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His Finest Hour: A Biography of Winston Churchill
Who was Winston Churchill? Even fifty years after his death, he is one of the most iconic figures in British history. As a young man he was a maverick journalist; his many positions in politics before 1940 marked him as a courageous but foolhardy man.
Yet it is Churchill’s record in war, which has recently been questioned, that confirms his genius as a military commander and national leader—someone who understood the dangers of Nazi Germany before 1939 and someone uniquely capable to lead the empire through the turmoil of the Second World War. Christopher Catherwood argues that it was Churchill’s stand in 1940-41 that saved Britain and that only he was able to bring together the allies that eventually defeated Hitler in 1945. Catherwood has produced a challenging yet lively reassessment of the life and career of Winston Churchill, lion of British history and flawed hero.
Yet it is Churchill’s record in war, which has recently been questioned, that confirms his genius as a military commander and national leader—someone who understood the dangers of Nazi Germany before 1939 and someone uniquely capable to lead the empire through the turmoil of the Second World War. Christopher Catherwood argues that it was Churchill’s stand in 1940-41 that saved Britain and that only he was able to bring together the allies that eventually defeated Hitler in 1945. Catherwood has produced a challenging yet lively reassessment of the life and career of Winston Churchill, lion of British history and flawed hero.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
15 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Catherwood
64 books15 followersChristopher Catherwood is a writer and historian based in Cambridge. He has taught at the University of Cambridge and the University of Richmond, Virginia. An expert on Winston Churchill, his previous books include the bestseller Winston’s Folly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 8, 2019
3.75 stars
Had I not read many books on Winston Churchill I may have given this book a higher rating. However, in comparison to other biographies on Churchill, I felt this was lacking the same oratory and rhetoric, possibly it was just to basic in its writing at points. Nevertheless, some of the writing was enjoyable and I saw a lot of depth and understanding in Catherwood’s conclusion. That being, “while the most draconian revisionist or hagiographer will never be satisfied, most of us will surely realise that to look at Churchill ‘warts and all’ is still to believe that he was, for all his faults, nevertheless very much the greatest Englishman in history.” I could not have summed up my opinion better on Churchill than how Catherwood did in his conclusion.
Had I not read many books on Winston Churchill I may have given this book a higher rating. However, in comparison to other biographies on Churchill, I felt this was lacking the same oratory and rhetoric, possibly it was just to basic in its writing at points. Nevertheless, some of the writing was enjoyable and I saw a lot of depth and understanding in Catherwood’s conclusion. That being, “while the most draconian revisionist or hagiographer will never be satisfied, most of us will surely realise that to look at Churchill ‘warts and all’ is still to believe that he was, for all his faults, nevertheless very much the greatest Englishman in history.” I could not have summed up my opinion better on Churchill than how Catherwood did in his conclusion.
January 11, 2019
Churchill is one of my favourite politicians: this is NOT a ringing endorsement of every decision he ever made or every policy he ever supported, because I will be one of the first to say that the guy made some truly disastrous choices throughout his long and storied tenure as a British politician. However: I also believe that, for all his faults, Churchill is one of the greatest Britons in history, and certainly had a flair for oratory which is so very, very rare today. It isn't an exaggeration to say that his speeches echoed through decades, and still do. For example: he was the one to coin the term the Iron Curtain (so says this bio!!). He is also the author of one of my very favourite political quotes:
"If Hitler invaded Hell, I would at least make a favourable reference to the Devil in the House of Commons" (p.153).
Iconic.
He was a sassy gentleman, and despite some truly draconic ideas and beliefs, a wonderful statesman without whom the outcome of the Second World War would have been drastically different. Christopher Catherwood makes a good point several times in this book about previous biographies of Churchill: they are often extreme in nature, either propelling Churchill to the status of icon or completely trashing him. This book doesn't do that, a specific aim of the author and one that I'm thankful for because Churchill was neither an icon nor a disaster, he was human. He was a genius, he was depressed, he was a soldier, he was a political, he was an Imperialist and he was a commoner. I don't think we'll ever really see his like again, The bulldog of Britain was a man of many talents and many mistakes, and I truly recommend reading this biography (or any other that you can find that is either well-balanced, or so overtly extreme that you can balance your reading of it) to get an idea of who Churchill actually was and why he made some of the decisions that he did. Why he is both revered and despised.
"If Hitler invaded Hell, I would at least make a favourable reference to the Devil in the House of Commons" (p.153).
Iconic.
He was a sassy gentleman, and despite some truly draconic ideas and beliefs, a wonderful statesman without whom the outcome of the Second World War would have been drastically different. Christopher Catherwood makes a good point several times in this book about previous biographies of Churchill: they are often extreme in nature, either propelling Churchill to the status of icon or completely trashing him. This book doesn't do that, a specific aim of the author and one that I'm thankful for because Churchill was neither an icon nor a disaster, he was human. He was a genius, he was depressed, he was a soldier, he was a political, he was an Imperialist and he was a commoner. I don't think we'll ever really see his like again, The bulldog of Britain was a man of many talents and many mistakes, and I truly recommend reading this biography (or any other that you can find that is either well-balanced, or so overtly extreme that you can balance your reading of it) to get an idea of who Churchill actually was and why he made some of the decisions that he did. Why he is both revered and despised.
December 3, 2018
Winston Churchill is a man filled to the brim with courage and excitement. He has the willpower to never give up and keep fighting on even in the darkest of days. The book, His Finest Hour, by Christopher Catherwood is an exciting and compelling story about the “Bulldog of England” and his audacity in the most ferocious times the world has ever witnessed.
Winston was known to be a slob, ferocious, brash, abrupt and the most important, courageous. His patriotism and tenacious will to succeed and survive through the rise of the Third Reich was a wild attempt to slay the dark cloud of Nazism trying to cover the world with evil. Hitler has set Europe ablaze and is moving like a wildfire across western and eastern Europe. His attempts to conquer the world will be slowed down and almost put to a halt by a man that most would think unqualified for the job.
Winston started as a statesman and worked his way up through the clanging chains of the House of Commons. He soon became the Prime Minister of Royal England in 1940-1945. He created his own underdog story by himself while everyone tried to exterminate him and his stereotypical slobbish persona from office. Winston was seen as unroyal and unprepared for the job ahead of him. His extraordinary vocabulary and eloquent way with words would soon gain the respect and honor from the old, stubborn men within the dark gloomy rooms of the House of Commons.
The Book, His Finest Hour is for people that love to learn about the insides of the English and American governments. The pages are filled with monumental occurrences and history dating back to the early days of Churchill and his times during WWI. Christopher Catherwood’s book is a five out of five star writing and perhaps one of the greatest books anyone can ever read.
Winston was known to be a slob, ferocious, brash, abrupt and the most important, courageous. His patriotism and tenacious will to succeed and survive through the rise of the Third Reich was a wild attempt to slay the dark cloud of Nazism trying to cover the world with evil. Hitler has set Europe ablaze and is moving like a wildfire across western and eastern Europe. His attempts to conquer the world will be slowed down and almost put to a halt by a man that most would think unqualified for the job.
Winston started as a statesman and worked his way up through the clanging chains of the House of Commons. He soon became the Prime Minister of Royal England in 1940-1945. He created his own underdog story by himself while everyone tried to exterminate him and his stereotypical slobbish persona from office. Winston was seen as unroyal and unprepared for the job ahead of him. His extraordinary vocabulary and eloquent way with words would soon gain the respect and honor from the old, stubborn men within the dark gloomy rooms of the House of Commons.
The Book, His Finest Hour is for people that love to learn about the insides of the English and American governments. The pages are filled with monumental occurrences and history dating back to the early days of Churchill and his times during WWI. Christopher Catherwood’s book is a five out of five star writing and perhaps one of the greatest books anyone can ever read.
March 12, 2020
A balanced biography on Churchill that highlights his strengths and weaknesses. By the end of the book you see him less as an icon and more of a human who was incredibly brilliant and at the same time deeply flawed.
May 8, 2018
Good read. Picked it up on my last trip to the UK (impulse buy). Glad I did though, he was a very inspiring and influential man. I appreciate this books realistic look at his faults as well. Alas, he was still just a man.
December 3, 2018
A brief and balanced biography of the greatest Englishman, warts and all, in history.
January 29, 2024
A great balanced overview of the life of Churchill.
January 31, 2024
Book 2/20
Well written, concise history of Churchill. My interest waned pretty quickly as I guess I am just not that interested in Churchill.
Well written, concise history of Churchill. My interest waned pretty quickly as I guess I am just not that interested in Churchill.
April 7, 2017
As the author himself confessed, this is not a thoroughly researched academic paper; but rather a "popular work". Many times throughout it, the author forgets his focus and loses himself into foreign (to the topic) issues. This is allowable, since this was a popular work, lacking the rigorous effort - yet still, it left me with a taste of incomplete satisfaction.
I found this book very summary, its input simplified to the point of becoming irrelevant. I wonder if it was written more for serving as an excuse to have the "Acknowledgements" promoted into the public eye (the author is integral party to the famous animal that is called THE ACADEMIA, seeking support and awarding lavish praise accordingly).
I found this book very summary, its input simplified to the point of becoming irrelevant. I wonder if it was written more for serving as an excuse to have the "Acknowledgements" promoted into the public eye (the author is integral party to the famous animal that is called THE ACADEMIA, seeking support and awarding lavish praise accordingly).
July 2, 2012
The author takes on a daunting task: create a short biography of Churchill, that is balanced - that recognizes his accomplishments without ignoring his faults. Overall, the author is very successful in his goal. The book is brief yet fairly thorough, and balanced. The only flaw I would say is that the author seems to assume the reader has a more vast knowledge of history than the typical reader of a popular, not academic, work might... Still, a quick google search here or there, or context clues kept me from losing the plot.
December 3, 2023
A very balanced account of one of the most important and influential personality of the previous century. A lot of times, I hear from my fellow Indians that for us (Indians) Churchill was as grave a threat as Hitler was to the western Europe and it becomes tough to have them understand my point of view. But this book is a balanced way of putting forward the points which accepts that though Churchill being on the wrong side of history in terms of India and his some of the misdirected military adventurous, was still one of the greatest Englishman of all time.
The book also touches and tries to delve into the US-UK 'special relationship' for which Churchill is single handedly responsible and also tries to compare pros and cons of both this relationship as well as Britain's relationship with Europe which has become an important talking point again in last few years due to Brexit.
The style of writing is also different that although writing a historical book author regularly uses his hindsight and tries to connect Churchill's actions to the future outcomes and events as late as those that occured under Tony Blair, this helps reader in connecting the dots but it also hampers the judgement on the Churchill as he was certainly not aware of these outcomes (both good and bad) when he made those decisions.
All in all its a good and balanced summary of all Churchillian decisions and their impact on world wars, cold war and post cold war era and readers can make their own decision on which side they want to sit.
The book also touches and tries to delve into the US-UK 'special relationship' for which Churchill is single handedly responsible and also tries to compare pros and cons of both this relationship as well as Britain's relationship with Europe which has become an important talking point again in last few years due to Brexit.
The style of writing is also different that although writing a historical book author regularly uses his hindsight and tries to connect Churchill's actions to the future outcomes and events as late as those that occured under Tony Blair, this helps reader in connecting the dots but it also hampers the judgement on the Churchill as he was certainly not aware of these outcomes (both good and bad) when he made those decisions.
All in all its a good and balanced summary of all Churchillian decisions and their impact on world wars, cold war and post cold war era and readers can make their own decision on which side they want to sit.
September 26, 2020
Three sentence summary:
Churchill was a very ambitious, many times admirable, often interfering and stubborn character. This book showed that he made many mistakes, just as he also made many choices which I'm dearly grateful for today. He wasn't perfect and he had some blinding errors of judgment like not supporting Indian independence, but I'm glad he was in England when he was anyway.
And my thoughts:
This was an enjoyable read. I did get a little bored in some of the more detail oriented pages talking about battle logistics and plans- but in general I'm not too interested in things like that, so I'm not sure I can fault the author. I think to write a book on someone you have to generally admire them quite a bit, and this author wasn't an exception. Although he claimed not to be biased, he did end the book with the assertion that Churchill was the best English man to have ever lived or something like that. But I still think he did a decent job giving a balanced view. I learnt a lot from this book and appreciate the author having written it. It was quite accessible. I particularly appreciated learning about just how much more casualties occurred in the Soviet Union in comparison to Britain and France. That's not to say British and French and American's etc sacrifice was any less, but it is good to know perspective accurately when you think about history- and accurately the fighting in Russia was a bloodbath above any other fighting in WW2.
Churchill was a very ambitious, many times admirable, often interfering and stubborn character. This book showed that he made many mistakes, just as he also made many choices which I'm dearly grateful for today. He wasn't perfect and he had some blinding errors of judgment like not supporting Indian independence, but I'm glad he was in England when he was anyway.
And my thoughts:
This was an enjoyable read. I did get a little bored in some of the more detail oriented pages talking about battle logistics and plans- but in general I'm not too interested in things like that, so I'm not sure I can fault the author. I think to write a book on someone you have to generally admire them quite a bit, and this author wasn't an exception. Although he claimed not to be biased, he did end the book with the assertion that Churchill was the best English man to have ever lived or something like that. But I still think he did a decent job giving a balanced view. I learnt a lot from this book and appreciate the author having written it. It was quite accessible. I particularly appreciated learning about just how much more casualties occurred in the Soviet Union in comparison to Britain and France. That's not to say British and French and American's etc sacrifice was any less, but it is good to know perspective accurately when you think about history- and accurately the fighting in Russia was a bloodbath above any other fighting in WW2.
January 16, 2023
Anyone knows about this quote: "We shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender..."
Yes, it's one famous quote from Sir Winston Churchill. In this 'brief' biography, we could dive into his though and journey through WWII. There are many books about him, but I choose the lighter one. Despite the 'brief' that I mentioned, this book gives the reader an explicit journey of Churchill's life, how he managed to make Britain escape from Third Reich, and how he could think out of the box and win WWII. He was one of the key players and inspirational leaders at that time. Although all his choices didn't always right, he always believe in his nation. His weakness shows us that he was a human and a politician too.
Yes, it's one famous quote from Sir Winston Churchill. In this 'brief' biography, we could dive into his though and journey through WWII. There are many books about him, but I choose the lighter one. Despite the 'brief' that I mentioned, this book gives the reader an explicit journey of Churchill's life, how he managed to make Britain escape from Third Reich, and how he could think out of the box and win WWII. He was one of the key players and inspirational leaders at that time. Although all his choices didn't always right, he always believe in his nation. His weakness shows us that he was a human and a politician too.
October 21, 2025
Churchill in contemporary times is often viewed as the emboldened martyr who saved the West from Nazism. Subsequently biographies typically are politically skewed in favour of Churchill, however Mr Catherwood successfully avoids such biases delivering an objective and thorough analysis of Churchills life.
Mr Catherwood is able to cleverly articulate how Churchills earlier years ultimately shaped all aspects of the man. Particularly around his views of the Indian Raj and his militaristic exuberance that lead to the Gallipoli campaign. Although this was to his political detriment it was this same attitudes of imperialistic Britain and ‘bulldog’ like spirit that lead to Churchills success both on the political and militaristic front. Ultimately this analysis and recap by Catherwood leads readers to the conclusion that Churchills flaws where also his strengths, which to Catherwoods credit is a unique and authentic perspective.
Mr Catherwood is able to cleverly articulate how Churchills earlier years ultimately shaped all aspects of the man. Particularly around his views of the Indian Raj and his militaristic exuberance that lead to the Gallipoli campaign. Although this was to his political detriment it was this same attitudes of imperialistic Britain and ‘bulldog’ like spirit that lead to Churchills success both on the political and militaristic front. Ultimately this analysis and recap by Catherwood leads readers to the conclusion that Churchills flaws where also his strengths, which to Catherwoods credit is a unique and authentic perspective.
April 4, 2020
Winston Churchill indeed a great stateman for the British people in the entire history. A remarkable and astounding political career.
The one who witnessed and participated in both wars as the victor, the one who become prime minister twice is not something a layman who achieved and attributed.
The book is a brief to colourful and magnificent Churchill’s journey in this world that was written in easily to be understandable by reader. A middle approach and not Churchillian’s or finding faults of the great leader.
I think there is mistake at page 224 which stated as follows “Lyndon Baines Johnson, boycotted the funeral, theoretically because Churchill had not attended Roosevelt’s in 1965”
US President Roosevelt died in 1945 and not in 1965. I hope the author can make the necessary correction.
The one who witnessed and participated in both wars as the victor, the one who become prime minister twice is not something a layman who achieved and attributed.
The book is a brief to colourful and magnificent Churchill’s journey in this world that was written in easily to be understandable by reader. A middle approach and not Churchillian’s or finding faults of the great leader.
I think there is mistake at page 224 which stated as follows “Lyndon Baines Johnson, boycotted the funeral, theoretically because Churchill had not attended Roosevelt’s in 1965”
US President Roosevelt died in 1945 and not in 1965. I hope the author can make the necessary correction.
June 28, 2017
This is a brief biography of Winston Churchill, but I was impressed with how impartial it was, both praising him for being the right person in the right place at the right time with the right idea and pointing out his many faults. The book resists the opportunity to become an exercise in hero worship and so I learned about a lot of Churchill's failings. In spite of this, Churchill remains high in standing and his achievements and his failings make him more human and accessible. It does the reader good to follow the study of an individual who made catastrophic mistakes but came back from them to do great and important things. Recommended for anyone in the market for an introduction to Churchill.
February 16, 2021
Dissatisfied with this book as a whole. It is not a biography of Winston Churchill but more of a commentary on other biographers view of Winston Churchill and a commentary on the policies of Winston Churchill. It has very little to do with his personal life and everything to do with the political whirlwinds he found himself in.
Call me American, but I could care less about what Lord Cuckooface of the House of Commons said of Winston during a 1941 4oclock Tea Time Blackout. I just really wanted to know the mans personal life.
I'll keep looking, and so should you if that's the type of biography your hoping to pick up. This is mostly policies, and balanced I think, but dry and the majority is what other biographers thought of Winston Churchill.
Call me American, but I could care less about what Lord Cuckooface of the House of Commons said of Winston during a 1941 4oclock Tea Time Blackout. I just really wanted to know the mans personal life.
I'll keep looking, and so should you if that's the type of biography your hoping to pick up. This is mostly policies, and balanced I think, but dry and the majority is what other biographers thought of Winston Churchill.
February 5, 2024
I enjoyed the balanced perspective that the author strived to portray Churchill. It provided food for thought on other iconic individuals of history and current, especially in a age of asian idols having to be a perfect image of morality which have made me question the masses' view on such individuals. This book made me reflect on the projection of a perfect human being on our leaders and celebrities alike. I read this book to have a preliminary understanding of Churchill's life but came out of it having more questions on societal values.
August 19, 2025
For anyone looking for a shorter biography in order to get the "highlights" of Churchill, this is the book for you. I read this aloud to my middle son as part of his two year unit study on the World Wars (since Churchill figures into both of them) and we thoroughly enjoyed reading an adult non-fiction book about this man. (Previously only read junior non-fiction). It was well balanced and a good read. I highly recommend it for anyone who is curious to learn more, or is simply interested in Churchill or World War II.
December 31, 2018
One of the greatest Englishman of all time... From his episodes of Black Dog when he was in school to his early years in politic, to his fall and then his wilderness, this book summarized the political side of Churchill.
As much as I enjoy reading this book, please also know that this is one of the 'popular' book on Churchill. It couldn't cover every aspect and facts. It is still a good book to start, despite warts and all. Will find more books on him.
As much as I enjoy reading this book, please also know that this is one of the 'popular' book on Churchill. It couldn't cover every aspect and facts. It is still a good book to start, despite warts and all. Will find more books on him.
October 18, 2018
Wonderfully balanced take on the iconic figure of Winston Churchill. I enjoyed the journey throughout the decades long political life of, as the author puts it, "the greatest Englishmen in history". Most amazing was the human shortcomings coupled with the genius that was Churchill.
January 1, 2024
A highly opinionated and irritating read.
For every one line on Churchill we receive about twenty subsequent lines regarding the authors derogatory personal opinions and speculations on Churchill, all badly argued and with little to no evidence.
For every one line on Churchill we receive about twenty subsequent lines regarding the authors derogatory personal opinions and speculations on Churchill, all badly argued and with little to no evidence.
August 11, 2025
I have just finished reading the first chapter.
What's the history ? Nowadays, it is a luxury decoration for women. In an imaginary ranking, Churchill should be just a few steps behind Marilyn Monroe.
History should be a light. This book makes me disquiet.
What's the history ? Nowadays, it is a luxury decoration for women. In an imaginary ranking, Churchill should be just a few steps behind Marilyn Monroe.
History should be a light. This book makes me disquiet.
February 27, 2017
Liked it. Good review of Churchill's time as British PM, focusing primarily on the war years.
July 4, 2018
As a biography I've definitely read better. But succeeds in painting an accurate picture of the legend, 'warts and all's. I would give it a 2.5 :)
August 23, 2020
Fantastic. Just what I needed this summer.
April 10, 2024
A balanced critique of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century
April 29, 2024
An excellent piece. Worth my time and money.
August 20, 2024
89 - 2024
May 8, 2023
We are all familiar with Winston Churchill, the man who stood up to Nazi Germany knowing full well what the consequences would be. His memorable speeches galvanized a nation into action and his bullheaded determination to 'never surrender' saved Europe from the darkness that would have engulfed it had the previous policy to appease Hitler been sustained.
This is probably the only biography about a politician that I will ever read because I despise politics and politicians. Winston Churchill is the sole exception - simply because all the odds were against him in1940 but he was determined to persevere. This book is not an accolade to the British 'bull dog '. It strips away the myths from the man and presents Churchill to us with all his flaws intact.
Taciturn, stubborn and often out of his depth, he nevertheless sustained Britain in its hour of greatest need. The author makes no excuses for him. He is presented as he really was: warts, carbuncles and all.
In this short biography it was impossible for the author to carry out an in-depth analysis of such a complicated man. But it was enough for me to learn a little bit more about him. Despite his flaws and sometimes erratic behaviour and decisions, it is impossible to ignore the moments of greatness that have contributed to the larger-than-life figure we are all so familiar with.
This is probably the only biography about a politician that I will ever read because I despise politics and politicians. Winston Churchill is the sole exception - simply because all the odds were against him in1940 but he was determined to persevere. This book is not an accolade to the British 'bull dog '. It strips away the myths from the man and presents Churchill to us with all his flaws intact.
Taciturn, stubborn and often out of his depth, he nevertheless sustained Britain in its hour of greatest need. The author makes no excuses for him. He is presented as he really was: warts, carbuncles and all.
In this short biography it was impossible for the author to carry out an in-depth analysis of such a complicated man. But it was enough for me to learn a little bit more about him. Despite his flaws and sometimes erratic behaviour and decisions, it is impossible to ignore the moments of greatness that have contributed to the larger-than-life figure we are all so familiar with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews