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Never Give In! The Best of Winston Churchill's Speeches
Winston Churchill was the most eloquent and expressive statesman of his time. It was as an orator that Churchill became most completely alive, and it was through his oratory that his words made their greatest and most enduring impact. While the definitive collection of Churchill's speeches fills eight volumes, here for the first time, his grandson, Winston S. Churchill, has put together a personal selection of his favorite speeches in a single, indispensable volume. He has chosen from his grandfather's entire output and thoughtfully introduces each selection. The book covers the whole of Churchill's life, from the very first speech he made to those of his last days. It includes some of Churchill's best-known speeches as well as some that have never before been published in popular form. Today, Sir Winston Churchill is revered as an indomitable figure and his wisdom is called upon again and again. Reading these speeches, from the perspective of a new century, we can once again see Sir Winston Churchill's genius and be moved and inspired by his words.
558 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1967
67 people are currently reading
3077 people want to read
About the author
Winston S. Churchill
1,395 books2,489 followersSir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, politician and writer, as prime minister from 1940 to 1945 and from 1951 to 1955 led Great Britain, published several works, including
The Second World War
from 1948 to 1953, and then won the Nobel Prize for literature.
William Maxwell Aitken, first baron Beaverbrook, held many cabinet positions during the 1940s as a confidant of Churchill.
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, FRS, PC (Can), served the United Kingdom again. A noted statesman, orator and strategist, Churchill also served as an officer in the Army. This prolific author "for his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values."
Out of respect for Winston_Churchill, the well-known American author, Winston S. Churchill offered to use his middle initial as an author.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston...
William Maxwell Aitken, first baron Beaverbrook, held many cabinet positions during the 1940s as a confidant of Churchill.
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, FRS, PC (Can), served the United Kingdom again. A noted statesman, orator and strategist, Churchill also served as an officer in the Army. This prolific author "for his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values."
Out of respect for Winston_Churchill, the well-known American author, Winston S. Churchill offered to use his middle initial as an author.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 18, 2025
If his only occupation had been as a writer then Winston Churchill would still have been an exceptional human being. This collection of the best of his speeches, ranging from his first political speech in 1897 to his reply to being awarded honorary citizenship of the USA in 1963 (delivered by his son Randolph as he was too unwell to travel by then), is a comprehensive look at the responses by a man to 20th Century world events, who was undoubtedly one of its most outstanding figures.
When I started reading this book it made me realise how much politics has lost in not having leaders who use words in the way that Churchill and others used to. Whether he was speaking about his late friend Lawrence of Arabia at the unveiling of a plaque at his old school, addressing the House of Commons during the Second World War, warning the world about the dangers of the Communist Soviet Union during the 1950s, or his subtle disagreement with the politics of Prohibition in the States, there is an attention to detail in his syntax and a power in his delivery that is pretty much unequalled. Can anybody imagine David Cameron coming out with
'Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few'?
This may be an obvious quote, but as I write this there are surely few people who do not recognise it 73 years later.
Occasionally the speeches highlight Churchill's biased outlook at a world that was dominated in his youth by the British Empire - the loss of which he never really accepted, but at the same time they show a man who embraced change when it improved the lot of the people, had a fierce defence of the democratic process in government, had an understanding of the world around him, and a humility about his place within it. A fascinating book and a great companion to any biography.
When I started reading this book it made me realise how much politics has lost in not having leaders who use words in the way that Churchill and others used to. Whether he was speaking about his late friend Lawrence of Arabia at the unveiling of a plaque at his old school, addressing the House of Commons during the Second World War, warning the world about the dangers of the Communist Soviet Union during the 1950s, or his subtle disagreement with the politics of Prohibition in the States, there is an attention to detail in his syntax and a power in his delivery that is pretty much unequalled. Can anybody imagine David Cameron coming out with
'Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few'?
This may be an obvious quote, but as I write this there are surely few people who do not recognise it 73 years later.
Occasionally the speeches highlight Churchill's biased outlook at a world that was dominated in his youth by the British Empire - the loss of which he never really accepted, but at the same time they show a man who embraced change when it improved the lot of the people, had a fierce defence of the democratic process in government, had an understanding of the world around him, and a humility about his place within it. A fascinating book and a great companion to any biography.
July 28, 2019
Wonderfully curated selection of speeches. They give you a sense for the looming darkness during WWII and the beacon of light, hope, and strength Churchill provided. The island had the lion heart. Churchill was its roar.
March 30, 2016
It is great to listen to Winston Spence Churchill’s speeches. The slight lisp makes him seem vulnerable. The book is a compilation of WSC’s speeches compiled by his grandson Winston Churchill. The book also contains sections of Churchill reading excerpts of his writings with explanations about why and when he wrote them. Winston, the grandson, provides the introduction to each speech with a bit of historical context and scene setting.
I enjoyed his speech explaining about the British Parliament and how it had evolved into its current format along with pros and cons of its current form. There were a number of speeches such as the one about parliament I had never heard probably because they were given in parliament rather than over the radio to the world. The opening was great considering this is the anniversary of World War One. He says “It is the eleventh day of the eleventh month just before the eleventh hour and I am standing looking out across Trafalgar Square watching Big Ben getting ready to strike the eleventh hour.” I could picture it as if I was standing there with him.
I can now understand why he was such a great orator. I felt he was speaking to me as an individual even over my iPod. I have been a fan of WSC’s writings and of his exquisite use of the English language but listening to him I could hear the eloquence and rhythm of his spoken word. This book is a must for the fans of Winston S. Churchill and would make a great gift.
I enjoyed his speech explaining about the British Parliament and how it had evolved into its current format along with pros and cons of its current form. There were a number of speeches such as the one about parliament I had never heard probably because they were given in parliament rather than over the radio to the world. The opening was great considering this is the anniversary of World War One. He says “It is the eleventh day of the eleventh month just before the eleventh hour and I am standing looking out across Trafalgar Square watching Big Ben getting ready to strike the eleventh hour.” I could picture it as if I was standing there with him.
I can now understand why he was such a great orator. I felt he was speaking to me as an individual even over my iPod. I have been a fan of WSC’s writings and of his exquisite use of the English language but listening to him I could hear the eloquence and rhythm of his spoken word. This book is a must for the fans of Winston S. Churchill and would make a great gift.
May 21, 2024
Listening to these speeches changed my perception of what living through World War Two must’ve been like. I was interested to learn about the British appeasement policy and how those who held that view didn’t want Churchill to speak over the radio. It was interesting to learn his strategy to call on the tale of Saint George and the dragon to overcome that. It was informative to learn how he handled the success and failures in a stoic way.
April 13, 2020
I have reached for “Never Give in!” to admire Churchill’s oral and writing skills but what I got was much beyond what I expected. This is foremost a vivid account of history in making. His speeches give a very insightful perspective on what was happening at the time. Yes, it is history as seen through his eyes but nevertheless it is always told in a humble, reality-facing yet optimistic way! One thing is sure when the darkest hour came his wisdom and words unleashed a roar from the hearts of British lions and their allies. I think it is a must read book for any person who wants to understand how close we were from another “Dark Ages” era and what needs to be done to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Want to read
November 14, 2008I saw this quote:
"You see these dictators on their pedestals, surrounded by the bayonets of their soldiers and the truncheons of their police. Yet in their hearts there is unspoken - unspeakable! - fear. They are afraid of words and thoughts! Words spoken abroad, thoughts stirring at home, and all the more powerful because they are forbidden. These terrify them. A little mouse - a little tiny mouse! - of thought appears in the room and even the mightiest potentates are thrown into panic."
and knew I had to read more by this man. will be getting it soon
"You see these dictators on their pedestals, surrounded by the bayonets of their soldiers and the truncheons of their police. Yet in their hearts there is unspoken - unspeakable! - fear. They are afraid of words and thoughts! Words spoken abroad, thoughts stirring at home, and all the more powerful because they are forbidden. These terrify them. A little mouse - a little tiny mouse! - of thought appears in the room and even the mightiest potentates are thrown into panic."
and knew I had to read more by this man. will be getting it soon
September 29, 2019
I wish that I had heard these speeches in High School or at university. They were truly remarkable, and were a vivid picture of England's role in WWII, and describes how America joined the fray.
Highly recommended for anyone from HS or beyond.
Highly recommended for anyone from HS or beyond.
June 13, 2016
Данную книгу мне стало интересно прочитать по двум причинам. Во-первых, потому, что она вошла в список "100 лучших бизнес книг по версии Джека Коверта", во-вторых, я как то годом ранее читал книгу "Секреты великих ораторов. Говори как Черчилль, держись как Линкольн", в которой автор весьма хорошо отзывался о ораторском искусстве Черчиля.
Книга - это собрание самых популярных и великих речей известного политика в разные времена его жизни. Вышла она довольно объёмной. Но благодаря этому же объёму получилось больше познакомится с не только с речами и спичами Черчилля, но и постараться понять его личность, узнать "изнутри".
Если, совсем честно, то несмотря на то, что я признаю множество заслуг этого великого человека, он как личность мне не симпатичен. Я склонен видеть его как весьма ловкого политикана, нежели великой личностью.
Да, он прекрасно преуспел кроме политической карьеры в журналистике, преуспел и как писатель, даже стал лауреатом Нобелевской премии в 1953 году, а ещё был хорошим оратором, даже бы сказал, что он был особенным мастером слова. И именно эти таланты сделали его настолько известным, насколько мы его сейчас и знаем. Что же касается результативности и эффективности его как государственного мужа, я бы не стал так восхищаться его результатами. Ведь по сравнении с другими на деле великими государственными деятелями он находится достаточно далеко от первых позиций среди лучших.
Фишка Уинстона Черчилля именно в том, что он был мастером подать себя, свои идеи, осветить то или иное событие в нужном ему свете, склонить слушателя, читателя и даже целый народ положится на его суждение, доверится и манипулировать настроением так, чтобы оно способствовало его продвижению иле же закреплению у стенах государственных учреждений и просто "держать власть и свой статус".
Так изящно, ясно и эффективно манипулировать массами не каждый значительный политик умеет и в современном мире. Этот навык надо оттачивать очень длительный период, а Черчилль владел им достаточно превосходно. Это было его оружием, которое он применял повсеместно.
Если вы хотите понять, что способствовало Черчиллю прийти к власти, столь долго оставаться в ней, преодолевать трудности и эффективно отстаивать свои позиции и проталкивать свои идеи и решения то книга будет весьма полезна. Но не советую в ней искать лучший пример человека в роли великого государственного деятеля, ибо для этой цели лучше читать о других людях (например о Ли Куан Ю) и другие книги, которые на порядок лучше данной работы.
Книга - это собрание самых популярных и великих речей известного политика в разные времена его жизни. Вышла она довольно объёмной. Но благодаря этому же объёму получилось больше познакомится с не только с речами и спичами Черчилля, но и постараться понять его личность, узнать "изнутри".
Если, совсем честно, то несмотря на то, что я признаю множество заслуг этого великого человека, он как личность мне не симпатичен. Я склонен видеть его как весьма ловкого политикана, нежели великой личностью.
Да, он прекрасно преуспел кроме политической карьеры в журналистике, преуспел и как писатель, даже стал лауреатом Нобелевской премии в 1953 году, а ещё был хорошим оратором, даже бы сказал, что он был особенным мастером слова. И именно эти таланты сделали его настолько известным, насколько мы его сейчас и знаем. Что же касается результативности и эффективности его как государственного мужа, я бы не стал так восхищаться его результатами. Ведь по сравнении с другими на деле великими государственными деятелями он находится достаточно далеко от первых позиций среди лучших.
Фишка Уинстона Черчилля именно в том, что он был мастером подать себя, свои идеи, осветить то или иное событие в нужном ему свете, склонить слушателя, читателя и даже целый народ положится на его суждение, доверится и манипулировать настроением так, чтобы оно способствовало его продвижению иле же закреплению у стенах государственных учреждений и просто "держать власть и свой статус".
Так изящно, ясно и эффективно манипулировать массами не каждый значительный политик умеет и в современном мире. Этот навык надо оттачивать очень длительный период, а Черчилль владел им достаточно превосходно. Это было его оружием, которое он применял повсеместно.
Если вы хотите понять, что способствовало Черчиллю прийти к власти, столь долго оставаться в ней, преодолевать трудности и эффективно отстаивать свои позиции и проталкивать свои идеи и решения то книга будет весьма полезна. Но не советую в ней искать лучший пример человека в роли великого государственного деятеля, ибо для этой цели лучше читать о других людях (например о Ли Куан Ю) и другие книги, которые на порядок лучше данной работы.
February 14, 2020
What can I say, Churchill is one of my heroes. He pretty much saved Western Civilization as we know it against all odds. This collection of his best speeches leading up to the war, during the war and post war are legendary. Everyone should spend a little time to understand what broad shoulders Churchill offers the world. As he stated this was his destiny...SLT
August 1, 2016
I listened to this on audiobook, it is Churchill giving Churchill speeches, doesn't get much better than that. Some of the audio quality was not great but the content, wisdom and wit is brilliant. We may need his kind again... Soon.
May 28, 2018
A fine collection of many of his great speeches.
Initially, the book was a mild let-down for me in one way. I suppose many of us come to Churchill’s collected speeches, secretly hoping to discover gems hitherto hidden from view. But for the most part, the most memorable sound bites have long since been out there in the public arena. On the contrary, one reaction I had - superficial admittedly - was to realise how much relatively blank space he inserted in between those immortal turns of phrase.
No, that’s not fair, his prose was never blank, it was always sinuous and masterful and absolutely to the point; and it is obviously quite unrealistic to expect every line to contain another winner. But somehow, unfairly, you do.
The memorable lines are all there too of course, plus some new ones. I don’t remember seeing this one before, from the Dunkirk moment in 1940:
One after another, familiar or otherwise, these luminous tones and sentiments waft out: they’ll still be quoting them in 500 years’ time.
That in turn is the pointer to the real impact of this book for me. There’s something much more profound than the memorable words it includes. Increasingly as I went on, I was struck somehow by the bigger, underlying picture, at the cumulative effect of those speeches in their totality.
He is occasionally derided for his inconstancy as a younger politician, crossing the House of Commons for example as if it were a zebra crossing. And yes, he presided over the mother of all tactical disasters at Gallipoli, and so on.
But when you lay his speeches end to end as the book does, you can almost feel a truly great man, and I mean a truly great man, a colossus, emerging.
Not for one moment does he complain in these speeches, and you almost have to rely on wider general knowledge, plus the editor’s helpful notes, to place them in the context of an apparently insuperable enemy and the hopeless odds. And yet he hung on, he produced this relentless outpouring of raw courage dressed up in that vibrant, luscious English. And in the process he changed our bit of the world, and beyond it the rest of the world too. In that sense it’s a book about greatness. No, it’s more than that. These words are the very words he used to hold a nation together, against all the odds. Obviously, his focus and resolve form the core of that greatness, but his use of words, designed to hold his people together, are more than the window-dressing here, they are a central component of the greatness too. He couldn’t have achieved what he did without these words. By the time I finished, I felt I was reading a blast of greatness itself.
Initially, the book was a mild let-down for me in one way. I suppose many of us come to Churchill’s collected speeches, secretly hoping to discover gems hitherto hidden from view. But for the most part, the most memorable sound bites have long since been out there in the public arena. On the contrary, one reaction I had - superficial admittedly - was to realise how much relatively blank space he inserted in between those immortal turns of phrase.
No, that’s not fair, his prose was never blank, it was always sinuous and masterful and absolutely to the point; and it is obviously quite unrealistic to expect every line to contain another winner. But somehow, unfairly, you do.
The memorable lines are all there too of course, plus some new ones. I don’t remember seeing this one before, from the Dunkirk moment in 1940:
“If this long island story of ours is to end, let it end only when each one of us lies choking in his own blood upon the ground”.Imagine him saying it out loud, in that unique cadence of his. It makes your toes tingle.
One after another, familiar or otherwise, these luminous tones and sentiments waft out: they’ll still be quoting them in 500 years’ time.
That in turn is the pointer to the real impact of this book for me. There’s something much more profound than the memorable words it includes. Increasingly as I went on, I was struck somehow by the bigger, underlying picture, at the cumulative effect of those speeches in their totality.
He is occasionally derided for his inconstancy as a younger politician, crossing the House of Commons for example as if it were a zebra crossing. And yes, he presided over the mother of all tactical disasters at Gallipoli, and so on.
But when you lay his speeches end to end as the book does, you can almost feel a truly great man, and I mean a truly great man, a colossus, emerging.
Not for one moment does he complain in these speeches, and you almost have to rely on wider general knowledge, plus the editor’s helpful notes, to place them in the context of an apparently insuperable enemy and the hopeless odds. And yet he hung on, he produced this relentless outpouring of raw courage dressed up in that vibrant, luscious English. And in the process he changed our bit of the world, and beyond it the rest of the world too. In that sense it’s a book about greatness. No, it’s more than that. These words are the very words he used to hold a nation together, against all the odds. Obviously, his focus and resolve form the core of that greatness, but his use of words, designed to hold his people together, are more than the window-dressing here, they are a central component of the greatness too. He couldn’t have achieved what he did without these words. By the time I finished, I felt I was reading a blast of greatness itself.
“…it was on our country that the whole brunt of the burden fell for more than a year of saving civilisation and the world. We did not flinch, we did not fail.”
December 12, 2021
This was a very interesting view of world history through the lens of Winston Churchill's infamous speeches. I learned that he was shunned as a war-mongerer and extremist in the 1930s, when he was warning against the might of the rapidly militarizing Germany, but scarcely anyone listened. When the Nazis invaded Poland, he ascended to the role of Prime Minister, but he did not hold anything against those who had previously been against him and did his very best to inspire and lead the British people through the difficult times of warfare. Another interesting part was that he was made the scapegoat for a failed offensive against Turkey during WW1 that he had planned, but failed miserably due to the British losing the element of surprise due to poor communication. I did some further research and the general consensus is that the war could have been won considerably faster if the offensive had succeeded. In summary, this was a great look at history through some of Winston Churchill's best speeches, some of which are less famous than others but no less powerful and inspiring.
July 7, 2023
I enjoyed many of Churchill's speeches. It is incredible that he personally wrote his own speeches, compared to modern politicians, who hire others to compose speeches for them. Churchill could turn a colorful phrase, use biting sarcasm, or be quite humorous in his speaking. At his best, he was incredible motivational speaker who could move a nation to follow his leadership. On the other hand, some of his speeches are dry, sometimes his comments are petty. But they do not diminish Churchill at his best. A very worthwhile read.
July 3, 2022
What else would be possible to give but 5 stars to this one. Winston Churchill was no doubt one of the greatest men of 20th century, maybe of all times. Of course, some speeches are not interesting being of more local subjects, but definitely the speeches concerning war and world politics are the top. I thought however, that maybe some speeches were left out (?) from period of questions about Ireland etc? A great book to read along with any historic books about that time period.
November 23, 2022
Wonderful depiction of how someone who wasn't extraordinary rose to the extraordinary. Churchill was destined to be exactly where he was supposed to be and that saved the hope of many British people during World War II. He was a disappointment to his family and wasn't much of a student but as circumstances arose, he became the great orator we all know. The book is a great read.
March 12, 2022
3 stars, not because of content, because that is 4-5 stars, but just because this didn’t offer any thing over than just a transcript of the speeches. I would have liked to have had a little more background. Granted, there was some, but it seemed almost rushed. Still worth a read though.
August 21, 2024
Three pages in, and I feel ready to charge at a troop of wild buffalo. I could take on Ghengis Khan's legions with these churchillian circumlocutions. What a man. True legend. God bless you, Sir Winston.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2017
He is better heard than read, but still a compelling book.
Read
July 15, 2020We were listening to this on a road trip. Not the right book for that. With road noise, we sometimes could not understand him.
May 5, 2021
Audio quality was not the best. There are some repetitions which is just not cool. Speeches are amazing in form and the fact that is Churchill's voice makes all the difference.
August 16, 2023
Listening to the audiobook. Absolutely love that they have Churchills radio speechs and some of them are read by Winston himself
July 17, 2024
A collection of Churchill’s key speeches in wartime Britain! I found them very moving - and felt that there were sentiments that would help us in today’s society much like Marcus Aurelius’s words.
September 10, 2024
A history in speeches! I would truly encouraged everyone to read these speeches to see how a great orator roused his people to stand firm against a great evil.
July 1, 2025
This book was an audio of his given speeches. I never heard the real Winston Churchill give a speech before now. I only saw movies where different actors betrayed him. He was really something! Who was his speechwriter?
June 8, 2020
Undoubtedly Winston S. Churchill was one of the most remarkable persons of the Twentieth Century, whether you agree with his thoughts or not. Apart from leading his country during the darkest hours, he`s always been seen as a brilliant writer and orator. His usage of the English language is aknowledged as uplifting. In this book his grandson compile some of his best speeches. Through Churchill`s eyes one can clearly figure out how the first half of the 20th century developed. It`s thrilling to follow the fruitless British appeasement policy in the thirties through Churchill`s fierce opposing speeches. His eagerness to defend the islands and to never give in to Hitler, whatever the cost, was outstanding. It`s interesting to infer that Churchill was one of the mentors of the European community and NATO. To sum up, the book is about the history of one of the darkest ages of the world and the way to lead people and face the challenges in tough times.
February 9, 2012
A speech should stir one to action: either to cast off despair at the very least or at the most to plunge forward without looking back. No one since Churchill has had this effect in our modern day. He had the background that really none have in this age to lead in difficult times. I read this book because I thought if his speeches could have that much effect on a nation to stir it to win an impossible war, then surely it could help me with some words of encouragement to face the daily war of life. Not a day goes by in this age that somewhere people are struggling, even dying because of a connection of events we are part of, be they so insidiously innocuous as global commerce or so immediately terrible as the overthrow of a government. Our own life may not be what it once was and only God knows if it will be again. And then, if we are open to the world of others, if we are truly awake, we can't help but imagine the headlines we read as human eyes pleading, staring back at our mind and heart. One wants to hear something stirring every once in awhile in the midst of the war of plain hard life. After we have put on the Ephesianal armor and are ready for the daily battle, Churchill's speeches can be recalled to mind in those moments when they are needed most: when you need someone to tell you not to give up!
April 25, 2013
i'll quibble with the author and say that, including Churchill's speeches on the Atlantic Charter and the Balfour Declaration were unnecessary to understanding his great oratorial powers. However, it was wonderful to read many of his accounts during the two world wars, his views on socialism and the atomic bomb...and his opinion on the general sorry-ness of politicians. amazing to think how some things truly don't change...not just in that latter point, but in matters of very serious moral import. In particular, Churchill's assessment of Hitler and his advice to the nation and the world did credit to his foresight and leadership.
I'll include a couple of excerpts, the first from a speech he gave at the beginning of WWII:
"We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire. Neither the sudden shock of battle, nor the long-drawn trials of vigilance and exertion will wear us down. Give us the tools, and we will finish the job."
and the second from the eponymous "Never give in" speech:
"never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never--in nothing, great or small, large or petty--never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy"
I'll include a couple of excerpts, the first from a speech he gave at the beginning of WWII:
"We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire. Neither the sudden shock of battle, nor the long-drawn trials of vigilance and exertion will wear us down. Give us the tools, and we will finish the job."
and the second from the eponymous "Never give in" speech:
"never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never--in nothing, great or small, large or petty--never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy"
January 25, 2009
highly recommended reading. churchill's genius was not only in his intelligence and his thoughtfulness (which allowed him to accurately assess the international developments of his lifetime) nor in his dedication to language and literature nor in his steadfast belief in the ideals of british culture and history. the true genius of churchill is in his generosity, openmindedness, and flexibility. (his ability to separate the german regime from the german people, or the communist dictatorship from the population of russia, is particularly moving. has any other eminent statesman so clearly called for abolition of tyranny and preservation of all peoples?) all of these sterling qualities shine in the words he so carefully crafted over a long political career in defense of his people, his nation, and his way of life.
July 5, 2009
I read this entire book after reading Churchill's biography. His is one of the photos on the wall of my study.
Amazing to me, how his warnings agains socialism are still true (and needed) today.
Example: "Nationalisation! What an awful flop! Show me the nationalised industry which has not become a burden on the public either as taxpayers or consumers or both." (p 466)
Perhaps he was write when he asked: "Is it the only lesson of history that mankind is unteachable?"
(p 429)
So - several famous speeches. Many that are relatively obscure, but still pure Churchillian genius.
Amazing to me, how his warnings agains socialism are still true (and needed) today.
Example: "Nationalisation! What an awful flop! Show me the nationalised industry which has not become a burden on the public either as taxpayers or consumers or both." (p 466)
Perhaps he was write when he asked: "Is it the only lesson of history that mankind is unteachable?"
(p 429)
So - several famous speeches. Many that are relatively obscure, but still pure Churchillian genius.
January 6, 2013
The speeches of Churchill are famous and well known and available in different formats. The merit of this book is that his grandson has selected the best and most interesting ones, almost 200, and that with each one he presents with few well-chosen sentences the context. If you like history, you must read these speeches.These speeches were historical actions of the first order which had meaning in the great struggle to save freedom and human civilization.
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