What do you think?
Rate this book
Churchill's Trial: Winston Churchill and the Salvation of Free Government
No statesman shaped the twentieth century more than Winston Churchill. To know the full Churchill is to understand the combination of boldness and caution, of assertiveness and humility, that defines statesmanship at its best. With fresh perspective and insights based on decades of studying and teaching Churchill, Larry P. Arnn explores the greatest challenges faced by Churchill over the course of his extraordinary career, both in war and peace—and always in the context of Churchill’s abiding dedication to constitutionalism.
Churchill’s Trial is organized around the three great challenges to liberty that Churchill Nazism, Soviet communism, and his own nation’s slide toward socialism. Churchill knew that stable free government, long enduring, is rare, and hangs upon the balance of many factors ever at risk. Combining meticulous scholarship with an engrossing narrative arc, this book holds timely lessons for today. Arnn says, “Churchill’s trial is also our trial. We have a better chance to meet it because we had in him a true statesman.”
In a scholarly, timely, and highly erudite way, Larry Arnn puts the case for Winston Churchill continuing to be seen as statesman from whom the modern world can learn important lessons. In an age when social and political morality seems all too often to be in a state of flux, Churchill’s Trial reminds us of the enduring power of the concepts of courage, duty, and honor.
--Andrew Roberts, New York Times bestselling author of A Life and The Storm of War
Larry Arnn has spent a lifetime studying the life and accomplishments of Winston Churchill. In his lively Churchill’s Trial, Arnn artfully reminds us that Churchill was not just the greatest statesman and war leader of the twentieth century, but also a pragmatic and circumspect thinker whose wisdom resonates on every issue of our times.
--Victor Davis Hanson, senior fellow, The Hoover Institution, Stanford University
In absorbing, gracefully written historical and biographical narration, Larry Arnn shows that Churchill, often perceived as inconsistent and opportunistic, was in fact philosophically rigorous and consistent at levels of organization higher and deeper than his detractors are capable of imagining. In Churchill’s Trial Arnn has rendered great service not only to an incomparable statesman but to us, for the magnificent currents that carried Churchill through his trials are as admirable, useful, and powerful in our times as they were in his.
--Mark Helprin, New York Times bestselling author of Winter’s Tale and In Sunlight and in Shadow
Churchill’s Trial, a masterpiece of political philosophy and practical statesmanship, is the one book on Winston Churchill that every undergraduate, every graduate student, every professional historian, and every member of the literate general public should read on this greatest statesman of the twentieth century. The book is beautifully written, divided into three parts–war, empire, peace–and thus covers the extraordinary life of Winston Churchill and the topics which define the era of his statesmanship.
--Lewis E. Lehrman, cofounder of the Lincoln and Soldiers Institute at Gettysburg College and distinguished director of the Abraham Lincoln Association
Churchill’s Trial is organized around the three great challenges to liberty that Churchill Nazism, Soviet communism, and his own nation’s slide toward socialism. Churchill knew that stable free government, long enduring, is rare, and hangs upon the balance of many factors ever at risk. Combining meticulous scholarship with an engrossing narrative arc, this book holds timely lessons for today. Arnn says, “Churchill’s trial is also our trial. We have a better chance to meet it because we had in him a true statesman.”
In a scholarly, timely, and highly erudite way, Larry Arnn puts the case for Winston Churchill continuing to be seen as statesman from whom the modern world can learn important lessons. In an age when social and political morality seems all too often to be in a state of flux, Churchill’s Trial reminds us of the enduring power of the concepts of courage, duty, and honor.
--Andrew Roberts, New York Times bestselling author of A Life and The Storm of War
Larry Arnn has spent a lifetime studying the life and accomplishments of Winston Churchill. In his lively Churchill’s Trial, Arnn artfully reminds us that Churchill was not just the greatest statesman and war leader of the twentieth century, but also a pragmatic and circumspect thinker whose wisdom resonates on every issue of our times.
--Victor Davis Hanson, senior fellow, The Hoover Institution, Stanford University
In absorbing, gracefully written historical and biographical narration, Larry Arnn shows that Churchill, often perceived as inconsistent and opportunistic, was in fact philosophically rigorous and consistent at levels of organization higher and deeper than his detractors are capable of imagining. In Churchill’s Trial Arnn has rendered great service not only to an incomparable statesman but to us, for the magnificent currents that carried Churchill through his trials are as admirable, useful, and powerful in our times as they were in his.
--Mark Helprin, New York Times bestselling author of Winter’s Tale and In Sunlight and in Shadow
Churchill’s Trial, a masterpiece of political philosophy and practical statesmanship, is the one book on Winston Churchill that every undergraduate, every graduate student, every professional historian, and every member of the literate general public should read on this greatest statesman of the twentieth century. The book is beautifully written, divided into three parts–war, empire, peace–and thus covers the extraordinary life of Winston Churchill and the topics which define the era of his statesmanship.
--Lewis E. Lehrman, cofounder of the Lincoln and Soldiers Institute at Gettysburg College and distinguished director of the Abraham Lincoln Association
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
581 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 21, 2017
I read this book along with taking a free course on Churchill from Dr. Arnn of Hillsdale College. This is not really a biography but rather observations of Churchill's perspective on politics, social issues, war, economics, etc;. Well written, and the inclusion of the oft-referred to Churchill essays as appendices was very helpful. A few of my favorite quotes:
Introduction
He [Churchill] was not a rancorous man, and he often held in personal esteem those against whom he fought urgently in politics. More important, the good words he said for Labour members and Labour ministers, and for Franklin Roosevelt, were the respect he believed he owed to people who had been elected under constitutional forms by the citizens/subjects who have the rightful authority to elect.
p. 19 Churchill requested a prayer by author George Borrow from the siege of Gibraltar for a meeting to try to persuade France to go to war. The prayer reads as follows:
“Fear not the result, for either shall they end be a majestic and an enviable one, or God shall perpetuate thy reign upon the waters.”
Pgs. 34-35
Churchill believes that, in contrast to them [modern forms of tyranny], the democratic societies are much more given to peace. This makes them vulnerable to a different danger, not from excessive activity but from excessive passivity.
p. 41
Mankind is progressing toward destruction. Only an improvement in certain virtues of man-especially the virtue of wisdom or of “wiser guidance”—stands in the way of his elimination.
p. 49
The trouble is, people and nations do not have “keepers” to maintain the peace. But they have natures, just as much as lions, tigers and bears. It is in their nature to fight, and they cannot be prevented from fighting simply by extracting pledges, unless they have a moral intention to keep them, or by outlawing their weapons, unless they are not aggressive and can trust others also not to be.
