Churchill

Written by Paul Johnson

Narrated by Simon Prebble

In Churchill, critically acclaimed historian Paul Johnson explores the complex and fascinating character of Winston Churchill-the soldier, orator, and statesman who shined brightest during Britain's darkest hours. From his forays into the far-flung corners of the empire as cavalry officer and correspondent to his warnings of impending crisis as historian and Parliamentarian, Churchill faced the winds and tides of change with remarkable versatility and tenacity. "A brilliant writer . in full command of the music of words."-Baltimore Sun

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 6, 2009
• ISBN: 9781440763403

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is a historian whose work ranges over the millennia and the whole gamut of human activities. He regularly writes book reviews for several UK magazines and newspapers, such as the Literary Review and The Spectator, and he lectures around the world. He lives in London, England.

Reviews for Churchill

[helenliz_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

 This is an epic book about an almost unbelieveable life, a classic case of fact being stranger than fiction - you couldn't make it up. His early life is the stuff of a boy's own adventure story, dashing across the british empire fighting natives, being captured by the Boer and escaping.



The politics could be rather dull and confusing to someone not really interested in the mire of modern politics, but Jenkins manages to make this somehow slightly noble! The parties and Churchill's floor crossings are explained as are the big issues of the day.



The second world war period - for which, I suppose he is most associated - does not dominate the book. Of the 46 chapters, 12 are devoted to this period of years. It also goes a long way to describing how his life to date had uniquly prepared him for exactly that time in history. It is un-nerving to think what would have happened had he not been in the right place at the right time.



My only critisism is that the book ends, almost abruptly, at Churchill's death. I know a biography usually ends with the death of the subject, but I can't help feeling it might have been nice to have a summary chapter, maybe discussing his legacy.



Jenkins' text is a delight to read, extremely erudite and with a wonderfully wide vocabulary. At approaching 1000 pages, paperback maybe isn't the best format for this book. After 1 read, the spine of my new copy is intact, but the front cover is looking distinctly dog-eared.

[bookmarkme · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A good biography with a political bias that I occasionally found tiresome

[johnthefireman · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A good biography of Winston Churchill. As might be expected in a book by someone of the calibre of Roy Jenkins, it concentrates on politics and gives fascinating insights into the British parliamentary system. It's an excellent book as far as content is concerned, but I find some of the writing rather dense. Jenkins has a tendency to hide the main clause at the end of a long and convoluted sentence after so many qualifying clauses that you've forgotten what it was all about by the time you get there. He also uses some rather obscure words.

[Michael Neeper · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good introduction to Churchill. Not a lot of depth, but good to start.

[yahdley · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A thorough and informative book but the focus on British parliamentary issues and processes was, for this American reader, somewhat backbreaking. Recommended for those seeking a deeper, more detailed history of Churchill's career, not as an introduction to the man.

[sandydog1_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Painfully concise. This was a page-turner about the up and down (mostly up) career of an amazing statesman and workaholic. I got tired just reading about the guy, and am certainly now motivated to read a more thorough biography and/or one of Winnie's many door-stop works.

[arkrayder · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book was interesting. I learned more about Churchill and see him in a different light. I would like to find a longer biography of him.

[quibee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An overview of Churchill's life by a man who admires him.
Enjoyable read of the life of an amazing man.

[rivkat_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very short biography—a lot of telling rather than showing—but Churchill is interesting enough that telling can be punchy. Not only was Churchill a master of words, he inspired others, e.g., one comment on his history of World War I was that “Winston has written an enormous book about himself and called it The World Crisis.” Churchill had a vast energy and an ability to come back from defeats that would impress anyone. He changed parties six times, but was perfectly faithful to his wife, which in my mind is the right way to go about it. When the voters kicked him out immediately after WWII ended, his wife commented that it might be a blessing in disguise (because he’d been working himself to death), but Churchill responded “It appears to be very effectively disguised.”

[joeydag · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Johnson is so easy to read. This short read does a nice summary of Churchill's life and impact on history. If you want to read only one short book about Churchill this is a good one.

[danielalgara · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very good, well written, brief review of Churchill's life. It's a great primer on not only the events but the motives for many of the Lion's actions. There is if course a slight bias for the writer was acquainted with Churchill somehow. Though the narrative's intention is not to sway the opinion of Churchill's detractors. If your not a fan of Churchy you're not going to like the book, mostly because you're a leftist, which is fine, but you won't appreciate the book's light tone which is almost apolitical.

Highly recommended for those who just want an overview of this most extraordinary man.

I should mention too that I did this audio-style. I have the feeling I might have been little disappointed at the lack of depth if I had read it in book form.

[nathan7c7moore · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was my first book on Churchill so my review must be taken with a grain of salt. I am a fan of short biographies, but only for one reason... to determine if I want to read full-length, multi-volume treatments of one's life. Given the magnitude and length of Churchill's life I find it hard to fault Johnson for his effort but found myself slightly disappointed. It wasn't until the end of the book that I realized most of my disappointment is due to the fact that this man's life cannot, perhaps should not, be treated in 190 pages. I almost tempted to fault Johnson for trying. To be honest, I'm a little bewildered because I can't think of any other biography primers to compare this to. Most of it felt like a whirlwind of fact upon fact. The rhythm of the book was, "Churchill did this... and then this... and then this."Part of Johnson's goal in writing was to answer the question "could Britain have one the war without Churchill?" Johnson answered this question affirmatively but to me it seems a little too ambitious to answer such a complicated question in such a short work. Though Johnson succeeded in arguing that Churchill was massively influential in the War, I don't think he succeeded in his goal.I had the sense the Johnson had interesting opinions about Churchill, the lessons of Winston's life found on the final pages suggest that, but I just can't imagine why Johnson felt so compelled to attempt it in less than two hundred pages. Thus, I humbly give the attempt 3 stars and am unlikely to recommend to anyone without the aforementioned caveats.

[wdwilson3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Broad but not deep, this biography presents an overview of the life of one of the greatest men of the 20th century without fully satisfying. Particularly lacking, at least for American readers, is a fuller description of some of the domestic English events to which Johnson alludes.

[tullius22 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sometimes with Mr. Johnson it seems that he writes below his ability, but not here--here, he does well. I mean, with other books, they are merely better than certain others, but this one is, itself, very good. (9/10)

[pjeanne_3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Quick read and I enjoyed it, but author assumes more knowledge about the era in which Churchill lived/governed than I have.

[iowalawyer · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Didn't learn much. The last chapter is worth reading.

[sergerca · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you are in God's good favor you had a great history teacher who knew and loved his subject and transferred that enthusiasm to you. Paul Johnson would have been that kind of teacher, and this little book on Churchill proves why. This is the first Johnson book I've read (although I own a few, and have more on my wishlist) and what a shame that it's taken me so long to read one! He has an obvious love of his subject, but that does not preclude him from criticizing his hero (e.g. Churchill's complete dismissal of defense issues during the run-up to WWII when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer). Also, Johnson is branded an "conservative" historian by many, but he does not use this book to hammer Churchill on his lifelong support of the ever-growing British welfare state that he helped to construct.As others have mentioned, even thought this is a short book, Johnson does not just give a chronological survey of Churchill's life. His analysis on the 10 factors that made Churchill indispensable to the WWII victory effort are very convincing.And lastly, how can you not love a book about a man so quoteable? Two of my favorites:"Facts are better than dreams.""If Hitler invaded Hell, at least I would ensure that in the House of Commons I made a favourable reference to the Devil."

[tututhefirst_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Paul Johnson is one of my favorite writer/historians. He has the ability to present his material in a manner that is both intelligent and readable. This was a refreshing and short biography of Churchill focusing on his political career. It is obvious from the beginning that Johnson is a devotee, and he mentions several times that he actually met and spoke with him, but still in all the book is fairly objective. I found the chapter where he discusses Churchill's immense power held during WWII. He poses the question "Did Churchill save Britain?" and the presents 10 reasons why he would answer in the affirmative. The book is worth reading for that chapter alone.I was fascinated to read that Churchill stood for Parliament under six different 'labels': Conservative, Liberal, Coalition, Constitutionalist, Unionist, and National Conservative. I knew about his service as a journalist, 1st Sea Lord, and Chancellor of the Exchequer, but some other achievements were new to me.And I heartily approve of his answer to the question: "To what do you attribute your success in life?"Without pause or hesitation he replied: "Conservation of energy. Never stand up when you can sit down. Never sit down when you can lie down." This is a well-written and researched biography touching on the high points of the life of a great statesman. It can stand alone or serve as the jumping off point for more in-depth studies.

[tigsw · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A nicely written book which focuses mainly on Churchill's character. Clearly written by a devotee, but nonetheless fairly objective and made it clear what a complex and difficult character Churchill was.

[ben_a_11 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Hanukkah gift from my mother, and a splendid one. You will know from the first sentence whether this is the book for you: "Of all the towering figures of the twentieth century, both good and evil, Winston Churchill was the most valuable to humanity, and also the most likable."Johnson presents many of my favorite Churchillian moments, and uncovers new ones as well. One fabulous quote I did not know was a dinner party bon mot: "We are all worms. But I really think that I am a glow worm."