The Last Lion 1-2: Visions of Glory/Alone

by William Manchester

Spanning the years of 1940-1965, THE LAST LION picks up shortly after Winston Churchill became Prime Minister-when his tiny island nation stood alone against the overwhelming might of Nazi Germany. The Churchill conjured up by William Manchester and Paul Reid is a man of indomitable courage, lightning fast intellect, and an irresistible will to action. THE LAST LION brilliantly recounts how Churchill organized his nation's military response and defense; compelled FDR into supporting America's beleaguered cousins, and personified the "never surrender" ethos that helped the Allies win the war, while at the same time adapting himself and his country to the inevitable shift of world power from the British Empire to the United States.

More than twenty years in the making, THE LAST LION presents a revelatory and unparalleled portrait of this brilliant, flawed, and dynamic leader. This is popular history at its most stirring.

Genres: History, Biography

1729 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

William Raymond Manchester was an American author and biographer, notable as the bestselling author of 18 books that have been translated into 20 languages.He was awarded the National Humanities Medal and the Abraham Lincoln Literary Award.

Reviews

[Bryan Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I purchased these volumes, I assumed that they took the reader through the end of Churchill's life. I later learned that the author, William Manchester, died before finishing the last volume and his biography ends in 1940 right as Churchill becomes Prime Minister.

Manchester is a wonderful writer and researcher. The books are expansive, but, given the extraordinary life that Churchill led, perhaps there is no other way to write. I especially enjoyed and admired the way Manchester conveys how the times and culture in which Churchill grew up shaped his character and thought processes.

In reading this biography, the reader is provided with not only insight into a remarkably unique character in history but of an era starting with the tail end of Victorian Great Britain to the beginning of Worl War II.

It is definitely worth reading, but it is a big commitment.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I'm fascinated but there is so much information in this book, I have to go slowly and wish I had a world map in hand.
So interesting!

[Loreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing end to an amazing series. I read the first two volumes when they were first published and waited...and waited for the final volume. When Manchester died I was disappointed for myself, for history, for Manchester, whose quest it was to complete the series and even for Churchill, who would have wanted to take full credit. Paul Reid made an honest effort and did a creditable job. This was not his book, in that he tried to interpret Manchester's notes and research. I missed the Manchester prose, but was astounded to learn how close the world was to total disaster. Gotta love Winston Churchill. Thank you, Paul Reid.

[Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

just started this...thanks dad for downloading it...

i've been wanting to read a Churchill biography for years

[Scot Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's too bad Manchester died before completely this awazing bio.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written account of an amazing man.

[Mike Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing trilogy with the last book co-authored by Paul Reid

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must reading. Period.