The Last Lion by William Manchester

[pscot]

This is the best biography I've ever read. Churchill is arguably the most interesting figure of the first half of the 20th century. He was a soldier, a statesman, a politician, a journalist and historian. He was an amateur painter of considerable ability who laid bricks for recreation, and in his youth he was a dominating polo player. He invented the tank. He was a crack shot, who, fom the mid-30's on carried a pistol because of nazi death threats, not because he was afraid, he was fearless, but because he wanted to be able to kill or disable a would-be assassin. He was the most gifted orater of his time and an inspired war leader who possessed an unconquerable heart. Manchester does justice to him in all his facets, including his flaws. In the process, he provides a clear and comprehensive picture of the workings of the English government from 1900 to 1940. His discription of the Appeasment of the dictators, during which Winston Churchill stood alone in opposition, ostracized by Chamberlain's group, is jaw dropping. At almost 1600 pages, I found myself wanting more. I bought both volumes used at Amazon for less than $10 each. It took me a month to read, but the time was well spent.