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Churchill (2009)

by Paul Johnson(Favorite Author)

3.76 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0670021059 (ISBN13: 9780670021055)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Viking Adult

review 1: Compressing the life of a man who captained Britain through its stormiest years into a concise 192 pages is a formidable challenge, but Mr. Johnson is up to the task. The reader gets a good sense of the sheer bravado of Churchill's personality, of his mortality (prone to bouts of depression, Churchill would chase away the "Black Dog" by immersing himself in his hobbies of painting and gardening), and of his defiance in the face of spectacular failures that would break the spirits of lesser men (the Gallipoli Campaign, his handling of the abdication of Edward VIII). I will only allow myself to give this fine little book a three star rating, because it is, from start to finish, an unapologetic hagiography of Churchill's life. The author fawns over Churchill, ascribing a cert... moreain holiness to his life that, if not undeserved, nonetheless detracts from the reader's objective learning experience. Though "Hagio Churchill" the title should read, I recommend this book all the same.
review 2: Of course knew a little about him but wanted to learn more. He did so much more than just inspire Britain in WWII. Prolific author, warrior and soldier, painter, exceptional orator, and pellucidly clear thinker who was alternately loved and despised by peers and constituencies. Well-written by Johnson (his books on FDR & Socrates are in my queue) in a sort of narrative but un-chronological way concentrating on Churchill's character development and flaws. A rewarding brief book about this incredible man's life. Rating: 3 cigars of 5. less

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