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Churchill

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Churchill

By: Roy Jenkins
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

 Winston Churchill is an icon of modern history, but even though he was at the forefront of the political scene for almost 60 years, he might be remembered only as a minor player in the drama of British government had it not been for World War II. In this magisterial book, Roy Jenkins' unparalleled command of the political history of Britain and his own high-level government experience combine in a narrative account of Churchill's astounding career that is unmatched in its shrewd insights, its unforgettable anecdotes, the clarity of its overarching themes, and the author's nuanced appreciation of his extraordinary subject.

From a very young age, Churchill believed he was destined to play a great role in the life of his nation, and he determined to prepare himself. Jenkins shows in fascinating detail how Churchill educated himself for greatness, how he worked out his livelihood (writing) as well as his professional life (politics), how he situated himself at every major site or moment in British imperial and governmental life. His parliamentary career was like no other - with its changes of allegiance (from the Conservative to the Liberal and back to the Conservative Party), its troughs and humiliations, its triumphs and peaks - and for decades, especially the crisis years of the late 1930s and the terrifying 1940s, when at last it was clear how vital Churchill was to the very survival of Britain. He evaluates Churchill's other accomplishments, his writings, with equal authority.

Exceptional in its breadth of knowledge and distinguished by its stylish wit and penetrating intelligence, this is one of the finest political biographies of our time.

©2001 Roy Jenkins (P)2002 Blackstone Audiobooks 20th Century Europe Great Britain Military Modern Political Science Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Presidents & Heads of State World Winston Churchill Royalty Imperialism War United Kingdom England Thought-Provoking Inspiring Soviet Union Russia Socialism Middle Ages British Empire Latin American Africa Interwar Period

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Critic reviews

"A first-class, well-sustained work of history and a masterpiece of biography." ( The Sunday Telegraph)
"This is far and away Churchill's best one-volume biography." (Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.)
All stars
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As a single book description of Churchill's life, this is an excellent biography. As a politician himself, Roy Jenkins analysis of Churchill is inciteful and always interesting.

This is a biography that will allow you to better understand one of the 20th Century's most important leaders.

Iain Macleod

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This is the best biography I have ever heard or read.
The subject is worthy of the extreme care which the author has devoted to his chosen character.
He demonstrates the quality of his education and his great command of the English language which is a real joy to hear. Being a former politician and statesman Roy Jenkins has intertwined this works with his personal, pertinent and unique insights of our national political life. He deals with Sir Winston in a sympathetic yet wise and realistically,way - 'Warts and all' as Oliver Cromwell would say.
It is beautifully read and the book is a wonderful exemplar of how lessons for the present and future conduct of national and international affairs can be garnered from history
Thank you so much Mr Jenkins for your brilliant work and I hope labour of love.
Thank you Mr Churchill for the tenacious way you lead our country in times of peril.

THE BEST-

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Incredibly well narrated and incredibly well written. I’ve listened to this twice from start to finish.

Incredible

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A fine and measured reading of Jenkins' inpeccable prose. The book may be too long for many, but it makes an excellent summary of British and European history in the first half of the 20th century through the career of Churchill.

Excellent

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This is the first political biographie I have read. I enjoyed it immensely. I have always been fascinated by Winston Churchill and was tempted to read this book when it first came out. I am glad I waited for this audio book, it was read perfectly.

Superb

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Written by a Politician about a Politician with perfect narration, I enjoyed every minute

Wonderful in every aspect.

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Roy Jenkins has written a brilliant book about one of the towering figures of the 20th century using his own experience as a Member of Parliament and a Government Minister to great effect. He handles the vast cast of characters with superb skill and Churchill 's long complex life is vigorously portrayed. Churchill was warm, witty, ambitious and both surprisingly hard working as well as being sybaritic and sometimes impossible. This is a very readable account of a fascinating man and his era. It leaves me wanting to know more about the man and his times and also to read more biographys (of Asquith, of Gladstone etc .) by Jenkins. It has been beautifully read. I cannot fault it in any way. Buy and enjoy.

Brilliant, Fair biography of a Fascinati ng Man.

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A brilliant reading of an excellent and authoritative biography. Churchill's wit and humour shines through the whole incredible story of the man and Jenkins uses extensive research to bring home the merits (and faults) of 'the finest Prime Minister of the 20th Century.'
A fine reading as well, and even an appropriate and accurate impersonation of the great man. Enjoyed it immensely

Excellent

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Where does Churchill rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Without question the extraordinary life and times of Winston Churchill are unparalleled in the history of this or any other country.

What did you like best about this story?

From the very start and the manner of his upbringing to the highs and lows of his life in the military, journalism, politics and the effect his personality had on his own and other countries. His long life read like an epic novel.

Which character – as performed by Robert Whitfield – was your favourite?

Whitfield's portrayal of Churchill was magnificent! The array of characters made the choice of a preference very hard but the feeling that this was Churchill was paramount.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book excited, frustrated and touched throughout the telling.When they could not or would not listen to his message at home and abroad to what now seemed so blindingly obvious prior to 1939 was utter frustration.

Any additional comments?

This was a man with the failings and human frailties that possess all. But what a man and what a story. Thank God he was on our side. You could not have written the script.

Soldier,Journalist,Statesman,Writer, and Leader.

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amazing story of indeed one of the most notorious personalities of the last century whose talents were flourished under the circumstances that his country lived through

great and great book

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