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Marlborough: His Life and Times (American Editions) #1
Marlborough: His Life and Times, Book One
"It is my hope to recall this great shade from the past, and not only invest him with his panoply, but make him living and intimate to modern eyes."—from the preface to Volume One
John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough (1644-1722), was one of the greatest military commanders and statesmen in the history of England. Victorious in the Battles of Blenheim (1704), Ramillies (1706), and countless other campaigns, Marlborough, whose political intrigues were almost as legendary as his military skill, never fought a battle he didn't win. Although he helped James II crush the rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth, Marlborough later supported William of Orange against James II in the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and brilliantly managed England's diplomatic triumphs during the War of the Spanish Succession. Marlborough also bequeathed the world another great British military strategist and diplomat—his descendant, Winston S. Churchill, who wrote this book to redeem Marlborough's reputation from Macaulay's smears.
One million words long and ten years in the making, Churchill's Marlborough stands as both a literary and historical masterpiece, giving us unique insights into the Churchill of World War II, for just as Churchill's literary skill helps us understand the complexities of Marlborough's life, so too did his writing of Marlborough help Churchill master the arts of military strategy and diplomacy. This two-volume edition includes the entire text and almost all the original maps.
John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough (1644-1722), was one of the greatest military commanders and statesmen in the history of England. Victorious in the Battles of Blenheim (1704), Ramillies (1706), and countless other campaigns, Marlborough, whose political intrigues were almost as legendary as his military skill, never fought a battle he didn't win. Although he helped James II crush the rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth, Marlborough later supported William of Orange against James II in the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and brilliantly managed England's diplomatic triumphs during the War of the Spanish Succession. Marlborough also bequeathed the world another great British military strategist and diplomat—his descendant, Winston S. Churchill, who wrote this book to redeem Marlborough's reputation from Macaulay's smears.
One million words long and ten years in the making, Churchill's Marlborough stands as both a literary and historical masterpiece, giving us unique insights into the Churchill of World War II, for just as Churchill's literary skill helps us understand the complexities of Marlborough's life, so too did his writing of Marlborough help Churchill master the arts of military strategy and diplomacy. This two-volume edition includes the entire text and almost all the original maps.
1050 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1933
About the author
Winston S. Churchill
1,402 books2,523 followersSir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, politician and writer, as prime minister from 1940 to 1945 and from 1951 to 1955 led Great Britain, published several works, including
The Second World War
from 1948 to 1953, and then won the Nobel Prize for literature.
William Maxwell Aitken, first baron Beaverbrook, held many cabinet positions during the 1940s as a confidant of Churchill.
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, FRS, PC (Can), served the United Kingdom again. A noted statesman, orator and strategist, Churchill also served as an officer in the Army. This prolific author "for his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values."
Out of respect for Winston_Churchill, the well-known American author, Winston S. Churchill offered to use his middle initial as an author.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston...
William Maxwell Aitken, first baron Beaverbrook, held many cabinet positions during the 1940s as a confidant of Churchill.
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, FRS, PC (Can), served the United Kingdom again. A noted statesman, orator and strategist, Churchill also served as an officer in the Army. This prolific author "for his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values."
Out of respect for Winston_Churchill, the well-known American author, Winston S. Churchill offered to use his middle initial as an author.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 5, 2016
Wiki description: The serial presents the lives of John and Sarah Churchill from their meeting in 1673 until a time shortly before the first duke's death in 1722, and illustrates, along the way, much of the context of contemporary English politics. Like many BBC serials of the era, it was made on a low budget, with sound studio sets, and generally avoided battle and crowd scenes due to inability to stage them in a convincing manner. The series is based on the Marlboroughs' famous descendant Winston Churchill's life of his ancestor the Duke, and as such presents a very favourable portrait of the Marlboroughs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lizLU...
1/12 The Chaste Nymph 2/12 Bridals 3/12 Plot Counter-Plot 4/12 The Lion and the Unicorn 5/12 Rebellion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZebi...
James II of England (James VII of Scotland) from 6 February 1685 until he was deposed in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. He was the last Roman Catholic monarch to reign over the Kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland. - wiki.
March 30, 2015
As always Churchill is Churchill: unbelievable clarity of writing, amazing vocabulary, and the beauty of the English language. The trait is consistent from "History of the English-Speaking Peope" to the last volume of "The Second World War". However, "Marlborough: His Life and Times" is different. It is extremely personal. Duke of Marlborough is clearly the Churchill's childhood hero, a knight in shining armor, and as such cannot do wrong. Betrayal of King James, to whom Duke owned so much, desertion, attempt to betray William to James, for everything Churchill managed to find excuses and explanations. Although it was sometimes annoying, I still think the book is great, and history in Churchill's words, as always, is so much alive and interesting. The book is well worth the effort.
August 28, 2015
Produced by the BBC and aired in 1969..12 Episodes following the lives of John&Sarah Churchill..starting in 1673 when they 1st met.
Actors/Actresses..John Standing,John Neville,Robert Robinson,Susan Hampshire.
The First Churchills-(The Chaste Nymph)-Episode 1/12.
John Churchill is an able soldier who has proved himself on many occasions and is a favorite of Kings on both sides of the English Channel. He quickly became a senior officer, based on his skill and not his aristocratic background.
The First Churchills-(Bridals)-Episode 2/12
John Churchill pursues the young Sarah Jennings but she is convinced they can have no future together. Sarah is poor, much as Churchill is, and her mother is convinced that Churchill's father will arrange a marriage for his son only with a rich woman.
Plot Counter-Plot -Episode 3/12
John is promoted to Brigadier and much to Sarah's dismay, is off to Holland. There is much intrigue at court with Titus Oates telling King Charles II there is a Jesuit plot to have him killed and install a Catholic King on the throne.
Actors/Actresses..John Standing,John Neville,Robert Robinson,Susan Hampshire.
The First Churchills-(The Chaste Nymph)-Episode 1/12.
John Churchill is an able soldier who has proved himself on many occasions and is a favorite of Kings on both sides of the English Channel. He quickly became a senior officer, based on his skill and not his aristocratic background.
The First Churchills-(Bridals)-Episode 2/12
John Churchill pursues the young Sarah Jennings but she is convinced they can have no future together. Sarah is poor, much as Churchill is, and her mother is convinced that Churchill's father will arrange a marriage for his son only with a rich woman.
Plot Counter-Plot -Episode 3/12
John is promoted to Brigadier and much to Sarah's dismay, is off to Holland. There is much intrigue at court with Titus Oates telling King Charles II there is a Jesuit plot to have him killed and install a Catholic King on the throne.
July 2, 2019
A year or two ago I discovered a six volume set of the first edition of Winston Churchill’s Marlborough: His Life and Times hiding in my local library. In consideration of Churchill’s reputation as a writer and my interest in the period, I’ve been eager to delve into these volumes. Now that I’m back home from school, I’ve begun reading them and I’m pleased to say that so far they doesn’t disappoint.
The subject of this biography is John Churchill, better known as the Duke of Marlborough (I will refer to him as Marlborough in this review so as not to confuse the subject with the author). This first volume covers the years from his birth in 1650 up to the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Little is recorded of Marlborough’s early life, so the initial chapters move quickly, but Churchill occasionally fills in the gaps with reasonable and interesting speculation.
The narrative moves smoothly as Churchill navigates between the important affairs of Marlborough’s life – his service under James, Duke of York, his courtship with Sarah Jennings, and more – and the wider events around him. Indeed, much of the text is spent describing the intricate politics of the Restoration and the build-up to and realization of the Glorious Revolution. As an American, I was only vaguely familiar with these events, but Churchill’s evocative writing brought these episodes of three centuries ago to life.
This biography is written with a clear purpose – in Churchill’s own words, “to recall this great shade from the past, and not only invest him with his panoply, but make him living and intimate to modern eyes…”. Moreover, Churchill wages a relentless war against historians who have sullied Marlborough’s name and reputation, most notably, Macaulay. It is manifest that Churchill idolizes Marlborough, his ancestor, but I didn’t really mind this, though I suspect others might find it a bit off-putting. In fact, his passion only adds character and interest to the text, and it must be admitted that Churchill’s arguments are quite persuasive. He recognizes that Marlborough isn’t perfect, and excuses many of his faults by viewing him as a man of his time, and at that, one involved in high politics; a situation where it is nigh impossible for any person to be completely virtuous.
He often prints letters and other documents in the text as evidence to prove his points, though he also frequently uses documents simply to augment the narrative. In the chapter detailing Marlborough’s courtship, for instance, he includes nearly 30 love letters (mostly from Marlborough) which are amusing, if a little repetitive.
On the downside, there were several chapters that were uninteresting – mostly involving politics that went right over my head. Additionally, I was occasionally confused when Churchill would fail to be specific enough when referring to people by their titles. When there are so many dukes involved in the events, referring to someone just as “the Duke”, or “the King” was a little frustrating, though a careful look at the context would often resolve my initial confusion.
I really enjoyed this first volume and, accordingly, have already begun the second. I suspect the next volumes will be even better as Churchill approaches the most interesting events of Marlborough’s life. Based on my first impressions, I heartily recommend Marlborough: His Life and Times to any lover of history.
The subject of this biography is John Churchill, better known as the Duke of Marlborough (I will refer to him as Marlborough in this review so as not to confuse the subject with the author). This first volume covers the years from his birth in 1650 up to the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Little is recorded of Marlborough’s early life, so the initial chapters move quickly, but Churchill occasionally fills in the gaps with reasonable and interesting speculation.
The narrative moves smoothly as Churchill navigates between the important affairs of Marlborough’s life – his service under James, Duke of York, his courtship with Sarah Jennings, and more – and the wider events around him. Indeed, much of the text is spent describing the intricate politics of the Restoration and the build-up to and realization of the Glorious Revolution. As an American, I was only vaguely familiar with these events, but Churchill’s evocative writing brought these episodes of three centuries ago to life.
This biography is written with a clear purpose – in Churchill’s own words, “to recall this great shade from the past, and not only invest him with his panoply, but make him living and intimate to modern eyes…”. Moreover, Churchill wages a relentless war against historians who have sullied Marlborough’s name and reputation, most notably, Macaulay. It is manifest that Churchill idolizes Marlborough, his ancestor, but I didn’t really mind this, though I suspect others might find it a bit off-putting. In fact, his passion only adds character and interest to the text, and it must be admitted that Churchill’s arguments are quite persuasive. He recognizes that Marlborough isn’t perfect, and excuses many of his faults by viewing him as a man of his time, and at that, one involved in high politics; a situation where it is nigh impossible for any person to be completely virtuous.
He often prints letters and other documents in the text as evidence to prove his points, though he also frequently uses documents simply to augment the narrative. In the chapter detailing Marlborough’s courtship, for instance, he includes nearly 30 love letters (mostly from Marlborough) which are amusing, if a little repetitive.
On the downside, there were several chapters that were uninteresting – mostly involving politics that went right over my head. Additionally, I was occasionally confused when Churchill would fail to be specific enough when referring to people by their titles. When there are so many dukes involved in the events, referring to someone just as “the Duke”, or “the King” was a little frustrating, though a careful look at the context would often resolve my initial confusion.
I really enjoyed this first volume and, accordingly, have already begun the second. I suspect the next volumes will be even better as Churchill approaches the most interesting events of Marlborough’s life. Based on my first impressions, I heartily recommend Marlborough: His Life and Times to any lover of history.
January 8, 2012
Winston Churchill had something of a man-crush on his ancestor John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough. In Winston's own dark period of life, he undertook this exhaustive biography of Marlborough and produced a remarkable work. One common complaint about biographies of military figures -- even recent military commanders -- is that the reader is more often treated to a dry recitation of their military career and not left with much of a description of the man who lived it. Churchill avoided that, and with an enormous collection of the Marlborough's private correspondence attempts to tell the story of one of Great Britain's most illustrious military commanders, a man who humbled the greatest of France's kings while at the head of an inconsistent and fractious group of "allies".
Churchill's take on Marlborough can not be considered unbiased -- Churchill is not only a descendant of Marlborough's eldest daughter, but was even born in Blenheim Palace. Indeed, Churchill's partisanship is rather clear from the start, as he first describes why he felt that Marlborough's name and career required rehabilitation in the first place.
Despite this, Churchill's prose is as lyrical and well-crafted as anything else the man wrote or said, and few moment's of Marlborough's life are unaccounted for. It is not entirely easy to write an account of the life of a man who died more than three hundred years before the book was published, and particularly not when there are so few primary sources from which to draw information. Still, Churchill deftly explains the political, military, and social issues wrestled with by Marlborough, his wife and his friends during the course of the Glorious Revolution and War of Spanish Succession, and provides a plausible explanation for the many charges leveled at Marlborough since he first rose to prominence.
This is a fascinating read whether your interest is on politics, warfare, or life in the 17th & 18th centuries.
Churchill's take on Marlborough can not be considered unbiased -- Churchill is not only a descendant of Marlborough's eldest daughter, but was even born in Blenheim Palace. Indeed, Churchill's partisanship is rather clear from the start, as he first describes why he felt that Marlborough's name and career required rehabilitation in the first place.
Despite this, Churchill's prose is as lyrical and well-crafted as anything else the man wrote or said, and few moment's of Marlborough's life are unaccounted for. It is not entirely easy to write an account of the life of a man who died more than three hundred years before the book was published, and particularly not when there are so few primary sources from which to draw information. Still, Churchill deftly explains the political, military, and social issues wrestled with by Marlborough, his wife and his friends during the course of the Glorious Revolution and War of Spanish Succession, and provides a plausible explanation for the many charges leveled at Marlborough since he first rose to prominence.
This is a fascinating read whether your interest is on politics, warfare, or life in the 17th & 18th centuries.
January 23, 2019
In a burst of enthusiasm while younger, I read all 2000+ page (4 volumes) of this work in a week, while fulfilling family duties by going on holidays with my parents. The fact that I could do that, and the books still stick in my mind, gives an idea of the force of the work.
December 21, 2020
An epic subject and a real tome to end the year 2020! The Duke of Marlborough, perhaps less well known as John Churchill, son of Winston Churchill and distant relative of well, you know who and author. The Duke was the First of that title and 'our' Winston was grandson of the 7th Duke of Marlborough. Anyway, this is the first Book in the 'Life and Times of Marlborough' (actually it is the first two volumes of four!) and runs to over 1,000 pages with appendices. If you have never read anything by Winston Churchill be prepared to be grandly entertained, well-educated and possibly a little irritated at times. From what I can gather this work which appeared in 1933 was something of a rehabilitation project on the reputation of Marlborough undertaken by his illustrious descendant. Marlborough was the great military genius of his era, along with his renowned cohort Prince Eugene of Savoy. Yet I doubt 1 in 50 people you would meet today in the U.S. would have any idea who you are talking about, though doubtless that number is higher in Great Britain. Born in 1650 in the midst of the English Civil War, his father was a 'Cavalier', the losing side which was obviously not ideal. This book chronicles in some detail his life up through the dramatic political and religious upheavals of the time, the restoration of Charles II after the English Civil War, the brief ascent of the Stuart King James II and his ejection from England in the so-called Glorious Revolution of 1688 when the Dutch William III (of Orange) became the King of England. Churchill and his wife Sarah are key players in the coterie of important personages around the these Kings and their courts and continuing with the ascent of Queen Anne in 1702, a great friend of his wife. These mainly domestic
issues dominate more than half the book. Winston covers all this in some great detail as you might imagine, yet at times it almost devolves into a food fight between him and several of historians of English History, most especially Thomas Macaulay who wrote scathingly of Marlborough's role in various political struggles and scandals. One might say he doth protest too much as he seeks to
recast the actions of Marlborough in the most positive light possible, although he is fairly convincing in most cases. The lack of any guide or glossary of names (probably beneath a writer of his erudition!) can leave the reader confused at times as the the personages and positions in English politics can be labyrinthine, to say nothing of the political alignments and even
core beliefs of Whig and Tory vis-a-vis the Commons and the House of Lords. Churchill assumes a baseline of knowledge on these issues that doesn't fare too well almost 90 years after the writing and over 300 years after the events! For those issues and his general worship of Marlborough, I dropped one star. Still should be 4.5!
The coronation of Queen Anne in 1702 marks the onset of the War of the Spanish Succession and Book One continues through 1705, not even midway through that immense conflict. Marlborough's rise to fame occurs amidst the war which pitted the France of Louis XIV versus the Grand Alliance of Britain, Holland, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and various and shifting German and Italian states and of course Spain. He is a charter member of the Marlborough fan club no doubt but he
marshals his considerable powers of research and eloquence impressively in support of his thesis. This is an older style of writing which not all today might appreciate or even 'get' but I found it very entertaining. It is grand, sweeping history while not neglecting the details. Numerous letters are reproduced between Marlborough to his wife (I think hers were lost) and to various important Ministers and other leaders which can make some of the most difficult reading but provide extra 'you are there' atmosphere and lend credence to the text. As noted, I quibble some with the near hero-worship of not only Marlborough but the English nation in general. Allied contributions are routinely denigrated, with the exception of those under Price Eugene who almost always performed splendidly and is recognized as such. Some lines are laughable, such as calling Britain the 'pacificist island' at one point. But overall the if you accept the bias, the rhetoric soars at times and his summaries of the turning points of history are almost always trenchant.
How to assess Marlborough's influence on history? Well he was a proponent of the decisive battle at a time when many European generals shied from all-out (and thereby very risky) battles, preferring maneuver and siege. The Battle of Blenheim (August 13, 1704) was listed in Creasy's famous "The Fifteen Decisive Battles of The World From Marathon to Waterloo'. To quote from that book: "The decisive blow struck at Blenheim resounded through every part of Europe: it at once destroyed the vast fabric of power which it had taken Louis XIV, aided by the talents of Turenne,
and the genius of Vauban, so long to construct." That might be a slight exaggeration as the war dragged on for 8 more years, but the 'myth' of French invincibility was punctured. Churchill's description of the campaign, battle and aftermath are brilliant.
Yet Marlborough helped turned warfare into a more brutal and unforgiving calling and ushered the world closer to the era of total war. He was responsible for war atrocities that were not common at the time such as the devastation wrought in Bavaria. These were not defensive measures either, but Churchill is quick to exonerate him as usual. The books does a wonderful job at depicting the difficulties of coalition warfare, lessons he probably put to good use just a few years later.
The maps are quite good considering the age of this book and are a real plus, even to the point where he shaded the background black on one to denote a rare night march.
Book 2 in 2021!
issues dominate more than half the book. Winston covers all this in some great detail as you might imagine, yet at times it almost devolves into a food fight between him and several of historians of English History, most especially Thomas Macaulay who wrote scathingly of Marlborough's role in various political struggles and scandals. One might say he doth protest too much as he seeks to
recast the actions of Marlborough in the most positive light possible, although he is fairly convincing in most cases. The lack of any guide or glossary of names (probably beneath a writer of his erudition!) can leave the reader confused at times as the the personages and positions in English politics can be labyrinthine, to say nothing of the political alignments and even
core beliefs of Whig and Tory vis-a-vis the Commons and the House of Lords. Churchill assumes a baseline of knowledge on these issues that doesn't fare too well almost 90 years after the writing and over 300 years after the events! For those issues and his general worship of Marlborough, I dropped one star. Still should be 4.5!
The coronation of Queen Anne in 1702 marks the onset of the War of the Spanish Succession and Book One continues through 1705, not even midway through that immense conflict. Marlborough's rise to fame occurs amidst the war which pitted the France of Louis XIV versus the Grand Alliance of Britain, Holland, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and various and shifting German and Italian states and of course Spain. He is a charter member of the Marlborough fan club no doubt but he
marshals his considerable powers of research and eloquence impressively in support of his thesis. This is an older style of writing which not all today might appreciate or even 'get' but I found it very entertaining. It is grand, sweeping history while not neglecting the details. Numerous letters are reproduced between Marlborough to his wife (I think hers were lost) and to various important Ministers and other leaders which can make some of the most difficult reading but provide extra 'you are there' atmosphere and lend credence to the text. As noted, I quibble some with the near hero-worship of not only Marlborough but the English nation in general. Allied contributions are routinely denigrated, with the exception of those under Price Eugene who almost always performed splendidly and is recognized as such. Some lines are laughable, such as calling Britain the 'pacificist island' at one point. But overall the if you accept the bias, the rhetoric soars at times and his summaries of the turning points of history are almost always trenchant.
How to assess Marlborough's influence on history? Well he was a proponent of the decisive battle at a time when many European generals shied from all-out (and thereby very risky) battles, preferring maneuver and siege. The Battle of Blenheim (August 13, 1704) was listed in Creasy's famous "The Fifteen Decisive Battles of The World From Marathon to Waterloo'. To quote from that book: "The decisive blow struck at Blenheim resounded through every part of Europe: it at once destroyed the vast fabric of power which it had taken Louis XIV, aided by the talents of Turenne,
and the genius of Vauban, so long to construct." That might be a slight exaggeration as the war dragged on for 8 more years, but the 'myth' of French invincibility was punctured. Churchill's description of the campaign, battle and aftermath are brilliant.
Yet Marlborough helped turned warfare into a more brutal and unforgiving calling and ushered the world closer to the era of total war. He was responsible for war atrocities that were not common at the time such as the devastation wrought in Bavaria. These were not defensive measures either, but Churchill is quick to exonerate him as usual. The books does a wonderful job at depicting the difficulties of coalition warfare, lessons he probably put to good use just a few years later.
The maps are quite good considering the age of this book and are a real plus, even to the point where he shaded the background black on one to denote a rare night march.
Book 2 in 2021!
May 21, 2024
This has been described as one of the best books ever written about statesmanship. It's certainly a big chunky book. Churchill's WW1 memoirs were, notoriously, "an autobiography disguised as a history of the universe." This work has a similar feel. Churchill can't help but give long background essays about warfare in the early 18th century, the structure of English politics, etc. He gives a broad narrative of the War of Spanish Succession, not just Marlborough's part.
This book has opinions. The author wants to glorify his subject. He therefore must excoriate Charles II, James II, and above all, Louis XIV.
The first 150 pages are surprisingly racy reading. The court of Charles II was like that. Young Marlborough got his start because his sister Arabella was mistress to the king's brother James (later James II). And then got a leg up by sleeping with Barbara Villiers, who was also mistress to the king. And then Marlborough's wife Sarah wound up being very special and possibly erotic friends with James' teenage daughter Anne (the future queen.)
It's also surprisingly polemical reading. Churchill is indignant about the negative portrayal of Marlborough in Macauley's history of England, and is at pains to rebut. There were claims that Marlborough was intriguing to bring back James in the early 1690s; Churchill digs very deep into the manuscript sources here to show this was a later fabrication.
Churchill's prose is lovely of course.
I read the two-volume edition; this is the full text of the original, with high quality maps and foldouts etc.
This book has opinions. The author wants to glorify his subject. He therefore must excoriate Charles II, James II, and above all, Louis XIV.
The first 150 pages are surprisingly racy reading. The court of Charles II was like that. Young Marlborough got his start because his sister Arabella was mistress to the king's brother James (later James II). And then got a leg up by sleeping with Barbara Villiers, who was also mistress to the king. And then Marlborough's wife Sarah wound up being very special and possibly erotic friends with James' teenage daughter Anne (the future queen.)
It's also surprisingly polemical reading. Churchill is indignant about the negative portrayal of Marlborough in Macauley's history of England, and is at pains to rebut. There were claims that Marlborough was intriguing to bring back James in the early 1690s; Churchill digs very deep into the manuscript sources here to show this was a later fabrication.
Churchill's prose is lovely of course.
Odd as it may seem, ministers and military leaders, engaged in common enterprises, bound by a common duty, having much to gain by its successful discharge and all to lose by failure or misconduct, often consult together and talk things over in all the intimacy of a small circle of cabinet confederates. In fact, this close and constant contact, of which there is rarely any record, is often the main part of what happens.
I read the two-volume edition; this is the full text of the original, with high quality maps and foldouts etc.
June 14, 2016
The first Duke of Marlborough during his life and afterwards was a controversial figure that tended to be seen in a rather bad light by history until Winston S. Churchill set about to fully rehabilitate the English/British general and statesman. Marlborough: His Life and Times (Book One) contains the first two volumes of Churchill’s four volume biography of his ancestor John Churchill that cover the first 55 years of the general’s life.
The first volume of Churchill’s biography of Marlborough covers the first half of the book from the Duke’s birth to the death of William III at the beginning of the War of Spanish Succession. Events and Marlborough’s actions throughout this period colored contemporaries views of him as well as later historian’s opinions of him. Yet this was a turbulent time in English history, as politics was first dominated by Roundheads and Cavaliers before becoming Protestant and Catholics along with Tory and Whig followed by Jacobite and Anti-Jacobite. Without the deep understand that Churchill gives the actions of Marlborough would make him look wish-washy. The second volume consists of the first four years of Marlborough’s time as commander-in-chief of the Grand Alliance as well as de facto co-Prime Minister of England. Throughout this second volume of Churchill’s biography, the life of the commander-in-chief of an alliance was not easy and many of Marlborough’s military plans were frustrated by the want of will by his allies, mainly the Dutch. But it wasn’t until Marlborough marched to the aid of the Holy Roman Empire that he was able to conduct the military operations that he wanted which gave him the first great English victory on the Continent since Agincourt, yet the next year his designs were once again frustrated leading to military and political unrest amongst the Great Alliance.
Given the author’s relationship to his subject and stated purpose to readjust the historical view of his ancestor, one could expect a true glorification of Marlborough but to Churchill’s credit he did not. While Churchill does take time give the reader an understanding of the changing political environment throughout Marlborough’s life and explained his actions in relation to them. When it came to Marlborough’s military operations, Churchill is actually balanced in his approach to his ancestor’s military decisions as well as “what if” scenarios when Marlborough was frustrated in his planning. Yet Churchill savages those who did frustrate Marlborough’s planning through either over caution or plain envy.
Marlborough: His Life and Times (Book One) gives an in-depth look at the second half of the 17th century and the early part of the War of Spanish Succession through the life of John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough. Winston Churchill writes engagingly and makes a full picture of events that leaves the reader in no doubt the facts surrounding an issue. After finished Book One, you’ll be wanting to start Book Two.
The first volume of Churchill’s biography of Marlborough covers the first half of the book from the Duke’s birth to the death of William III at the beginning of the War of Spanish Succession. Events and Marlborough’s actions throughout this period colored contemporaries views of him as well as later historian’s opinions of him. Yet this was a turbulent time in English history, as politics was first dominated by Roundheads and Cavaliers before becoming Protestant and Catholics along with Tory and Whig followed by Jacobite and Anti-Jacobite. Without the deep understand that Churchill gives the actions of Marlborough would make him look wish-washy. The second volume consists of the first four years of Marlborough’s time as commander-in-chief of the Grand Alliance as well as de facto co-Prime Minister of England. Throughout this second volume of Churchill’s biography, the life of the commander-in-chief of an alliance was not easy and many of Marlborough’s military plans were frustrated by the want of will by his allies, mainly the Dutch. But it wasn’t until Marlborough marched to the aid of the Holy Roman Empire that he was able to conduct the military operations that he wanted which gave him the first great English victory on the Continent since Agincourt, yet the next year his designs were once again frustrated leading to military and political unrest amongst the Great Alliance.
Given the author’s relationship to his subject and stated purpose to readjust the historical view of his ancestor, one could expect a true glorification of Marlborough but to Churchill’s credit he did not. While Churchill does take time give the reader an understanding of the changing political environment throughout Marlborough’s life and explained his actions in relation to them. When it came to Marlborough’s military operations, Churchill is actually balanced in his approach to his ancestor’s military decisions as well as “what if” scenarios when Marlborough was frustrated in his planning. Yet Churchill savages those who did frustrate Marlborough’s planning through either over caution or plain envy.
Marlborough: His Life and Times (Book One) gives an in-depth look at the second half of the 17th century and the early part of the War of Spanish Succession through the life of John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough. Winston Churchill writes engagingly and makes a full picture of events that leaves the reader in no doubt the facts surrounding an issue. After finished Book One, you’ll be wanting to start Book Two.
June 11, 2013
Rightly considered one of the best biographies and histories of the 20th century, Winston Churchill's work on his illustrious ancestor is not only an in-depth and infinitely wise look back on the early modern era in Europe in general and England in particular, it is also a great pleasure to read, thanks to Churchill's unsurpassed prose. Not an easy or light read at 1000 pages of text per book, it will reward the patient and diligent reader with the skillfully illustrated career of this remarkable soldier, put tirelessly into the political, diplomatic and military contexts in which he worked. Simply not to be missed by lovers (and makers) of history.
August 3, 2023
I'm actually impressed by this book so far, I did not expect the historical perspective to be so unbiased.
September 8, 2019
Marlborough, Volume I is fantastic on so many levels. To begin with many people forget that Churchill was first and foremost a writer, and a brilliant one. Because Churchill was not born to nobility or had riches thirst upon him at birth he had to make a living. Since holding political office was not a road to riches, even including his 10 or so years as Prime Minister, Churchill made his living as a wordsmith. His history of his ancestor, the Duke of Marlborough, and his chronicles of the First and Second World Wars are among the reasons he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953. But Marlborough reads as a defense and as a rebuttal to historians, mainly Thomas Macauley, who not only minimized Marlborough's military achievements but his political impact on the age in which he lived. As an advisor to King James II and William of Orange, two vastly different rulers, Marlborough was able to straddle the camps of a ruler who sought to reestablish Catholicism as the preeminent English religion and ally itself with France, and an appealing Protestant king who was nevertheless foreign born. Churchill's defense of his ancestors is always meticulous, logical and convincing. But where this biography shines is in it's presentation of the history of the times. Not being English myself my knowledge of English history is fragmentary. Events like the War of the Spanish Succession and characters like Charles II, William and Mary and indeed, Marlborough himself are bits of trivia I read in my World History class in junior year of high school over 50 years ago. Churchill describes the world issues that affected England in a highly readable and entertaining manner, Marlborough, Volume I was terrific and I look forward to reading the next volumes.
January 16, 2016
Biased to a fault, but with charming eloquence and passion for the subject. The fifth star must be subtracted for the wear and tear of time, while recognising that that there was good reason for giving the quintessential warrior-author the Nobel Prize for Litterature rather than Peace. This first volume sets the scene for Marlborough's primary achievements during the War of The Spanish Succesion and viewed from a distance of 70+ years spends an in-proportionate amount of pages in (unsuccesfully) white washing its hero from all suspicion of being an avaricious opportunist - like most of his contemporaries in Restoration and Jacobite England.
March 31, 2019
I found this to be a quite interesting book. I don't know much about Marlborough, but Churchill's writing is excellent, and he brings his subject to life.
Churchill, a Marlborough's descendent, is clearly an apologist for his ancestor. He spends a lot of time attacking Marlborough's critics, and, to be fair, he does make a lot of good points.
I listened to this as an audio book and so had no opportunity to look at whatever maps may have been in the original printing. I found some of the military campaigns hard to follow and would have appreciated some maps.
Churchill, a Marlborough's descendent, is clearly an apologist for his ancestor. He spends a lot of time attacking Marlborough's critics, and, to be fair, he does make a lot of good points.
I listened to this as an audio book and so had no opportunity to look at whatever maps may have been in the original printing. I found some of the military campaigns hard to follow and would have appreciated some maps.
December 23, 2012
I found a second edition version of both volume I and volume II and devoured them. Churchill was an extraordinary writer - his style really was maganificent. And he showed it here early in his career as he extols the fabulous military career of his ancester, the Duke of Marlborough. It was an era of English history I knew little about but which was pivotal to the further rise of the British Empire.
January 1, 2016
A great life and times, though of course he favors his ancestor. But the two chapters on Marlborough and Sarah's courtship, based on their letters, are terrific--even astounding, considering that she was 17.
February 12, 2016
Interesting, not only for the subject, but also for the glorious prose, Sir Winston's voice echoes in every sentence.
June 16, 2026
I grew up in Marlborough, MA. Growing up, I did not know much about where the name of my hometown came from (I have since learned and it is a fascinating story having nothing to do with this book) but that it was named after a Marlborough in England and that that Marlborough had a Duke. After reading a Churchill (who I am a fan of) biography a few years ago, I learned that the original Duke of Marlborough was Churchill's ancestor, John Churchill, and that Churchill had written a famous biography of him. Knowing nothing about the Duke of Marlborough and even less about British history pre 1750 (aside from a few choice moments: The Battle of Hastings, Charles II/Oliver Cromwell etc), I decided I had to read a book about Marlborough.
I'm glad I did as what a story, what a life, and what a great writer (obviously) Churchill is! Not only is his command of language incredible (which I already knew from his speeches) but he knows how to tell a good story. At times, I felt like I was hearing a bedtime story.
Marlborough's life was constantly one of being in the center of the action. After becoming a page for James (thanks to his sister's affair with him), the Duke of York. Marlborough (then John Churchill but i'll call him Marlborough so as not to confuse with the author) rose with James when the latter became King. This was after fighting for Charles II against the Danish with the French (while the French were paying Charles to do so). Marlborough eventually turns against James (while still privately communicating with him) when James wants everyone to be Catholic (and despite helping him suppress Protestant rebels) and supports the next monarchs, James' nephew William (who came over first in line for the throne despite being Dutch) and his wife Mary in the Glorious Revolution (where the Dutch were now helping the British suppress those Jacobite Catholics like James).
Marlborough has a falling out with William and ends up in prison for a time (being set up for treason with a phony confessional letter). Mary dies and the two sort of make up but not completely. Fortunately Marlborough's wife Sarah was gal pals with Princess Anne, the true heir to the throne, from childhood and when she ascends to become Queen, Marlborough is back in the limelight.
This was at a good time too since Spain's King Charles II (a different Charles II from the British one) was dying and had no heir and France's Louis XIV thought he'd throw his grandson in there with the goal of having France gain Spanish territories and eventually control all of Europe. Marlborough unites Europe against Louis, navigating cautious Dutch partners, domestic political disputes with Whigs and Tories (and High Tories) over war funding, religiosity, power of government etc, all while placating a stubborn though supportive Queen who makes him Duke of Marlborough.
There's a lot of battle prep, politics (both domestic and international), military strategy and other matters that culminates with the Battle of Blenheim where the French army is crushed (but is not out) and Marlborough is a hero. Europe is permanently changed but the "War of Spanish Succession" as it is called continues in the next and final volume. I'm looking forward to it and now realize I need to read Churchill's other books on WW1 and WW2.
I'm glad I did as what a story, what a life, and what a great writer (obviously) Churchill is! Not only is his command of language incredible (which I already knew from his speeches) but he knows how to tell a good story. At times, I felt like I was hearing a bedtime story.
Marlborough's life was constantly one of being in the center of the action. After becoming a page for James (thanks to his sister's affair with him), the Duke of York. Marlborough (then John Churchill but i'll call him Marlborough so as not to confuse with the author) rose with James when the latter became King. This was after fighting for Charles II against the Danish with the French (while the French were paying Charles to do so). Marlborough eventually turns against James (while still privately communicating with him) when James wants everyone to be Catholic (and despite helping him suppress Protestant rebels) and supports the next monarchs, James' nephew William (who came over first in line for the throne despite being Dutch) and his wife Mary in the Glorious Revolution (where the Dutch were now helping the British suppress those Jacobite Catholics like James).
Marlborough has a falling out with William and ends up in prison for a time (being set up for treason with a phony confessional letter). Mary dies and the two sort of make up but not completely. Fortunately Marlborough's wife Sarah was gal pals with Princess Anne, the true heir to the throne, from childhood and when she ascends to become Queen, Marlborough is back in the limelight.
This was at a good time too since Spain's King Charles II (a different Charles II from the British one) was dying and had no heir and France's Louis XIV thought he'd throw his grandson in there with the goal of having France gain Spanish territories and eventually control all of Europe. Marlborough unites Europe against Louis, navigating cautious Dutch partners, domestic political disputes with Whigs and Tories (and High Tories) over war funding, religiosity, power of government etc, all while placating a stubborn though supportive Queen who makes him Duke of Marlborough.
There's a lot of battle prep, politics (both domestic and international), military strategy and other matters that culminates with the Battle of Blenheim where the French army is crushed (but is not out) and Marlborough is a hero. Europe is permanently changed but the "War of Spanish Succession" as it is called continues in the next and final volume. I'm looking forward to it and now realize I need to read Churchill's other books on WW1 and WW2.
October 1, 2021
Churchill’s Marlborough might be the best biography I’ve ever read. It’s certainly a masterpiece of biography, political and military history, practical politics, and literature. Churchill brought history to life in this book that read like a million-word Churchillian speech. It felt like he was talking one-on-one to his readers and definitely to this reader.
Churchill dictated the book between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. most nights over a ten-year period. He had his secretary taking short hand (or typing) and his researcher standing in the room to consult for facts or corrections. He identified the mountain of source materials that he relied upon in his author’s preface, and a lot of those source materials were written in French, German, and other languages. And I have no idea how he pulled this off while having drank heavily, worked on other books, articles, and papers, was an active member of the House of Commons, and did a million other things. Indeed, I’d absolutely love to read a book about how he wrote this book.
This was also a book that needed to be written. I am a student of history but knew next to nothing about Marlborough and his stupendous military acumen. He was the greatest general in the hundred years preceding Napoleon and one of the greatest generals in history. While at times he had enormous losses in his battles, he was never defeated, much less driven off any field. And he enjoyed his immense success while being hamstrung by the political leaders of the three primary international factions that made up his army—the Dutch, the Holy Roman Empire, and England—and hamstrung even more by the political factions within Britain (the Whigs and Tories) as well as by the mercurial and possibly insane Queen Anne and by his wife Sarah, who never made the right political decision after Queen Anne assumed the throne. Had Marlborough had the absolute authority of a monarch or of a Napoleon, he would have won the war against France within 3-4 years and England would not have suffered the ignominy of the pathetic treaty with France after more than a decade of war.
There are so many things to love about the book. I loved when Churchill lawyerly
attacked the charges against Marlborough, although some of them were well earned by him, such as his abandonment of King James and his request for a two-million Franc bribe. I loved his attack on Macaulay “We can only hope that Truth will follow swiftly enough to fasten the label ‘Liar’ to his genteel coat-tails.” I loved the fact that without any sense of irony Churchill was repeatedly offended by people saying that his ancestor was self serving. I loved Churchill’s unique prose such as his missive about Spain’s Charles II: “The feeble life-candle of the childless Spanish King, known to his country as Charles the Sufferer, flickered, smoked, guttered, but still burned.” I loved how Churchill repeatedly ripped the Sun King throughout the book.
I also couldn’t help but see similarities in both author and subject. Both men were at sea for decades before their finest hours. Both men had seemingly limitless energy even in relatively old age. Both men led from the front in battles and had tremendous personal courage. Both men planned incessantly and thought of seemingly every detail. Both men brought great honors to their country. Both men were attacked by both major political factions and had difficult relationships with sovereigns at times. And both men were discarded when they achieved their greatest successes.
One area where the two men were not similar is in the quality of their spouses. Clementine was the utter antithesis of Sarah. Clementine and Sarah were both ardent supporters and sounding boards for their husbands, but Clementine never did any harm to hers. While Sarah was undoubtedly instrumental in helping Marlborough rise as a result of her lifelong friendship and service to Princess Anne, within a few years of her becoming Queen Anne, Sarah made one horrendous move after another with Anne. And those moves ultimately resulted in the destruction of their friendship and of her husband’s military career and reputation. Had she simply placated the Queen, things would have worked out much differently than they did.
Churchill dictated the book between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. most nights over a ten-year period. He had his secretary taking short hand (or typing) and his researcher standing in the room to consult for facts or corrections. He identified the mountain of source materials that he relied upon in his author’s preface, and a lot of those source materials were written in French, German, and other languages. And I have no idea how he pulled this off while having drank heavily, worked on other books, articles, and papers, was an active member of the House of Commons, and did a million other things. Indeed, I’d absolutely love to read a book about how he wrote this book.
This was also a book that needed to be written. I am a student of history but knew next to nothing about Marlborough and his stupendous military acumen. He was the greatest general in the hundred years preceding Napoleon and one of the greatest generals in history. While at times he had enormous losses in his battles, he was never defeated, much less driven off any field. And he enjoyed his immense success while being hamstrung by the political leaders of the three primary international factions that made up his army—the Dutch, the Holy Roman Empire, and England—and hamstrung even more by the political factions within Britain (the Whigs and Tories) as well as by the mercurial and possibly insane Queen Anne and by his wife Sarah, who never made the right political decision after Queen Anne assumed the throne. Had Marlborough had the absolute authority of a monarch or of a Napoleon, he would have won the war against France within 3-4 years and England would not have suffered the ignominy of the pathetic treaty with France after more than a decade of war.
There are so many things to love about the book. I loved when Churchill lawyerly
attacked the charges against Marlborough, although some of them were well earned by him, such as his abandonment of King James and his request for a two-million Franc bribe. I loved his attack on Macaulay “We can only hope that Truth will follow swiftly enough to fasten the label ‘Liar’ to his genteel coat-tails.” I loved the fact that without any sense of irony Churchill was repeatedly offended by people saying that his ancestor was self serving. I loved Churchill’s unique prose such as his missive about Spain’s Charles II: “The feeble life-candle of the childless Spanish King, known to his country as Charles the Sufferer, flickered, smoked, guttered, but still burned.” I loved how Churchill repeatedly ripped the Sun King throughout the book.
I also couldn’t help but see similarities in both author and subject. Both men were at sea for decades before their finest hours. Both men had seemingly limitless energy even in relatively old age. Both men led from the front in battles and had tremendous personal courage. Both men planned incessantly and thought of seemingly every detail. Both men brought great honors to their country. Both men were attacked by both major political factions and had difficult relationships with sovereigns at times. And both men were discarded when they achieved their greatest successes.
One area where the two men were not similar is in the quality of their spouses. Clementine was the utter antithesis of Sarah. Clementine and Sarah were both ardent supporters and sounding boards for their husbands, but Clementine never did any harm to hers. While Sarah was undoubtedly instrumental in helping Marlborough rise as a result of her lifelong friendship and service to Princess Anne, within a few years of her becoming Queen Anne, Sarah made one horrendous move after another with Anne. And those moves ultimately resulted in the destruction of their friendship and of her husband’s military career and reputation. Had she simply placated the Queen, things would have worked out much differently than they did.
February 9, 2019
Do not miss this, Churchill's apologia for his much-maligned ancestor John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough, one of England's greatest generals and political figures, the towering personality of Queen Anne's reign. Against his reputation are arrayed, among others, Swift, Defoe, Thackeray, and Macaulay, but Churchill is a magnificent writer, and equal to the task.
By all accounts, and by the evidence of his success, a military genius, a devoted family man, courteous, diplomatic, tireless and yet with a stain on his reputation that not even this heroic effort has, I think, effaced. Apart from the details of the indictment against him (in falling order of severity: abandoning his patron James II at the critical hour of the Glorious Revolution; later communications with the exiled Jacobite court and its sponsor, the Sun King; the doubtful charge of peculation) and the exigencies of party politics, it is, I suppose, his simple subtle nature which was so grating. Effortlessly duplicitous in politics or on maneuvers, and yet always with a single-minded focus on the common man's prizes: money and fame. The attitude, maybe, is that a man so simple should not wriggle so, or promise by his tactics further depths to his soul that simply aren't there.
By all accounts, and by the evidence of his success, a military genius, a devoted family man, courteous, diplomatic, tireless and yet with a stain on his reputation that not even this heroic effort has, I think, effaced. Apart from the details of the indictment against him (in falling order of severity: abandoning his patron James II at the critical hour of the Glorious Revolution; later communications with the exiled Jacobite court and its sponsor, the Sun King; the doubtful charge of peculation) and the exigencies of party politics, it is, I suppose, his simple subtle nature which was so grating. Effortlessly duplicitous in politics or on maneuvers, and yet always with a single-minded focus on the common man's prizes: money and fame. The attitude, maybe, is that a man so simple should not wriggle so, or promise by his tactics further depths to his soul that simply aren't there.
August 7, 2019
The different volumes for Marlborough: His Life and Times are all mixed up on Goodreads. I will link my reviews for the first four volumes of the original American editions to this review (which correspond to the first two British volumes).
Volume I - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Volume II - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Volume III - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Volume IV - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Volume I - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Volume II - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Volume III - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Volume IV - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 6, 2023
‘Some have said that Marlborough isn’t the greatest man of all time, those people are wrong… and I, Churchill - the second greatest man of all time - am going to say so using one million billion words.’
May be a slight paraphrase but that’s the general gist! It is great writing for the most part however, Churchill clearly has a sense of history and is able to bring the narrative alive.
Fascinating to see various threads of the political, military and theological story of the last 350 years pull together across the European continent.
*Hadn’t realised this wasn’t the full 4 volume set so splitting out as currently on Book 3.
May be a slight paraphrase but that’s the general gist! It is great writing for the most part however, Churchill clearly has a sense of history and is able to bring the narrative alive.
Fascinating to see various threads of the political, military and theological story of the last 350 years pull together across the European continent.
*Hadn’t realised this wasn’t the full 4 volume set so splitting out as currently on Book 3.
August 12, 2022
An utterly engrossing introduction to its subject. Churchill follows the life of his famous ancestor - John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough - from his birth to his ascendency as England’s foremost statesman and general, which is to say through the end of the reign of King William III (William of Orange) in 1702. Of special interest to me were Marlborough’s eloquent love letters, Churchill’s insights into the differences between aristocratic and democratic tempers, and the details of the Glorious Revolution (1688).
October 29, 2019
It got a little dense with the constant protestations of Malborough's innocence of all possible plotting with the Jacobites, we get it Winston, he was probably unfairly maligned by historians, and if he wasn't innocent he did nothing most of his contemporaries didn't do, seriously, we get it ... no need to repeat it again and again and again...
October 18, 2021
Winston Churchill wrote this biography of his ancestor to refute some lingering allegations
March 3, 2022
This book should be read by every young man or any person who feels like fate has conspired to squash them.
May 30, 2023
Extremely tedious but well written and researched.
February 2, 2024
Marlborough is underrated.
January 15, 2026
A Magnus opus!!!
May 31, 2016
This the first part of Churchill's life of John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough. There are some problems in syncing with some of the paperback editions, which have four parts. This volume covers the first two parts of Churchill's work, culminating in the epic battle of Blenheim and its immediate aftermath. (I had originally treated these as two books, but this combination fits with more editions.) The work begins with the initial period of Marlborough's life up to the death of King William and the ascendancy of Queen Anne. This is just before Marlborough began the key later portion of his military career, in the wars against Louis XIV. The second half of the volume picks up with the Duke's initial campaigns against Louis IV and in a grand confederation with the Dutch and assorted German principalities. This is a very sympathetic biography of Churchill's famous ancestor, with Winston Churchill serving as the historian. He spent much time on this work in the 1920s and 1930s. I am reading this to make good on a commitment to read the series, a used version of which I obtained a few years ago. These volumes are difficult to find in a set and I have always enjoyed reading Churchill, especially his history - although if I recall he won in Nobel Prize for literature.
As a history, this book is hugely informative about the Glorious Revolution and the political situation in England up through the reigns of William and Mary and Queen Anne. I have always felt a bit less confident about this time and find the book valuable on this account alone.
As to the quality of the history, it is Winston Churchill - what else is there to say? The writing is marvelous and Churchill aggressively paints a positive picture of John Churchill. The prose alone makes this worth reading. How objective is Churchill's treatment of the Duke? I suspect it is not fully objective and impartial. In the first part of the book, Churchill is at pains to take on prior claims about Marlborough to expose their errors of fact and perspective. His responses to Macaulay's criticisms of Marlborough are especially sharp.
Along with this not being a critical biography, I also have some minor issues with the focus, with combines battle tactics and politics. There are lots of descriptions of battles and who moved which units where and at what time to win the day. I normally do not like this sort of history and do not read many hagiographies. While I may take some points with a grain of salt (or two), the result here is still immensely entertaining and a joy to read, although I may not remember as much about these battles as I do from other wars. This was a different time, with lots of maneuver and infrequent major clashes between armies fought to the finish. This was not modern warfare and the general public was not as involved as in the great wars of the last two centuries. Marlborough was the master of warfare prior to Napoleon and his great changes in armies and tactics.
The key personalities are also well drawn, especially Queen Anne, Marlborough, and his wife Sarah. It is a fun book to read and I am moving to the second half of the work with enthusiasm.
As a history, this book is hugely informative about the Glorious Revolution and the political situation in England up through the reigns of William and Mary and Queen Anne. I have always felt a bit less confident about this time and find the book valuable on this account alone.
As to the quality of the history, it is Winston Churchill - what else is there to say? The writing is marvelous and Churchill aggressively paints a positive picture of John Churchill. The prose alone makes this worth reading. How objective is Churchill's treatment of the Duke? I suspect it is not fully objective and impartial. In the first part of the book, Churchill is at pains to take on prior claims about Marlborough to expose their errors of fact and perspective. His responses to Macaulay's criticisms of Marlborough are especially sharp.
Along with this not being a critical biography, I also have some minor issues with the focus, with combines battle tactics and politics. There are lots of descriptions of battles and who moved which units where and at what time to win the day. I normally do not like this sort of history and do not read many hagiographies. While I may take some points with a grain of salt (or two), the result here is still immensely entertaining and a joy to read, although I may not remember as much about these battles as I do from other wars. This was a different time, with lots of maneuver and infrequent major clashes between armies fought to the finish. This was not modern warfare and the general public was not as involved as in the great wars of the last two centuries. Marlborough was the master of warfare prior to Napoleon and his great changes in armies and tactics.
The key personalities are also well drawn, especially Queen Anne, Marlborough, and his wife Sarah. It is a fun book to read and I am moving to the second half of the work with enthusiasm.
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