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Lincoln & Churchill: Statesmen at War
Winner of the Abraham Lincoln Institute of Washington’s 2019 book prize!
A Renowned Historian Gives New Perspective on Statesmen at War
Lewis E. Lehrman, a renowned historian and National Humanities Medal winner, gives new perspective on two of the greatest English-speaking statesmen—and their remarkable leadership in wars of national survival
Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill, as commanders in chief, led their nations to victory—Lincoln in the Civil War, Churchill in World War II. They became revered leaders—statesmen for all time. Yet these two world-famous war leaders have never been seriously compared at book length. Acclaimed historian Lewis Lehrman, in his pathbreaking comparison of both statesmen, finds that Lincoln and Churchill—with very different upbringings and contrasting personalities—led their war efforts, to some extent, in similar ways. As supreme war lords, they were guided not only by principles of honor, duty, freedom, but also by the practical wisdom to know when, where, and how to apply these principles. They made mistakes which Lehrman considers carefully. But the author emphasizes that, despite setbacks, they never gave up.
Even their writings and speeches were swords in battle. Gifted literary stylists, both men relied on the written and spoken word to steel their citizens throughout desperate and prolonged wars.
Both statesmen unexpectedly left office near the end of their wars—Lincoln by the bullet, Churchill by the ballot.
A Renowned Historian Gives New Perspective on Statesmen at War
Lewis E. Lehrman, a renowned historian and National Humanities Medal winner, gives new perspective on two of the greatest English-speaking statesmen—and their remarkable leadership in wars of national survival
Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill, as commanders in chief, led their nations to victory—Lincoln in the Civil War, Churchill in World War II. They became revered leaders—statesmen for all time. Yet these two world-famous war leaders have never been seriously compared at book length. Acclaimed historian Lewis Lehrman, in his pathbreaking comparison of both statesmen, finds that Lincoln and Churchill—with very different upbringings and contrasting personalities—led their war efforts, to some extent, in similar ways. As supreme war lords, they were guided not only by principles of honor, duty, freedom, but also by the practical wisdom to know when, where, and how to apply these principles. They made mistakes which Lehrman considers carefully. But the author emphasizes that, despite setbacks, they never gave up.
Even their writings and speeches were swords in battle. Gifted literary stylists, both men relied on the written and spoken word to steel their citizens throughout desperate and prolonged wars.
Both statesmen unexpectedly left office near the end of their wars—Lincoln by the bullet, Churchill by the ballot.
544 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 16, 2021
Both came to power at a time of war. They had completely different personalities and leadership styles, but were similar in other ways.
Used their public addresses to the people to keep things together
They made their staff to be like extended family members
Both threw caution to the wind in regards to personal safety
Churchill was a student of the Civil War (he was born less then 10 years after) and found valuable lessons in Grant and others leadership style. He only truly respected Lincoln after his experience in World War II.
This book is heavy Churchill since it is so much easier to gather primary resources. In the end I truly appreciate Lincoln's humility. Not to say he wasn't as ambitious as Churchill, he just channeled in a quiet way.
I do not love this book and it started when Lehrman referred to Edward R. Murrow as Edwin. I looked up Murrow and his real name was Egbert, not Edwin. Lehrman failed to call him by his career name or his his real name. Weird considering how well Murrow is known. Can he or his editors be trusted?!?!
Used their public addresses to the people to keep things together
They made their staff to be like extended family members
Both threw caution to the wind in regards to personal safety
Churchill was a student of the Civil War (he was born less then 10 years after) and found valuable lessons in Grant and others leadership style. He only truly respected Lincoln after his experience in World War II.
This book is heavy Churchill since it is so much easier to gather primary resources. In the end I truly appreciate Lincoln's humility. Not to say he wasn't as ambitious as Churchill, he just channeled in a quiet way.
I do not love this book and it started when Lehrman referred to Edward R. Murrow as Edwin. I looked up Murrow and his real name was Egbert, not Edwin. Lehrman failed to call him by his career name or his his real name. Weird considering how well Murrow is known. Can he or his editors be trusted?!?!
December 17, 2018
Historian Lewis Lehrman compares the characteristics of two wartime leaders, Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill, both of whom faced comparable challenges leading their countries through horrible conflagrations, and who both excelled at using language as a strategic weapon to mobilize and inspire their countries.
The book is organized first by subject area, such as the unlikely emergence of each as leaders of their countries; “Virtues of Great War Leaders”; “Managing Ministers and Legislators”; and “Finding and Managing Generals.” This is followed by chronological details for each year of the war: 1862/1942, 1863/1943, 1864/1944, and 1865/1945. Throughout, several themes predominate:
Both mobilized the English language as a weapon of persuasion:
“Lincoln and Churchill believed public sentiment in a democracy to be essential to victory. They would by word and action mobilize the people and resources of their countries to fight a relentless struggle for unconditional surrender of the enemy. Defeat was unthinkable.”
Both had a keen sense of the importance of the sound of language:
“They had mastered the natural rhythms of their native tongue. They would practice its poetic cadences aloud. They would experiment with word order, refining it to their purpose. Their reading dwelt on masterpieces of English prose and poetry upon which they would draw for their writing and speeches.”
Importantly, neither subscribed to moral relativism, and both opposed appeasement, in spite of intense political pressure in both eras to end the war. Lincoln would not agree to the retention or resumption of slavery, and Churchill would not allow totalitarianism to consume the West.
Much of the book consists of observations from other historians, and, best of all, a recapitulation of some of the greatest speeches of Lincoln and Churchill. Because Lehrman’s emphasis is on the flights of prose of these two men, their shortcomings are not dwelt upon. No matter; the book is worth having as a compendium of some of the most stirring and uplifting expressions of the English language you will ever read outside of Shakespeare.
Note: Lehrman provides extensive endnotes, selected bibliographies of the best Lincoln and Churchill scholarship, a timeline of Lincoln’s and Churchill’s lives, and more than three dozen photographs and cartoons. The author also has a website for the book on which you will find essays, photos, and links to other resources about the two leaders.
Evaluation: The research in this book may not be original, but it is a competent distillation of the findings of others, and a fine disquisition on the qualities of leadership that brought us through some of the most significant events of modern history. The moral fiber of these two men, their unwillingness to compromise with evil, and the power and beauty of their words can almost make you weep for what we no longer have.
Rating: 3.5/5
The book is organized first by subject area, such as the unlikely emergence of each as leaders of their countries; “Virtues of Great War Leaders”; “Managing Ministers and Legislators”; and “Finding and Managing Generals.” This is followed by chronological details for each year of the war: 1862/1942, 1863/1943, 1864/1944, and 1865/1945. Throughout, several themes predominate:
Both mobilized the English language as a weapon of persuasion:
“Lincoln and Churchill believed public sentiment in a democracy to be essential to victory. They would by word and action mobilize the people and resources of their countries to fight a relentless struggle for unconditional surrender of the enemy. Defeat was unthinkable.”
Both had a keen sense of the importance of the sound of language:
“They had mastered the natural rhythms of their native tongue. They would practice its poetic cadences aloud. They would experiment with word order, refining it to their purpose. Their reading dwelt on masterpieces of English prose and poetry upon which they would draw for their writing and speeches.”
Importantly, neither subscribed to moral relativism, and both opposed appeasement, in spite of intense political pressure in both eras to end the war. Lincoln would not agree to the retention or resumption of slavery, and Churchill would not allow totalitarianism to consume the West.
Much of the book consists of observations from other historians, and, best of all, a recapitulation of some of the greatest speeches of Lincoln and Churchill. Because Lehrman’s emphasis is on the flights of prose of these two men, their shortcomings are not dwelt upon. No matter; the book is worth having as a compendium of some of the most stirring and uplifting expressions of the English language you will ever read outside of Shakespeare.
Note: Lehrman provides extensive endnotes, selected bibliographies of the best Lincoln and Churchill scholarship, a timeline of Lincoln’s and Churchill’s lives, and more than three dozen photographs and cartoons. The author also has a website for the book on which you will find essays, photos, and links to other resources about the two leaders.
Evaluation: The research in this book may not be original, but it is a competent distillation of the findings of others, and a fine disquisition on the qualities of leadership that brought us through some of the most significant events of modern history. The moral fiber of these two men, their unwillingness to compromise with evil, and the power and beauty of their words can almost make you weep for what we no longer have.
Rating: 3.5/5
February 19, 2022
I found this book to be tedious and repetitive. It is essentially an endless stream of quotes about the subjects which averts any flow or story. For a book about two of the most significant leaders in modern times it surprisingly became uninteresting because of the redundancy of the narrative. At times it felt as if I was re-reading the same chapter over and over.
September 7, 2024
Leaders during wars. As I read the book, it reminds me of the insightful forensic evaluations that my wife writes. It's as if Lehrman had done a full battery of psychological testing and social evaluations on these two historical figures. You learn what makes them tick, their sorrows, and their triumphs. At the end of the day, you feel as if you know them.
November 16, 2020
Although these two historical figures (Lincoln and Churchill) are favorites of mine, and although the compare-and-contrast format is a novel twist to this narrative coverage of their profound significance, I am disappointed in the literary product. This book is twice as long as it should be; occasional proofreading errors are annoying; and the writing style is tedious. Some judicious editing is sorely lacking. That being said, for me, the most interesting parts are VIII. Army Leadership; IX. 1862/1942; X. 1863/1943; XI. 1864/1944; and XII. 1865/1945. Not sorry to read it, but glad to be finished.
March 31, 2018
Good but I found it covered little new ground for someone who has read so many books on Lincoln and Churchill. I enjoyed it but was not enthusiastic about it. I think I found the format distracting one paragraph Civil War and one WWII.
March 6, 2019
Interesting in the beginning, but boy was this dry and repetitive. I find both statesmen interesting but between a confused chronology and repetitive content it got boring fast. This was a slog to listen to and I doubt I’d have stuck with it in print.
November 16, 2021
Lehrman is a very odd duck, with his very peculiar politics and economics
history wise he's a bit less of a crank
---
amazon review
Rambling, lacks focus
Maybe it was me, but I found the authors style to be distractingly rambling (if that’s a proper phrase). He seemed to bounce not only from idea to Idea, but from Lincoln to Churchill far too frequently. So much so as to make the reading difficult and somewhat confusing. To be honest I was bored with a book about two of my favorite historical figures, and stopped reading before I was half way thru. It was like he took all his note cards on both individuals, shuffled them up, and then copied them out. Just not focused or interesting.
Frank Paprota
---
A Great Idea But.....
I was deeply disappointed in this book. It was too disjointed and chaotic to provide a comprehensive analysis of two preeminent war-time leaders. I suspect that Lincoln and Churchill were too dissimilar for the format, which the author chose. Within each chapter, Lehrman yaws back and forth between his two subjects often interrupting his own analysis of one to contrast or compare it with the other. The author may have been been better served by picking a broad, general attribute of leadership, and then analyzing Lincoln's and Churchill's manifestation of that attribute exclusively in separate chapters. In the end, I felt that I had no greater insight in either man, after reading the book.
Neily J. Wagner
---
Too disjointed, finally lost patience
I approached this book with a strong interest in both Lincoln and Churchill. The problem is the mixing of two different subjects. The book discusses something about one of the two, and then, on the other hand, discusses something about the other, back and forth. It doesn't help that the author tries to link equivalent issues about Lincoln and Churchill. The writing was so disjointed that I finally lost patience and gave up.
Bill
history wise he's a bit less of a crank
---
amazon review
Rambling, lacks focus
Maybe it was me, but I found the authors style to be distractingly rambling (if that’s a proper phrase). He seemed to bounce not only from idea to Idea, but from Lincoln to Churchill far too frequently. So much so as to make the reading difficult and somewhat confusing. To be honest I was bored with a book about two of my favorite historical figures, and stopped reading before I was half way thru. It was like he took all his note cards on both individuals, shuffled them up, and then copied them out. Just not focused or interesting.
Frank Paprota
---
A Great Idea But.....
I was deeply disappointed in this book. It was too disjointed and chaotic to provide a comprehensive analysis of two preeminent war-time leaders. I suspect that Lincoln and Churchill were too dissimilar for the format, which the author chose. Within each chapter, Lehrman yaws back and forth between his two subjects often interrupting his own analysis of one to contrast or compare it with the other. The author may have been been better served by picking a broad, general attribute of leadership, and then analyzing Lincoln's and Churchill's manifestation of that attribute exclusively in separate chapters. In the end, I felt that I had no greater insight in either man, after reading the book.
Neily J. Wagner
---
Too disjointed, finally lost patience
I approached this book with a strong interest in both Lincoln and Churchill. The problem is the mixing of two different subjects. The book discusses something about one of the two, and then, on the other hand, discusses something about the other, back and forth. It doesn't help that the author tries to link equivalent issues about Lincoln and Churchill. The writing was so disjointed that I finally lost patience and gave up.
Bill
September 4, 2019
An excellent study of the amazing similarities between the circumstances facing Lincoln during the Civil War and Churchill during World War II. Both leaders assumed power at the beginning of the struggle for survival ( of the Union and of Britain and the Empire. ) Both faced a struggle to find winning generals and to sustain the war effort when things were going badly in the early years. It was amazing to read of the similarities in their character and personalities which enabled them to endure the terrible defeats and trials until the turn of the tide and eventual success.
February 3, 2020
There are probably few titles that could draw my attention faster than this one: Lincoln? Churchill? In one book? Sign me up. And it is a treasure trove for admirers of either men, or their crucial historical contexts. Admittedly, it's not a straightforward narrative, and at times it was unclear why this anecdote or quote at this time...but it's not intended to be a dual biography. Pick it up expecting insights into AL or WSC's character, or parallels and contrasts between their leadership, and you will not be disappointed.
March 22, 2025
The book was immensely interesting in its first 200 pages. Quickly after that, it became a repetitive slog of familiar quotes and repeating the same moments. Winston Churchill was a fan of Abraham Lincoln. As war time leaders, they shared similar experiences. But the length of their similarities remains limited, in the long run. They were different in temperament, tactical approach, building coalitions and commanding the armies at their disposal. This book should and could have been a long essay. It instead became a slog. Not my favorite read this year at all.
October 11, 2019
Interesting juxtaposition
The book does a good job of laying out the struggles and goals of two great statesmen. The strains that befell them and difficulties overcome. Though born of different circumstances, one poor the other aristocratic they had many similar attributes. Each was an effective communicator.
The book does a good job of laying out the struggles and goals of two great statesmen. The strains that befell them and difficulties overcome. Though born of different circumstances, one poor the other aristocratic they had many similar attributes. Each was an effective communicator.
February 1, 2020
A facinating comparison between two dedicated wartime leaders ... Lincoln and Churchill, though from vastly different backgrounds, shared many leadership skills, especially their determination on victory at all costs ... both were eloquent, and articulated the goals of their endeavours well ... a very fruitful study ...
November 27, 2020
Churchill, Lincoln and Destiny
I found the work extraordinary in its comparison of my two favorite leaders,in times of war and destiny. It is so well written that I must recommend it to all interested in these great men who shaped our history.
I found the work extraordinary in its comparison of my two favorite leaders,in times of war and destiny. It is so well written that I must recommend it to all interested in these great men who shaped our history.
August 8, 2024
This is a fair comparison/contrast of two of the greatest leaders of all time. I enjoyed reading it. Churchill is one of my heroes, and Lincoln was an extraordinary man. These men had different styles and upbringing but were the right person at the right time.
February 25, 2018
Interesting perspective on these two leaders of their nations during stressful times.
March 20, 2018
Good - but a bit ponderous. Really makes you appreciate the special type of men they were.
June 17, 2018
Interesting comparison between two leaders who faced the possible extinction of their nations and how they led their nations through these times to victory!
September 30, 2019
A thorough review of two extraordinary men, but adds little new information to their bios. Would have benefitted from more comparison if principle ideas.
Read
January 8, 2021very interesting. very well researched. somewhat dry.
July 15, 2023
I highly respect these two great men. LL did an excellent job on the comparison of these men. Thank you.
March 8, 2024
Interesting analysis of the two leaders. Thought I would learn more. Maybe you will feel differently. Enjoy!
December 19, 2018
This is a wonderful book for me and almost 5 stars. The reason is I rate Lincoln as one of the two top humans who have ever lived, and Churchill pretty near that level as well.
Greatness comes not just from ability, but from achievement.
In WWII Churchill saved the world for freedom and democracy from the tyranny of Nazism. When other top British leaders wanted to surrender to Hitler, Churchill on his own refused and stood alone for two years until he could finally bring America into the fight to actually do the saving.
Lincoln is the greater man, however, because only he saw to it that there existed an America to do the ultimate saving in WW II. In the 2nd year of the Civil War when a majority of the North wanted to just let the South go their own way, he stood virtually alone saying we will fight on to reunion.
If Lincoln had not fought on to reunify there would not have existed an America capable of saving the world.
I must also mention the incredible coincidence that the other greatest person to have lived is Charles Darwin who was also born of Feb 12, 2009, and who brought us the most important knowledge that we have in science.
Greatness comes not just from ability, but from achievement.
In WWII Churchill saved the world for freedom and democracy from the tyranny of Nazism. When other top British leaders wanted to surrender to Hitler, Churchill on his own refused and stood alone for two years until he could finally bring America into the fight to actually do the saving.
Lincoln is the greater man, however, because only he saw to it that there existed an America to do the ultimate saving in WW II. In the 2nd year of the Civil War when a majority of the North wanted to just let the South go their own way, he stood virtually alone saying we will fight on to reunion.
If Lincoln had not fought on to reunify there would not have existed an America capable of saving the world.
I must also mention the incredible coincidence that the other greatest person to have lived is Charles Darwin who was also born of Feb 12, 2009, and who brought us the most important knowledge that we have in science.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews