Churchill The Young Warrior: How He Helped Win the First World War

by John Harte

This is the intriguing chronicle of Winston Churchill’s early years as a young soldier fighting in several different types of wars - on horseback in the cavalry at Khartoum, with saber and lance against the Dervishes at age 22, in the South African war against the Boers, and finally in the First World War before he is appointed as First Lord of the Admiralty. The book also covers the failure, bloodshed, and disgrace of Gallipoli that was blamed on him, which could have led to his downfall, as well as the formative relationships he had with the two important women in his young life — his mother, Jennie, who was an eighteen-year-old woman when she marries an English aristocrat, and Churchill’s young wife, Clementine. How did the events of his early life shape his subsequent life and career, making him the leader he would become? What is the mystery behind how World War I erupted, and what role did Churchill play to end it?

Most readers are aware of Churchill’s leadership in World War Two, but are unaware of his contributions and experiences in World War One. Through engaging narrative non-fiction, this book paints a startlingly different picture of Winston Churchill — not the portly, conservative politician who led the UK during World War II, but rather the capable young man in his 20s and 30s, who thought of himself as a soldier saving Britain from defeat. Gaining experience in battle and developing a killer instinct and a mature worldview would serve him well as the leader of the free world.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, World War I, War, European History

364 pages, Hardcover

First published August 22, 2017

About the author

John Harte was born in London, England, between the two World Wars. He absorbed the experiences and lessons of the first world war while growing up in its aftermath, and lived through the second one.

The fact that the author was born when London was the center of the British Empire and the free world, politically, financially, socially and culturally, invests his books about Winston Churchill and England with particular significance, since few people are left who can describe at first-hand what it was really like.

He witnessed at first hand the bombing of London and the Battle of Britain; the launching of the D-Day landings from England's south coast, and the enemy's V1 and V2 rocket attacks intended to destroy London and its population.

He began his writing career as a playwright with four plays produced in London theaters. He was also an investigative journalist writing for three leading publications in the UK.

After moving to South Africa to work in the advertising industry with J. Walter Thompson, he also wrote freelance feature articles for the two leading newspapers, which were syndicated worldwide by Reuters, and he also broadcast his own stories on the SABC.

He now lives in Ottawa, Canada.

Find out more at : JohnHarteBooks.com

representation: Steven Harris, CSG Literary Partners

Reviews

[Melinda M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Churchill - The Young Warrior, 1914-1918: From World War I to the First Lord of the Admiralty
by John Harte covers a part of Churchill's life and experiences that are often ignored or glanced at . this book focuses on the time that grew Churchill and gave him the ability to see what was coming in the 1930's. The issue of Gallipoli and that fact that Churchill was blamed for not only the failure, but the bloodshed there is discussed and makes the reader understand what is the disgrace of Gallipoli. John Harte does a good job of making a younger Churchill come alive and to explain the issues that formed him and affected him during the 4 your period of 1914 thru 1018. I enjoy reading about Churchill and this is a time period that is so important in forming the great leader of the 1940's.

I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Lyn Zuberbuhler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book which details the many factors which influenced Winston Churchill as a young man and predetermined his approach to leading Britain and the Allies in the Second World War.
His evaluation of the reason for the First World War is still one of the clearest available, but he was also baffled as to all of the causes.
However, I found John Harte’s back and forth description of events and influences somewhat confusing.
Not an easy summer read.

[clinton Littlefield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't decide between 2 & 3 stars. Very good when talking about his adventures, but he often goes to background in way too much weird detail much of which appears to be his opinion. Often is boring in those parts. Overall was a decent read. I'm now reading about Churchill's later life but with a different author.

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book doesn’t accomplish explaining the titles tag line - How he helped with WWI- author should have simply stuck to exploring Churchills up bringing and formative years - like - the discussion of his understanding and compassion for the common person and his inquisitive mind

[Matthew Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first biography of Churchill and I enjoyed it. The format was not very good. I felt it did not follow a timeline but was all over the place till the last few chapters.