This question of the kinds of regimes is more sharply defined in the nuclear age because the world is more sharply divided than ever. The world is made smaller by technology but not more congenial.
p. 106
People have a right to govern themselves; what if the people who exercise that right do not recognize it in others? The American founders, with whom Churchill agreed so often, have much to say about this. James Madison wrote, "In republics, the great danger is that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority." Thomas Jefferson said, "All too will bear in mind this sacred principle that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal laws must protect and to violate that would be oppression."
p.142 (Quoting Churchil)
“The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings. The inherent virtue of Socialism is the unequal sharing of miseries.”
From Churchill’s essay “Fifty Years Hence”
p. 272
Certain it is that while men are gathering knowledge and power with ever-increasing and measureless speed, their virtues and their wisdom have not shown any notable improvement as the centuries have rolled. The brain of a modern man does not differ in essentials from that of the human beings who fought and loved here millions of years ago.
p. 273
We have the spectacle of the powers and weapons of man far outstripping the march of his intelligence; we have the march of his intelligence proceeding far more rapidly than the development of his nobility. We may well find ourselves in the presence of “the strength of civilization without its mercy.”
There are secrets too mysterious for man in his present state to know; secrets which once penetrated may be fatal to human happiness and glory. But the busy hands of the scientists are already fumbling with the keys of all the chambers hitherto forbidden to mankind. Without an equal growth of Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love, Science herself may destroy all that makes human life majestic and tolerable. There never was a time when the hope of immortality and the disdain of earthly power and achievement were more necessary for the safety of the children of men.
p. 274
No material progress, even though it takes shapes we cannot now conceive, or however it may expand the faculties of man, can bring comfort to his soul. It is this fact, more wonderful than any Science can reveal, which gives the best hope that all will be well. Projects undreamed of by past generations will absorb our immediate descendants; forces terrific and devastating will be in their hands; comforts, activities, amenities, pleasures will crowd upon them, but their hearts will ache, their lives will be barren, if they have not a vision above material things. And with the hopes and powers will come dangers out of all proportion to the growth of man’s intellect, to the strength of his character or to the efficacy of his institutions. Once more the choice is offered between Blessing and Cursing. Never was the answer that will be given harder to foretell.
From Churchill’s Essay “What Good’s a Constitution?”
p. 275
All nations agree that in time of war, where the life and independence of the country are at stake, every man and woman must be ready to work and, if need be, die in defense of these supreme objects; and that the government must be empowered to call upon them to any extent.
p. 276
Once the rulers of a country can create a war atmosphere in time of peace, can allege that the State is in danger and appeal to all the noblest national instincts, as well as the basest, it is only in very solidly established countries that the rights of the citizens can be preserved.
p. 279
The word “civilization” means not only peace by the non-regimentation of the people such as is required in war. Civilization means that officials and authorities, whether uniformed or not, whether armed or not, are made to realize that they are servants and not masters.
p. 285
The so-called “rigidity” of the American Constitution is in fact the guarantee of freedom to its widespread component parts. That a set of persons, however eminent, carried into office upon some populist heave should have the power to make the will of a bare majority effective over the whole of the United States might cause disasters upon the greatest scale from which recovery would not be swift or easy.
Introduction
He [Churchill] was not a rancorous man, and he often held in personal esteem those against whom he fought urgently in politics. More important, the good words he said for Labour members and Labour ministers, and for Franklin Roosevelt, were the respect he believed he owed to people who had been elected under constitutional forms by the citizens/subjects who have the rightful authority to elect.
p. 19 Churchill requested a prayer by author George Borrow from the siege of Gibraltar for a meeting to try to persuade France to go to war. The prayer reads as follows:
“Fear not the result, for either shall they end be a majestic and an enviable one, or God shall perpetuate thy reign upon the waters.”
Pgs. 34-35
Churchill believes that, in contrast to them [modern forms of tyranny], the democratic societies are much more given to peace. This makes them vulnerable to a different danger, not from excessive activity but from excessive passivity.
p. 41
Mankind is progressing toward destruction. Only an improvement in certain virtues of man-especially the virtue of wisdom or of “wiser guidance”—stands in the way of his elimination.
p. 49
The trouble is, people and nations do not have “keepers” to maintain the peace. But they have natures, just as much as lions, tigers and bears. It is in their nature to fight, and they cannot be prevented from fighting simply by extracting pledges, unless they have a moral intention to keep them, or by outlawing their weapons, unless they are not aggressive and can trust others also not to be.
This question of the kinds of regimes is more sharply defined in the nuclear age because the world is more sharply divided than ever. The world is made smaller by technology but not more congenial.
p. 106
People have a right to govern themselves; what if the people who exercise that right do not recognize it in others? The American founders, with whom Churchill agreed so often, have much to say about this. James Madison wrote, "In republics, the great danger is that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority." Thomas Jefferson said, "All too will bear in mind this sacred principle that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal laws must protect and to violate that would be oppression."
p.142 (Quoting Churchil)
“The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings. The inherent virtue of Socialism is the unequal sharing of miseries.”
From Churchill’s essay “Fifty Years Hence”
p. 272
Certain it is that while men are gathering knowledge and power with ever-increasing and measureless speed, their virtues and their wisdom have not shown any notable improvement as the centuries have rolled. The brain of a modern man does not differ in essentials from that of the human beings who fought and loved here millions of years ago.
p. 273
We have the spectacle of the powers and weapons of man far outstripping the march of his intelligence; we have the march of his intelligence proceeding far more rapidly than the development of his nobility. We may well find ourselves in the presence of “the strength of civilization without its mercy.”
There are secrets too mysterious for man in his present state to know; secrets which once penetrated may be fatal to human happiness and glory. But the busy hands of the scientists are already fumbling with the keys of all the chambers hitherto forbidden to mankind. Without an equal growth of Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love, Science herself may destroy all that makes human life majestic and tolerable. There never was a time when the hope of immortality and the disdain of earthly power and achievement were more necessary for the safety of the children of men.
p. 274
No material progress, even though it takes shapes we cannot now conceive, or however it may expand the faculties of man, can bring comfort to his soul. It is this fact, more wonderful than any Science can reveal, which gives the best hope that all will be well. Projects undreamed of by past generations will absorb our immediate descendants; forces terrific and devastating will be in their hands; comforts, activities, amenities, pleasures will crowd upon them, but their hearts will ache, their lives will be barren, if they have not a vision above material things. And with the hopes and powers will come dangers out of all proportion to the growth of man’s intellect, to the strength of his character or to the efficacy of his institutions. Once more the choice is offered between Blessing and Cursing. Never was the answer that will be given harder to foretell.
