What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Titans: How Churchill and de Gaulle Saved Their Nations and Transformed the World
A compelling dual biography of Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle that shines new light on two of the greatest figures of the 20th century.
Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle were thrown together by war. They incarnated the resistance of Britain and France to the existential threat from Nazi Germany, and their ultimate victory over Hitler has ensured their achievements will never be forgotten. But, as The Last Titans shows, that is only a part of a complex story. Both men influenced their countries, and the world around them, long after the war was won.
There was a paradox in the parallel and intertwined lives of these extraordinary men. De Gaulle—tall, gauche, and incorruptible—exhibited qualities often associated with the English. Churchill—short, charming, witty, and a bon vivant—resembled the quintessential politician of the French Third Republic. Their working relationship was rarely smooth, but they appreciated each other’s stature: de Gaulle said Churchill was “the great artist of a great history,” while Churchill recognized de Gaulle as “l'homme du destin.”
Richard Vinen explores what made these men exceptional and how profoundly they were influenced by their national cultures. Beyond personal intrigue, Vinen makes a wider point that Britain and France are both haunted by perceptions of past greatness. He retraces the paths of two leaders who once helmed superpowers but lived to see their nations weakened by two world wars and the loss of empires.
Written with extraordinary narrative verve, The Last Titans offers a fresh exploration into the lives of de Gaulle and Churchill. By bringing their two stories into one, each man is seen anew and we gain fresh insights into their achievements and their legacy today.
Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle were thrown together by war. They incarnated the resistance of Britain and France to the existential threat from Nazi Germany, and their ultimate victory over Hitler has ensured their achievements will never be forgotten. But, as The Last Titans shows, that is only a part of a complex story. Both men influenced their countries, and the world around them, long after the war was won.
There was a paradox in the parallel and intertwined lives of these extraordinary men. De Gaulle—tall, gauche, and incorruptible—exhibited qualities often associated with the English. Churchill—short, charming, witty, and a bon vivant—resembled the quintessential politician of the French Third Republic. Their working relationship was rarely smooth, but they appreciated each other’s stature: de Gaulle said Churchill was “the great artist of a great history,” while Churchill recognized de Gaulle as “l'homme du destin.”
Richard Vinen explores what made these men exceptional and how profoundly they were influenced by their national cultures. Beyond personal intrigue, Vinen makes a wider point that Britain and France are both haunted by perceptions of past greatness. He retraces the paths of two leaders who once helmed superpowers but lived to see their nations weakened by two world wars and the loss of empires.
Written with extraordinary narrative verve, The Last Titans offers a fresh exploration into the lives of de Gaulle and Churchill. By bringing their two stories into one, each man is seen anew and we gain fresh insights into their achievements and their legacy today.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
Richard Vinen
17 books10 followersRichard Vinen is a Professor in Modern European History at King's College, London. Prior to joining the department in 1991, he was a Fellow at Trinity College, Cambridge and also lectured at Queen Mary (Westfield) College.
Richard Vinen is the author of the widely praised "A History in Fragments: Europe in the Twentieth Century". He writes regularly for The Independent, The Times Literary Supplement, the Boston Globe and the Nation.
Richard Vinen is the author of the widely praised "A History in Fragments: Europe in the Twentieth Century". He writes regularly for The Independent, The Times Literary Supplement, the Boston Globe and the Nation.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 13, 2026
Developing the subtitle “How Churchill and de Gaulle Saved Their Nations and Transformed the World” makes for fascinating reading. I’ve not really read a joint biography myself, but I’ve heard of a few good ones and decided to take the plunge here. To be sure, I really enjoyed it–both the subject and the format. The length (330 pages) was a plus as well. I’ve got some favorite large tomes, but this book made for a nice changeup for me. It didn’t take a massive commitment of time, yet I felt I gained real insight into these two men both individually and in relation to each other. If you’re like me, you never seem to get enough of that time period.
Perhaps I can speak from two perspectives; the one where you know a lot about the subject and one where you don’t. Churchill has long intrigued me. On the other hand, I hardly knew anything about de Gaulle beyond his being French. On both counts Vinen held my attention. I gained a few reinforcements and clarifications on Churchill while feeling I came to know de Gaulle. More specifically, though I admire Churchill, that he really had a hubris element to himself that defines so much of who he was is clear. In the raw, it’s both ugly and childish. It’s the childish side that became more clear to me in this work. de Gaulle had maturity in spades, and though he had certain characteristics that fall on the humility side of the ledger, his essential belief that he was destined to lead France could be seem as illusion of grandeur; unless, of course, you remember it all fell together as he anticipated it would. He could be quite conniving to gains the heights he felt were his as well.
Churchill at least has the epic days of 1940 to hold up. I’m not clear on what great thing de Gaulle ever did to merit his position. The failure in both men’s stories before their ultimate fame staggers the mind. How did this happen? I don’t know the answer, but I enjoyed watching it unfold in the pages of this book.
For most of the book, the author’s political beliefs were not overt. Only occasionally did they seep through. Though I am to the right of the author, he was disciplined enough not to read current politics into it to enough bother me. The reader’s perspective, then, will not greatly alter your enjoyment of the work. Only at the very end did he lose that focus, but by then the value of the book was already in hand. One other minor quibble is that at times I wondered if he even liked either man. At least this isn’t hagiography!
Here is one to enjoy. You will have a lot to think over at its end.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Perhaps I can speak from two perspectives; the one where you know a lot about the subject and one where you don’t. Churchill has long intrigued me. On the other hand, I hardly knew anything about de Gaulle beyond his being French. On both counts Vinen held my attention. I gained a few reinforcements and clarifications on Churchill while feeling I came to know de Gaulle. More specifically, though I admire Churchill, that he really had a hubris element to himself that defines so much of who he was is clear. In the raw, it’s both ugly and childish. It’s the childish side that became more clear to me in this work. de Gaulle had maturity in spades, and though he had certain characteristics that fall on the humility side of the ledger, his essential belief that he was destined to lead France could be seem as illusion of grandeur; unless, of course, you remember it all fell together as he anticipated it would. He could be quite conniving to gains the heights he felt were his as well.
Churchill at least has the epic days of 1940 to hold up. I’m not clear on what great thing de Gaulle ever did to merit his position. The failure in both men’s stories before their ultimate fame staggers the mind. How did this happen? I don’t know the answer, but I enjoyed watching it unfold in the pages of this book.
For most of the book, the author’s political beliefs were not overt. Only occasionally did they seep through. Though I am to the right of the author, he was disciplined enough not to read current politics into it to enough bother me. The reader’s perspective, then, will not greatly alter your enjoyment of the work. Only at the very end did he lose that focus, but by then the value of the book was already in hand. One other minor quibble is that at times I wondered if he even liked either man. At least this isn’t hagiography!
Here is one to enjoy. You will have a lot to think over at its end.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
March 31, 2026
Try as I might, I simply can’t get excited about Charles de Gaulle. The man is honorable and yet totally inaccessible. But this is no indictment of Vinen. In fact, his comparison of these two giants brings out some alluring insights into these two titans and the world after WWII.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Outstanding book beautifully written, sourced, and excellent humour. They were indeed the last titans. It is certainly not a hagiography of either man which makes it all the more readable. There is no need to insult the intelligence of those who will read this review to go into the details of their lives but I have to say I learned new things about both men. One such is that de Gaulle's achievement in becoming the undisputed leader of the courageous French who escaped France is all the more impressive as in fact he was not a full general and was a brigadier general..there were others of equal rank to him in England at the same time.
The author says there were many differences between the two -- indeed they had their very bitter exchanges when often they begged to differ -- Churchill was largely always about himself whereas for de Gaulle, noble proboscis and all, it was France that mattered and gave very little away about himself in his books..as he and France were entwined.
Humour as I says there is aplenty an example is when the author cites Peter Fleming, who wrote a book when WC had retired called 'Invasion 1940' and said Churchill had given Britain a 'storybook leader', and whose younger brother was Ian Fleming. The latter's first Bond Casino Royale was published in 1953 and as Vinen observes was a very different type of adventure/war/espionage tale to those of GA Henty, CS Forrester and John Buchan adding dryly: "A line from Buchan's Greenmantle would surely win the prize for the words least likely to be spoken by James Bond. "I had never been in a motor-car with a lady before," says Richard Hannay.
Aside from that obviously there were the legends built up around both men not least in the account of de Gaulle's death on November 9, 1970, shortly before his 80th birthday -- the last of the leading political participants (Stalin, Roosevelt, Churchill) of World War II to die. 'De Gaulle was playing patience (at home in Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, he only visited Paris once after he resigned in 1969) waiting for the regional news to come on television. Suddenly, he said: "It hurts, there in my back".' However, his death was to be told publcly as quite another tale thanks to his son-in-law Alain de Boissieu, 'he asked a loyal journalist to tell one last lie -- that de Gaulle had been writing at the moment of his death.'
His successor as president Georges Pompidou did though capture the moment perfectly in declaring 'France is a widow'.
A cracking book which enlightens and surprises and is a sheer delight.
The author says there were many differences between the two -- indeed they had their very bitter exchanges when often they begged to differ -- Churchill was largely always about himself whereas for de Gaulle, noble proboscis and all, it was France that mattered and gave very little away about himself in his books..as he and France were entwined.
Humour as I says there is aplenty an example is when the author cites Peter Fleming, who wrote a book when WC had retired called 'Invasion 1940' and said Churchill had given Britain a 'storybook leader', and whose younger brother was Ian Fleming. The latter's first Bond Casino Royale was published in 1953 and as Vinen observes was a very different type of adventure/war/espionage tale to those of GA Henty, CS Forrester and John Buchan adding dryly: "A line from Buchan's Greenmantle would surely win the prize for the words least likely to be spoken by James Bond. "I had never been in a motor-car with a lady before," says Richard Hannay.
Aside from that obviously there were the legends built up around both men not least in the account of de Gaulle's death on November 9, 1970, shortly before his 80th birthday -- the last of the leading political participants (Stalin, Roosevelt, Churchill) of World War II to die. 'De Gaulle was playing patience (at home in Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, he only visited Paris once after he resigned in 1969) waiting for the regional news to come on television. Suddenly, he said: "It hurts, there in my back".' However, his death was to be told publcly as quite another tale thanks to his son-in-law Alain de Boissieu, 'he asked a loyal journalist to tell one last lie -- that de Gaulle had been writing at the moment of his death.'
His successor as president Georges Pompidou did though capture the moment perfectly in declaring 'France is a widow'.
A cracking book which enlightens and surprises and is a sheer delight.
April 10, 2026
Richard Vinen’s The Last Titans offers a compelling dual portrait of Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle, presenting them as towering figures whose leadership shaped the final phase of Europe’s imperial and wartime identity. Vinen structures the book around comparison, moving between the two men’s backgrounds, political instincts, and visions for national greatness. This approach creates a lively narrative that highlights both parallels and contrasts. Each leader emerges as proud, stubborn, and deeply committed to national sovereignty, yet their temperaments and circumstances often produced different strategies and outcomes.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book is the dynamic created by placing Churchill and de Gaulle in conversation with one another. Vinen explores their mutual suspicion, reluctant cooperation, and shared sense of destiny. The comparison illuminates how both men relied heavily on personal authority and rhetoric while navigating fragile political coalitions and shifting alliances. The juxtaposition also underscores differences in their political cultures. Churchill worked within a parliamentary system that both constrained and legitimized him, while de Gaulle often positioned himself above party politics, crafting a more solitary and almost prophetic leadership style.
Vinen writes with clarity and balance, while still conveying admiration for their determination and resilience. The narrative effectively situates both figures within broader themes such as declining empire, national identity, and the transformation of postwar Europe. At times the parallel structure can feel slightly repetitive, but it ultimately reinforces the central thesis that these two leaders represented the last generation of statesmen shaped by imperial assumptions and total war.
Overall, The Last Titans provides an insightful and readable comparative study. Vinen’s treatment of Churchill and de Gaulle is thoughtful and engaging, and the sustained comparison between them adds depth and originality. The result is a strong and informative work that offers a positive and memorable examination of two remarkable leaders.
#TheLastTitans #NetGalley
One of the most engaging aspects of the book is the dynamic created by placing Churchill and de Gaulle in conversation with one another. Vinen explores their mutual suspicion, reluctant cooperation, and shared sense of destiny. The comparison illuminates how both men relied heavily on personal authority and rhetoric while navigating fragile political coalitions and shifting alliances. The juxtaposition also underscores differences in their political cultures. Churchill worked within a parliamentary system that both constrained and legitimized him, while de Gaulle often positioned himself above party politics, crafting a more solitary and almost prophetic leadership style.
Vinen writes with clarity and balance, while still conveying admiration for their determination and resilience. The narrative effectively situates both figures within broader themes such as declining empire, national identity, and the transformation of postwar Europe. At times the parallel structure can feel slightly repetitive, but it ultimately reinforces the central thesis that these two leaders represented the last generation of statesmen shaped by imperial assumptions and total war.
Overall, The Last Titans provides an insightful and readable comparative study. Vinen’s treatment of Churchill and de Gaulle is thoughtful and engaging, and the sustained comparison between them adds depth and originality. The result is a strong and informative work that offers a positive and memorable examination of two remarkable leaders.
#TheLastTitans #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An extraordinarily biased look at the two men who saved Western civilization. The title of the book is deceiving. I agreed with the title, but apparently the author did not. The book spends around seventy-five percent of its pages discussing De Gaulle and only twenty-five percent on Churchill. That in itself is not wrong—I knew almost nothing about De Gaulle and was interested in learning more about him. However, the author treats both men with immense disrespect. He makes various accusations against them: that Churchill was a racist (he considers “imperialist” to be a synonym, despite the fact that it is not), that he was a drunk, that he was an imbecile during the last two decades of his life, and that he remains extremely unpopular among Britons today. Any one of these alone would have been a reasonable claim to make, but taken together, they read more like a revisionist critique of Churchill than a work of history.
Regarding De Gaulle, the author admits at the outset that the man was an enigma. His personality, worldview, and decisions are all wrapped in secrecy, since he was not prone to disclose his inner thoughts. Despite that, it is the duty of any author to form a certaine idée of the man he covers, and while this author does so with Churchill, he does not sustain a clear thesis on De Gaulle. The man remains mysterious, and he is made all the more so by the author. Thus, on the first count, the author is unfair; on the second, unhelpful.
In short, I would not recommend this book. If you are seeking an objective account of Churchill, I recommend Andrew Roberts’ Churchill: Walking with Destiny, which also sheds light on De Gaulle.
Regarding De Gaulle, the author admits at the outset that the man was an enigma. His personality, worldview, and decisions are all wrapped in secrecy, since he was not prone to disclose his inner thoughts. Despite that, it is the duty of any author to form a certaine idée of the man he covers, and while this author does so with Churchill, he does not sustain a clear thesis on De Gaulle. The man remains mysterious, and he is made all the more so by the author. Thus, on the first count, the author is unfair; on the second, unhelpful.
In short, I would not recommend this book. If you are seeking an objective account of Churchill, I recommend Andrew Roberts’ Churchill: Walking with Destiny, which also sheds light on De Gaulle.
April 12, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I go through these phases when I’ll get in a strong Information Gathering phase, reading well-researched history and biographies. I have to admit that despite reading a lot about the people in power during WWII, I didn’t know much about Charles de Gaulle. The Last Titans examines de Gaulle and Winston Churchill and their relationship during World War II.
Richard Niven’s meticulous research shows up in a broad historical analysis of the two men. I’m a big fan of high stakes historical drama, and whenever I read something about WWII, it either works, or it doesn’t. Showing how Churchill and de Gaulle were different in so many ways but collaborative because of a common cause is done very well.
The Last Titans is ultimately about legendary leadership from two men and each country’s national destiny. The two giants, de Gaulle and Churchill, were great strategists of WWII, and one can never forget how they rallied their people to fight against tyranny. These two men did not always trust each other, were reluctant to work together, but they realized allyship was essential to defeat the Axis powers. And for that, the world should remember them.
I go through these phases when I’ll get in a strong Information Gathering phase, reading well-researched history and biographies. I have to admit that despite reading a lot about the people in power during WWII, I didn’t know much about Charles de Gaulle. The Last Titans examines de Gaulle and Winston Churchill and their relationship during World War II.
Richard Niven’s meticulous research shows up in a broad historical analysis of the two men. I’m a big fan of high stakes historical drama, and whenever I read something about WWII, it either works, or it doesn’t. Showing how Churchill and de Gaulle were different in so many ways but collaborative because of a common cause is done very well.
The Last Titans is ultimately about legendary leadership from two men and each country’s national destiny. The two giants, de Gaulle and Churchill, were great strategists of WWII, and one can never forget how they rallied their people to fight against tyranny. These two men did not always trust each other, were reluctant to work together, but they realized allyship was essential to defeat the Axis powers. And for that, the world should remember them.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an interesting book, both in terms of stylistic choices and in terms of content. As an admitted Anglophile, I am a good bit more familiar with Mr. Churchill than I am with Gen. de Gualle. However, the weaving of their stories together in the way that Vinen choose to do so made for a compelling narrative of two of the titans of 20th century Europe. The first part of the book felt a bit clunky as it was biographical of both men. The book hits its stride with the outbreak of WW2. Vinen succeeds in his task, and he has me wanting to study both men’s lives in more depth individually. I’d recommend this to anyone who is interested in 20th century European history or WW2 history.
November 2, 2025
An interesting contrast.
January 1, 2026
To write that Churchill “was not always a democrat” is a non starter.
Very biased book.
Very biased book.
March 28, 2026
This book gets three stars, but that’s really an average. The De Gaulle parts are quite good, and worth a four. The Churchill parts are not good, and barely worth a two.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews