hageographical at times, and certainly show its age to the modern reader.

Mason is a pro at the Military History- wrote several of the Ballantine's series, but he really hews close to the mythology/legend of Churchill as much as possible. More about the feelings of the british populace with less evidence than some other writers. Perhaps he felt constrained by the 160 page format, or perhaps in the mid Cold War period- that's what would sell. At any rate ot the modern reader it seems lean and gauze-covered. I think it's a good starting point to a study of the statesman/politician- but one needs to consumed with at least one other source.

There are no adult themes save politics and no graphic injury passages, so this is a fine book for the Junior reader over about 10/11 years with some adult guidance. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, more of an interesting background book- but not a direct reference. Unless you are in an RPG game as Churchill - I can't think this would be directly applicable. For the general reader an interesting book on Churchill- not an authoritative text.

[Alex MacKenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, easy read of a book. Starts with Churchill’s Wilderness Years, when he was a parliamentarian, but not part of the government itself. He was considered too much of a rogue for cabinet positions. So he was able to distance himself from the Appeaser set. As well as setup his own informal intelligence network with those who supported his recognition of the threat posed by the Nazis.
Appointed Prime Minister during the most difficult days of the Second World War; his energy, knowledge, foresight and faith in victory saved Britain. But it broke Britain.
His personal relationships with FDR and Stalin were necessary, and (he believed) real. Britain’s dominance was succeeded by the US in the West, and replaced by Soviet intransigence in the East.
However…
It was not for nothing that in 2002, Britons voted him “the Greatest Ever”.