From Churchill’s Essay “What Good’s a Constitution?”
p. 275
All nations agree that in time of war, where the life and independence of the country are at stake, every man and woman must be ready to work and, if need be, die in defense of these supreme objects; and that the government must be empowered to call upon them to any extent.
p. 276
Once the rulers of a country can create a war atmosphere in time of peace, can allege that the State is in danger and appeal to all the noblest national instincts, as well as the basest, it is only in very solidly established countries that the rights of the citizens can be preserved.
p. 279
The word “civilization” means not only peace by the non-regimentation of the people such as is required in war. Civilization means that officials and authorities, whether uniformed or not, whether armed or not, are made to realize that they are servants and not masters.
p. 285
The so-called “rigidity” of the American Constitution is in fact the guarantee of freedom to its widespread component parts. That a set of persons, however eminent, carried into office upon some populist heave should have the power to make the will of a bare majority effective over the whole of the United States might cause disasters upon the greatest scale from which recovery would not be swift or easy.
July 7, 2022
Churchill was a statesman beyond compare, and his leadership during WWII can only be admired. Thanks to his prolific writing and oratory, we can know his every thought on the subjects of civil society, war and peace.
Drawing on his extensive knowledge of Churchill, Larry Arnn gives us an overview of the major challenges of Churchill’s career, and his efforts to preserve constitutional government in the face of encroaching socialism and the growing bureaucratic state. Arnn even suggests that Churchill succeeded in saving a degree of individual liberty (speaking of the West in general), since “still people may…worship together on Sunday wherever they please.” (p. 247) The book was published in 2015, and I have to assume that Dr. Arnn revised his thinking somewhat after the governmental overreach of 2020.
I have tremendous respect for Larry Arnn and his leadership of Hillsdale College, which is a rare oasis of academic honesty in the desert of higher education. I also admire Winston Churchill who was, like George Washington, sui generis. But somehow Dr. Arnn’s book about Churchill, as well informed and well written as it is, left me uninspired.
Drawing on his extensive knowledge of Churchill, Larry Arnn gives us an overview of the major challenges of Churchill’s career, and his efforts to preserve constitutional government in the face of encroaching socialism and the growing bureaucratic state. Arnn even suggests that Churchill succeeded in saving a degree of individual liberty (speaking of the West in general), since “still people may…worship together on Sunday wherever they please.” (p. 247) The book was published in 2015, and I have to assume that Dr. Arnn revised his thinking somewhat after the governmental overreach of 2020.
I have tremendous respect for Larry Arnn and his leadership of Hillsdale College, which is a rare oasis of academic honesty in the desert of higher education. I also admire Winston Churchill who was, like George Washington, sui generis. But somehow Dr. Arnn’s book about Churchill, as well informed and well written as it is, left me uninspired.
January 25, 2016
This is more of a scholarly book that examines the words and behavior of Winston Churchill with regards to free government. This is not a biography of WSC. It is in many ways a philosophical examination about constitutional limits of free government. Arnn writes a beautiful and eloquent defense of the political philosophical consistency of Winston Spencer Churchill. Churchill was a prolific writer and he was consistent in his ideals that sought for dignity and well-being, for an honorable peace, and for freedom that served to the benefit of all. This is not an easy principle to articulate but WSC wrote in a passionate and forthright manner that Arnn used with great skill to illustrate his thesis.
The book is divided into four parts, an introductory section that included a note on style and a comment on the trial WSC faced over the course of his life in preserving freedom against tyranny. The second section looks a WSC’s view of war, the third section examines Churchill’s view of the British Empire and the third section exams the threats to free government found in peace. The last section is a summary and also provides acknowledgements and appendices.
Arnn frequently quoted from WSC‘s writings including books and essays. I noted he frequently quoted from the book “Marlborough: His Life and Times”. I found the discussion about disarmament most interesting especially WSC’s analogy with the rhinos and lions. I will never look at rhinos and lions the same way again. (I am not going to tell you, you will have to read the book.)
This is a complex philosophical book that is not for beginners, but is aimed at those who have spent their lifetime studying Churchill and government. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Wayne Campbell did a good job narrating the book.
The book is divided into four parts, an introductory section that included a note on style and a comment on the trial WSC faced over the course of his life in preserving freedom against tyranny. The second section looks a WSC’s view of war, the third section examines Churchill’s view of the British Empire and the third section exams the threats to free government found in peace. The last section is a summary and also provides acknowledgements and appendices.
Arnn frequently quoted from WSC‘s writings including books and essays. I noted he frequently quoted from the book “Marlborough: His Life and Times”. I found the discussion about disarmament most interesting especially WSC’s analogy with the rhinos and lions. I will never look at rhinos and lions the same way again. (I am not going to tell you, you will have to read the book.)
This is a complex philosophical book that is not for beginners, but is aimed at those who have spent their lifetime studying Churchill and government. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Wayne Campbell did a good job narrating the book.
March 6, 2018
Marked as 'read', in actuality I've read one third of this book, and called it quits. But that is simply because it isn't for me. Did I like it? Actually, yes. But this is a read for hard core Winston Churchill scholars, or those who want indepth knowledge of political thought and philosphy.
My interests are in Churchill the man himself, and the large part he played in current history.
After awhile the depth of the man's political beliefs and how they shaped his decisions for good and not so good was too much for me.
But Larry Arnn is one of the leading authorities in Winston Churchll, and it shows. You couldn't ask for a better source of information - if this is the sort of information you seek.
My interests are in Churchill the man himself, and the large part he played in current history.
After awhile the depth of the man's political beliefs and how they shaped his decisions for good and not so good was too much for me.
But Larry Arnn is one of the leading authorities in Winston Churchll, and it shows. You couldn't ask for a better source of information - if this is the sort of information you seek.
December 30, 2019
First book I've read about Churchill, but based on the numerous direct excerpts in here, next time I'll read Churchill's writings directly. It seems like he himself is such an excellent writer. The first two chapters of this book were written in a style aimed at US college undergrads, which would have been suitable for high school students 30 odd years ago. Chapters 3+ were more interesting. I liked the way the last chapters tied Churchill's thinking into today's major issues. I think I will add some of his writings to my reading pile.
November 2, 2020
Winston Churchill was one of the most interesting political figures of my lifetime. Arnn's approach is to describe several trials he faced over a very long career. There are so many gems in this book that it is hard to pick what to highlight. The book has three appendices including a copy of his Westminster College Speech (An Iron Curtain is descending) and his 1936 Colliers article "What good is a Constitution.
Churchill was a lifelong skeptic of socialism. He wrote vigorously of the perils of allowing a regulatory state to take over in a democracy where he concluded that civil servants would soon become neither. He had some great lines about socialists including one which said they had an unending quest for power and incompetent execution. He clearly understood that increases in regulation will inevitably lead to diminished respect for the law, in part as a recognition that the regulatory state would create a series of aristocratic bureaucrats.
I was struck with one other issue in the book. Churchill had the opportunity to capitulate after the war to the inevitable turn to socialism as a way to escape the privations of WWII. But he chose to make the fight, which he lost, in 1945 on the substance of the errors of socialism. He lost, but gracefully; only to come back a few years later.
I found this book to be novel in approach and informative of this leader of the 20th century.
Churchill was a lifelong skeptic of socialism. He wrote vigorously of the perils of allowing a regulatory state to take over in a democracy where he concluded that civil servants would soon become neither. He had some great lines about socialists including one which said they had an unending quest for power and incompetent execution. He clearly understood that increases in regulation will inevitably lead to diminished respect for the law, in part as a recognition that the regulatory state would create a series of aristocratic bureaucrats.
I was struck with one other issue in the book. Churchill had the opportunity to capitulate after the war to the inevitable turn to socialism as a way to escape the privations of WWII. But he chose to make the fight, which he lost, in 1945 on the substance of the errors of socialism. He lost, but gracefully; only to come back a few years later.
I found this book to be novel in approach and informative of this leader of the 20th century.
September 24, 2020
Fantastic.
Not a biography. But a very insightful piece of writing on what Churchill believed and how it impacted his policy making. Core issues of constitutionality and government systems are addressed.
Not a biography. But a very insightful piece of writing on what Churchill believed and how it impacted his policy making. Core issues of constitutionality and government systems are addressed.
June 18, 2021
Slow read but very interesting reading about principles of government through the eyes of Churchill.
January 19, 2018
Churchills Trial is a significant, readable account of the man who impacted history throughout his remarkable life. The book addresses how he assessed and addressed the challenges of war and peace during a lifetime that bridged the most severe depression in the modern era and the most devastating global wars in history. The challenges of the rise of socialism in a nation that embraced the concept following WWII, brought all his energy and wisdom to limit its deleterious effects while commending the democratic ideals of the will of the people. "For Churchill, the Kaiser's (Germany's final emperor prior to WWI) regime fell on the wrong side of the great divide in government - the divide between nations where "peoples own Governments" and nations where "Governments own peoples."
I highly recommend this read.
I highly recommend this read.
June 6, 2025
Where to begin...
Read this in combination with an online course given by the author, which made for a formidable learning experience. Churchill was a great man. From a young age, he was exceptionally adventurous and absurdly productive in speech and writing, fighting wars in Sudan and South Africa whilst writing about it as a war correspondent. Perhaps contrasting his later status as a war hero, Churchill became very worried about modern warfare, long before anyone became familiar with the carnage of the Great War.
And yet, he was alone in calling for war against Hitler, in contrast to Halifax and Chamberlain, since he already sensed Hitler to be a psychopath who could not be negotiated with. He knew this would come at great cost, yet:
Arnn also provides much background information on Churchill's views on learning, philosophy and politics. Churchill had never been much interested in school, but in his twenties, he quickly became familiar with the classics that culturally shaped the English-speaking world. In a 1946 address at the University of Miami (which he attended as a private citizen), he put in a word for the "late starters" in education, such as himself (gaining interest in learning only at twenty-two).
It is in relation to the classical education Churchill provided himself that we can think of statesmanship. Specifically, the relation between thought and action, and perhaps (my reading) a comment on 'analysis paralysis'.
This book only touched the surface of the reasons to study Churchill's life, and there is much more to be discovered than I was able to mention here.
Read this in combination with an online course given by the author, which made for a formidable learning experience. Churchill was a great man. From a young age, he was exceptionally adventurous and absurdly productive in speech and writing, fighting wars in Sudan and South Africa whilst writing about it as a war correspondent. Perhaps contrasting his later status as a war hero, Churchill became very worried about modern warfare, long before anyone became familiar with the carnage of the Great War.
Mankind has never been in this position before. Without having improved appreciably in virtue or enjoying wiser guidance, it has got into its hands for the first time the tools by which it can unfailingly accomplish its own extermination. That is the point in human destinies to which all the glories and toils of men have at last led them. They would do well to pause and ponder upon their new responsibilities. Death stands at attention, obedient, expectant, ready to serve, ready to shear away the peoples en masse; ready, if called on, to pulverize, without hope of repair, what is left of civilization. He awaits only the word of command. He awaits it from a frail, bewildered being, long his victim, now—for one occasion only—his Master.
And yet, he was alone in calling for war against Hitler, in contrast to Halifax and Chamberlain, since he already sensed Hitler to be a psychopath who could not be negotiated with. He knew this would come at great cost, yet:
He taught that we should be cautious in going to war and employ a strategy that envisions a victory worth the cost. He taught that this rule does not apply the same where life and
freedom are at stake from aggression. In that case, and only that, it is better to die fighting.
Arnn also provides much background information on Churchill's views on learning, philosophy and politics. Churchill had never been much interested in school, but in his twenties, he quickly became familiar with the classics that culturally shaped the English-speaking world. In a 1946 address at the University of Miami (which he attended as a private citizen), he put in a word for the "late starters" in education, such as himself (gaining interest in learning only at twenty-two).
There is perhaps no branch of our vast educational system which should more attract within its particular sphere the aid and encouragement of the State than adult education. How many must there be in Britain, after the disturbance of two destructive wars, who thirst in later life to learn about the humanities, the history of their country, the philosophies of the human race, and the arts and letters which sustain and are borne forward by the ever-conquering English language? This ranks in my opinion far above science and technical instruction, which are well sustained and not without their rewards in our present system. The mental and moral outlook of free men studying the past with free minds in order to discern the future demands the highest measures which our hard-pressed finances can sustain.
It is in relation to the classical education Churchill provided himself that we can think of statesmanship. Specifically, the relation between thought and action, and perhaps (my reading) a comment on 'analysis paralysis'.
It is very different to contemplate the good than it is to do the good. As Churchill wrote,
“A man’s Life must be nailed to a cross either of Thought or Action.”
This book only touched the surface of the reasons to study Churchill's life, and there is much more to be discovered than I was able to mention here.
October 13, 2015
Churchill in War and Peace
Churchill was a man uniquely suited to the role he played in WWII. He was a warlord and a statesman, a unique combination that gave him the personality to lead his nation through one of the worst periods in world history. The question this book seeks to answer is: What made Churchill that way?
Three periods of Churchill's life are the focus of the book: war, empire and peace. In the section on war, the author highlights Churchill's experiences during the Boer War and the war in the Sudan. Here he saw the horror or modern warfare against the traditional tactics of earlier generations. It gave him a dislike for scientific warfare, but also the realization that the challenge must be met. He also realized that more than a soldier he had to be a statesman to affect the outcome of world conflict. This section was my favorite and has lessons that we can help us today.
Churchill believed in democracy. People should be allowed to rule themselves, but he was also a staunch supporter of the empire. The empire gave Britain status in the world that Churchill was loath to lose.
In peacetime, he was less successful in leading the country. Being a firm believer in constitutionality, he disliked Socialism. Although it cost him political office, he staunchly criticized Socialism believing that it was bad for the country.
This is an excellent book. Not only does it present a comprehensive look at the events that formed Churchill and how he used his experiences, it gives us lessons for today that we should understand. I highly recommend the book.
I reviewed this book for Booklook Bloggers.
Churchill was a man uniquely suited to the role he played in WWII. He was a warlord and a statesman, a unique combination that gave him the personality to lead his nation through one of the worst periods in world history. The question this book seeks to answer is: What made Churchill that way?
Three periods of Churchill's life are the focus of the book: war, empire and peace. In the section on war, the author highlights Churchill's experiences during the Boer War and the war in the Sudan. Here he saw the horror or modern warfare against the traditional tactics of earlier generations. It gave him a dislike for scientific warfare, but also the realization that the challenge must be met. He also realized that more than a soldier he had to be a statesman to affect the outcome of world conflict. This section was my favorite and has lessons that we can help us today.
Churchill believed in democracy. People should be allowed to rule themselves, but he was also a staunch supporter of the empire. The empire gave Britain status in the world that Churchill was loath to lose.
In peacetime, he was less successful in leading the country. Being a firm believer in constitutionality, he disliked Socialism. Although it cost him political office, he staunchly criticized Socialism believing that it was bad for the country.
This is an excellent book. Not only does it present a comprehensive look at the events that formed Churchill and how he used his experiences, it gives us lessons for today that we should understand. I highly recommend the book.
I reviewed this book for Booklook Bloggers.
January 18, 2023
Starts a little slow, but gets really good.
My daughter saw me reading this and asked if Dr. Arnn quoted Aristotle. I told her I didn't remember him quoting Aristotle. So she took the book and started to flip through it. On the FIRST page of the PREFACE, Dr. Arnn quotes Aristotle. "See!" she said. "He loves to quote Aristotle."
The chapters on socialism are very good. Churchill made some very interesting and true arguments to England that socialism would require a Gestapo to enforce its commands, because socialism is so contrary to human nature and can't tolerate dissent. A lot of good quotes. There are a few appendices that include some of Churchill's best speeches.
My daughter saw me reading this and asked if Dr. Arnn quoted Aristotle. I told her I didn't remember him quoting Aristotle. So she took the book and started to flip through it. On the FIRST page of the PREFACE, Dr. Arnn quotes Aristotle. "See!" she said. "He loves to quote Aristotle."
The chapters on socialism are very good. Churchill made some very interesting and true arguments to England that socialism would require a Gestapo to enforce its commands, because socialism is so contrary to human nature and can't tolerate dissent. A lot of good quotes. There are a few appendices that include some of Churchill's best speeches.
July 24, 2020
Great book for all who want to know more about Churchill's life and ideas.
Quotes-
“The first lesson of strategy from Churchill: One must be ready to fight. He must have courage. And someone must have the tongue to remind people of this hard and necessary truth.” -p. 20
“Freedom and justice without power cannot be preserved; power without freedom and justice ought not to be preserved. Britain’s strength, Churchill said many times in many contexts, was in its ability to join right and might.” -p. 102
“Churchill also acknowledged implicitly a point favored by many Socialists: perfect equality of opportunity is impossible. In 1945 he said, ‘The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings. The inherent virtue of Socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.’ In no case could the world be perfected. There are the thousand chances that affect every life. People have or do not have advantages in parenting. They have or do not have quick or curious or imaginative minds. They meet or do not meet significant and worthy people who help them. Whatever arrangements are made to mitigate the different chances people confront, ‘life will be pretty rough anyhow.’...Socialists asked…, why should we not attempt to overcome these disadvantages? … Churchill thought this hope impossible and, worse than impossible, wrong. He thought this pursuit of complete or perfect equality, even of opportunity, would produce not equality but inequality, not justice but injustice, not freedom but grinding tyranny.” -p. 142-3
“Socialism would create an aristocracy on other grounds. A state that attempts to equalize things that are not inherently equal will be at war with human excellence. Some people are in fact wiser, braver, more generous, more skillful, more beautiful, stronger, and more active than others. This does not make them different in their rights, if those rights are defined as the right to employ their abilities and gain or lose by their efforts… The attempt to equalize unequal things would, Churchill argued, produce resistance, which in turn would call forth from socialism more vigorous laws. This cycle would continue until all the rights of the people were gone.” -p. 157
“To transfer wealth from the rich to the poor rewards poverty and discourages wealth, and it creates interests in the society that have powerful effects in politics.” -p. 192
Here's a 3-hour free online course by this author, about Churchill: https://online.hillsdale.edu/landing/...
Quotes-
“The first lesson of strategy from Churchill: One must be ready to fight. He must have courage. And someone must have the tongue to remind people of this hard and necessary truth.” -p. 20
“Freedom and justice without power cannot be preserved; power without freedom and justice ought not to be preserved. Britain’s strength, Churchill said many times in many contexts, was in its ability to join right and might.” -p. 102
“Churchill also acknowledged implicitly a point favored by many Socialists: perfect equality of opportunity is impossible. In 1945 he said, ‘The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings. The inherent virtue of Socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.’ In no case could the world be perfected. There are the thousand chances that affect every life. People have or do not have advantages in parenting. They have or do not have quick or curious or imaginative minds. They meet or do not meet significant and worthy people who help them. Whatever arrangements are made to mitigate the different chances people confront, ‘life will be pretty rough anyhow.’...Socialists asked…, why should we not attempt to overcome these disadvantages? … Churchill thought this hope impossible and, worse than impossible, wrong. He thought this pursuit of complete or perfect equality, even of opportunity, would produce not equality but inequality, not justice but injustice, not freedom but grinding tyranny.” -p. 142-3
“Socialism would create an aristocracy on other grounds. A state that attempts to equalize things that are not inherently equal will be at war with human excellence. Some people are in fact wiser, braver, more generous, more skillful, more beautiful, stronger, and more active than others. This does not make them different in their rights, if those rights are defined as the right to employ their abilities and gain or lose by their efforts… The attempt to equalize unequal things would, Churchill argued, produce resistance, which in turn would call forth from socialism more vigorous laws. This cycle would continue until all the rights of the people were gone.” -p. 157
“To transfer wealth from the rich to the poor rewards poverty and discourages wealth, and it creates interests in the society that have powerful effects in politics.” -p. 192
Here's a 3-hour free online course by this author, about Churchill: https://online.hillsdale.edu/landing/...
January 11, 2019
To be honest, I'm still not sure where I fall with this one. It's not as much as a biography as I anticipated, but a study of Churchill's political career and the decisions he made. Even parts detailing his life were usually interrupted with quotes from either the Minister himself, or others whose beliefs related.
Besides that, my disappointment was taken out by the style the author used, his clear, well- structured analyses ( I had to look up the plural of analysis, yee-haw.) There was a chapter in particular that I learned a ton from, 6 'Lo, A New England.' in which the author, Arnn, breaks down Socialism - its roots, founders, and variations. Although I've never been a fan of Socialism, it was neat to read something that gave solid reasons for one to doubt its value.
'The English family is the scene of "selfish isolation." Fabian author Graham Wallas suggested that children must be weakened from this - an apt metaphor. Some of the Fabians seem to think that children can be raised by the society, and therefore family relationships can be weakened or broken. These relationships are, true, enough, constraining. Parenting is not easy, and it takes up much of life. Children are affected by the quality of the parenting they get, and there is a wide range of qualities.' Larry P. Arnn goes on to discuss the further history and study, emphasizing Churchill's reaction to this - he would not abide it. (I love all his bold refutes against it)
I did have another issue with how the topic of imperialism ended - it's a heavy handed discussion, and I think as Christian Conservatives, we ought to be careful in our posture towards those in third-world countries. It's okay to not be right about everything.
Overall, Churchill's Trial was something I came to enjoy. The last chapters, I think is where it picks up, yet it might be helpful to read carefully.
Besides that, my disappointment was taken out by the style the author used, his clear, well- structured analyses ( I had to look up the plural of analysis, yee-haw.) There was a chapter in particular that I learned a ton from, 6 'Lo, A New England.' in which the author, Arnn, breaks down Socialism - its roots, founders, and variations. Although I've never been a fan of Socialism, it was neat to read something that gave solid reasons for one to doubt its value.
'The English family is the scene of "selfish isolation." Fabian author Graham Wallas suggested that children must be weakened from this - an apt metaphor. Some of the Fabians seem to think that children can be raised by the society, and therefore family relationships can be weakened or broken. These relationships are, true, enough, constraining. Parenting is not easy, and it takes up much of life. Children are affected by the quality of the parenting they get, and there is a wide range of qualities.' Larry P. Arnn goes on to discuss the further history and study, emphasizing Churchill's reaction to this - he would not abide it. (I love all his bold refutes against it)
I did have another issue with how the topic of imperialism ended - it's a heavy handed discussion, and I think as Christian Conservatives, we ought to be careful in our posture towards those in third-world countries. It's okay to not be right about everything.
Overall, Churchill's Trial was something I came to enjoy. The last chapters, I think is where it picks up, yet it might be helpful to read carefully.
January 9, 2018
This book provides a great insight into the mind of Winston Churchill. It describes in detail his views on government's roles in both war and peace time. I found particularly interesting Churchill's views on the evils of socialism and the disastrous path in which it leads. At the same time that Churchill condemned socialism, he realized the need for "liberal" government to provide for basic social services and a "safety net" for the poor and others who fall upon unforeseen misfortune. Churchill was a strong believer in capitalism and he believed that the best way to serve the entire population, both rich and poor, is through a robust free market system. Still he saw the possible down-sides of uncontrolled capitalism and sought ways to remedy them. He realized that this actually strengthened capitalism and the free market. Churchill foresaw many of the problems that we are facing today in our own country. This is a must read for anyone who wants a clearer understanding of the problems we face by today's over-inflated, over-bureaucratic governments.
November 20, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this book, the subject of which is the series of trials faced by Winston Churchill, his country and the world, during his lifetime. Chief among these trials were war and the rise of socialism in countries that were previously free-enterprise capitalistic nations. The book details Churchill's beliefs, actions, reactions, writings, and speeches as he worked to alternately confront or embrace these trials. However, the book comes across as also about what the author believes about these issues. At times it reads as though the content is a 60/40 split between the author's beliefs and Churchill's. Still, the book does a good job of documenting the challenges faced by a great statesman who lived through: the Second World War, the rise of Hitler, Stalin, Russia, socialism within Britain, and rapid scientific advances in both peacetime luxuries and war-making power.
January 12, 2017
Powerfully compelling book that is more relevant than ever. Dr. Larry Arnn mixes history, philosophy, political science, and more than a bit of wise insight in this wonderfully written treatise on Churchill's path as one of the most compelling statesman of our time. I particularly enjoyed Arnn's ability to succinctly summarize and analyze Churchill's wide ranging writing, speaking, and action over the course of his 50 year career in British politics. In all of his super human accomplishments and crushing setbacks, Winston Churchill is now more alive for me than ever. Before tackling this intellectually challenging book, find a quiet place, grab a notebook and a highlighter, and clear your mind; Dr. Arnn will take you on a journey that you'll truly appreciate.
February 2, 2018
This was a good book on the life and political development of a man who was instrumental in saving the world from the tyrannical Fascist regimes that proliferated in Europe in the 1920s. Equally opposed to the Socialist growth, Winston Churchill was a magnificent example of living by guiding principles, and not by blindly following political parties and easy support by falling into the political pitfalls of excess and quid pro quo cronyism that has become the hallmark of modern political machinations and the media who fervently push agendas over moral principles. Well written, and very informative, I would recommend this book to anyone.
March 13, 2020
A fantastic book. This should be the cornerstone of a course on the psychology of the statesman.
While certainly this book is critical of that which Churchill critiqued, it is exceptionally balanced. It humanizes Churchill successfully and reminds the reader that even though he was of noble descent, he truly cared for the common man and sought his entire life to improve socratically. More than an orator, the book focuses on the mindset, the education, the evolution, and the application of his thought and it could not come at a more important time, comparatively.
This book is worth the time invested.
PS, I also thoroughly enjoyed the acknowledgements.
While certainly this book is critical of that which Churchill critiqued, it is exceptionally balanced. It humanizes Churchill successfully and reminds the reader that even though he was of noble descent, he truly cared for the common man and sought his entire life to improve socratically. More than an orator, the book focuses on the mindset, the education, the evolution, and the application of his thought and it could not come at a more important time, comparatively.
This book is worth the time invested.
PS, I also thoroughly enjoyed the acknowledgements.
November 25, 2022
Churchill’s Trail is a must read if you are interested in History and especially if you have any interest in one of the greatest Statesman in History.
The book is well written and uncovers things that I was not aware of about Mr. Churchill.
The entire book allowed me the opportunity to know more things about the Great Statesman and how he dealt with many trials during his career.
Ironically I find the Appendices I , 2 an three which talks about how Socialism starts and evolves into Communism. It is very pertinent considering the under current of some Americans that think it would be better than the current liberty and freedoms that we enjoy in the United States.
The book is well written and uncovers things that I was not aware of about Mr. Churchill.
The entire book allowed me the opportunity to know more things about the Great Statesman and how he dealt with many trials during his career.
Ironically I find the Appendices I , 2 an three which talks about how Socialism starts and evolves into Communism. It is very pertinent considering the under current of some Americans that think it would be better than the current liberty and freedoms that we enjoy in the United States.
February 11, 2017
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by BookLook/Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review.]
When I saw the chance to review a book about Winston Churchill from Larry Arnn, who I am familiar with from his online lectures for Hillsdale College, I was immediately interested, although I have read at least a few books about Churchill already [1]. This particular book, which does for Winston Churchill what an eminent political philosopher like Harry Jaffa has done for Abraham Lincoln, examines the words and behavior of Winston Churchill with regards to free government. This book, in its eloquent defense of the philosophical consistency of Winston Churchill, who was such a verbose writer that many people have been lost in trying to figure out what he thought about anything, given his tactical inconsistency in favor of a consistent set of ideals that sought for dignity and well-being, for an honorable peace, and for freedom that served the benefit of all. These are not necessarily easy principles to articulate and support, but Churchill’s prolific speaking and writing and his passionate and forthright manner of presentation certainly aided him in his political rhetoric.
In terms of its contents, this book is divided somewhat complexly into several parts. After an introductory section that includes a note on style, a justification of the choice of Churchill as a model for analysis, and a comment on the trial that he faced over the course of his life in preserving freedom against both outright tyranny in the form of Communism and Nazism and the more creeping threat provided by socialism, the book is divided into three parts. The first part, with four chapters, looks at Churchill’s view of war. This view is suitably complicated, looking at Churchill’s experience in the Sudan and South Africa, as well as his elevated kind of strategic interests in World War I and World War II, as well as his concern over the more terrible kind of war fought in the modern world with industrial and nuclear forms of death-dealing. The second part of the book has one chapter that deals with the importance of the British Empire to Churchill’s understanding of the British role as a major power in the world, which was in some way dependent on the resources of the Commonwealth. The third part of the book deals with the threats to free government found in peace, including Churchill’s resolute opposition to socialism in England, what was meant by his statement that socialism would require some sort of Gestapo, namely in the increase of a nosy and increasingly intrusive bureaucracy, along with his desire for social reforms to ameliorate the conditions of people so that there would be no calls for the dangerous increase in power of authorities that simply cannot be trusted to act properly and with proper restraint. After this the book includes a conclusion that summarizes the contents of the book, a lengthy and appreciative acknowledgements section, as well as three appendices with notable political and philosophical works by Churchill himself: Fifty Years Hence, What Good’s A Constitution, and The Sinews Of Peace.
For those people who appreciate the life and example of Winston Churchill, this book does an excellent job in showing the words of Churchill and how they served a political worldview that was hostile both to the domination of society by wealthy aristocrats or businessmen as well as the domination of society by unaccountable technocratic and bureaucratic elites. As an egalitarian scion of the aristocracy who was half-American and who loved both the traditions of the House of Commons as well as promoting modern technological feats like the tank, a patriotic Briton, a man who was courageous in warfare and yet determined to preserve, if at all possible, an honorable peace through strength, Winston Churchill was an immensely complicated man. The fact that he switched parties twice in his career, thought that he was over the hill and past his prime before getting his first opportunity to become Prime Minister during the darkest days of World War II, and who then won his first and only election as an old man after five disastrous years of Labor misrule in Great Britain only makes his career more approachable for those of us who are worried that we too are wasting the productive years of our lives as backbenchers in obscurity. For as Churchill bemoaned the lack of heroes in his time and became one, perhaps the same may true for some of us, if we do not grow weary in well-doing, and can endure the years of unjust obscurity that we are faced with.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
When I saw the chance to review a book about Winston Churchill from Larry Arnn, who I am familiar with from his online lectures for Hillsdale College, I was immediately interested, although I have read at least a few books about Churchill already [1]. This particular book, which does for Winston Churchill what an eminent political philosopher like Harry Jaffa has done for Abraham Lincoln, examines the words and behavior of Winston Churchill with regards to free government. This book, in its eloquent defense of the philosophical consistency of Winston Churchill, who was such a verbose writer that many people have been lost in trying to figure out what he thought about anything, given his tactical inconsistency in favor of a consistent set of ideals that sought for dignity and well-being, for an honorable peace, and for freedom that served the benefit of all. These are not necessarily easy principles to articulate and support, but Churchill’s prolific speaking and writing and his passionate and forthright manner of presentation certainly aided him in his political rhetoric.
In terms of its contents, this book is divided somewhat complexly into several parts. After an introductory section that includes a note on style, a justification of the choice of Churchill as a model for analysis, and a comment on the trial that he faced over the course of his life in preserving freedom against both outright tyranny in the form of Communism and Nazism and the more creeping threat provided by socialism, the book is divided into three parts. The first part, with four chapters, looks at Churchill’s view of war. This view is suitably complicated, looking at Churchill’s experience in the Sudan and South Africa, as well as his elevated kind of strategic interests in World War I and World War II, as well as his concern over the more terrible kind of war fought in the modern world with industrial and nuclear forms of death-dealing. The second part of the book has one chapter that deals with the importance of the British Empire to Churchill’s understanding of the British role as a major power in the world, which was in some way dependent on the resources of the Commonwealth. The third part of the book deals with the threats to free government found in peace, including Churchill’s resolute opposition to socialism in England, what was meant by his statement that socialism would require some sort of Gestapo, namely in the increase of a nosy and increasingly intrusive bureaucracy, along with his desire for social reforms to ameliorate the conditions of people so that there would be no calls for the dangerous increase in power of authorities that simply cannot be trusted to act properly and with proper restraint. After this the book includes a conclusion that summarizes the contents of the book, a lengthy and appreciative acknowledgements section, as well as three appendices with notable political and philosophical works by Churchill himself: Fifty Years Hence, What Good’s A Constitution, and The Sinews Of Peace.
For those people who appreciate the life and example of Winston Churchill, this book does an excellent job in showing the words of Churchill and how they served a political worldview that was hostile both to the domination of society by wealthy aristocrats or businessmen as well as the domination of society by unaccountable technocratic and bureaucratic elites. As an egalitarian scion of the aristocracy who was half-American and who loved both the traditions of the House of Commons as well as promoting modern technological feats like the tank, a patriotic Briton, a man who was courageous in warfare and yet determined to preserve, if at all possible, an honorable peace through strength, Winston Churchill was an immensely complicated man. The fact that he switched parties twice in his career, thought that he was over the hill and past his prime before getting his first opportunity to become Prime Minister during the darkest days of World War II, and who then won his first and only election as an old man after five disastrous years of Labor misrule in Great Britain only makes his career more approachable for those of us who are worried that we too are wasting the productive years of our lives as backbenchers in obscurity. For as Churchill bemoaned the lack of heroes in his time and became one, perhaps the same may true for some of us, if we do not grow weary in well-doing, and can endure the years of unjust obscurity that we are faced with.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
May 10, 2018
This book contains a few interesting insights, such as Churchill writing that a Labour party in power would inevitably lead to the creation of a British Gestapo to enforce rule. Nonetheless, the author seems to inflate Churchill's writings to pretend that he had built a complete philosophical theory of politics, democracy etc. Churchill was kidnapped to advance some (conservative) values alien to the statesman's time. In this sense, the book is much more abstract than necessary, which makes reading it hard.
February 11, 2018
A must read for every lover of political history
My 5 star rating is based on my own love of political history. The book allows the reader to understand the incredible challenges facing the free world in the first half of the 20th century. And it opens the door for us to see the most gifted statesman of that time navigate a world of threats from despots, nuclear militaries, and the rise of socialism in the industrial age.
My 5 star rating is based on my own love of political history. The book allows the reader to understand the incredible challenges facing the free world in the first half of the 20th century. And it opens the door for us to see the most gifted statesman of that time navigate a world of threats from despots, nuclear militaries, and the rise of socialism in the industrial age.
April 7, 2018
A bit grueling at times but the chapters that cover the philosophy behind the competing ideologies of 20th century Europe are compelling, especially as these philosophies continue to live and breath today. The book of course covers it from Churchill's point of view, recounting his arguments against fascism, Nazism, communism, and just plain old socialism, concluding that basically capitalism and the free market is the best of a bunch of bad ideas.
September 5, 2019
I couldn't express my feelings about this book any better than Jeff Elliott, so I recommend that you read his review. He gives a number of insightful quotes from that book that will give you the flavor of the work. One of my favorite quotes from the book is this (Arnn is quoting Churchill), “The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings. The inherent virtue of Socialism is the unequal sharing of miseries.”
December 9, 2022
This is not a history or a biography, so be warned if that is what you are interested in. However, it is a book that provides great insights into Churchill's personal and governing philosophy. The author touches on topics that include, democracy versus totalitarian societies, free markets versus socialism / fabianism, and war and peace. If you are interested in understanding the contrasts in these philosophies, I recommend this book.
June 25, 2025
4.5/5
Larry Arnn’s book on Winston Churchill is an excellent overview of what Churchill thought about a wide range of political topics. What I found most compelling about this work was the fact that the author was able to objectively present the thoughts and words of Churchill in a way that was coherent and profound. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about Winston Churchill’s thoughts and motives.
Larry Arnn’s book on Winston Churchill is an excellent overview of what Churchill thought about a wide range of political topics. What I found most compelling about this work was the fact that the author was able to objectively present the thoughts and words of Churchill in a way that was coherent and profound. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about Winston Churchill’s thoughts and motives.
September 4, 2017
Dr Arnn is a very knowledgeable scholar. This is the textbook for the course he teaches at Hillsdale College. His insight into the mind of one of the twentieth century's greatest statesman. Do read this book which covers the life and mould from which greatness formed. If you are a student of diplomacy or wonder how leaders arrive at decisions and change us forever. Read this book.
April 14, 2018
If one did not appreciate the intellectual power of Winston Churchill they will after reading "Churchill's Trial". The book is a philosophical examination of Churchill's politics and the historical context. A challenging read because of the territory engaged but not impossible or dull. My only criticism is with all the references to "Mass Effects" it should have been included in the appendix.
February 29, 2020
Can't really review this book in any intelligent way as I am not going to lie: it was hardgoing for me. However, I learned some interesting things about Churchill along the way, tried to digest as much as possible about his views on government, society, war and peace etc. & I appreciated the inclusion of a few of his speeches at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews