In The Footsteps of ChurchillBasic Books, 2009 M02 23 - 376 pages As one of the most admired political leaders of the twentieth century, Winston Churchill holds iconic status in popular memory. But in this incisive new biography, acclaimed military historian Richard Holmes offers a remarkable reappraisal of Churchill by examining the influences that shaped his character. Drawing upon never-before-seen materials such as letters between the young Churchill and his parents, Holmes paints the most complete portrait to date of the man who stood up to Hitler and led his people to victory against all odds. Detailing the decisive events of Churchill's life -- from his childhood to his experiences in the Boer War through his rapid rise in politics -- Holmes demonstrates the central role Churchill's character played in the key decisions of his public life. With an already inflated sense of self, Churchill had several lucky escapes in combat -- in the Boer War and in the trenches of WWI -- convincing him that he was saved for a reason and was destined for greatness. In the Footsteps of Churchill uncovers a surprisingly different Churchill -- both admirable and difficult -- through the lens of his character. |
From inside the book
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Page 7
... world influence what I wrote. It has been far harder with Winston. Indeed, the fact that I generally refer to him in these pages as Winston is indicative, for I would no more have routinely styled Wellington Arthur than I would have ...
... world influence what I wrote. It has been far harder with Winston. Indeed, the fact that I generally refer to him in these pages as Winston is indicative, for I would no more have routinely styled Wellington Arthur than I would have ...
Page 8
... world had ever seen were all part of the heady cocktail that he took to Downing Street in 1940. This is not a full-dress biography that catalogues each twist and turn of a long life. It is instead an effort to illuminate the character ...
... world had ever seen were all part of the heady cocktail that he took to Downing Street in 1940. This is not a full-dress biography that catalogues each twist and turn of a long life. It is instead an effort to illuminate the character ...
Page 9
... world-girdling arrogance, but there has always been an earthy, buccaneering streak in the British character, and it was strongly represented in him.There can be no doubt that his love of the British people and his own unbounded self ...
... world-girdling arrogance, but there has always been an earthy, buccaneering streak in the British character, and it was strongly represented in him.There can be no doubt that his love of the British people and his own unbounded self ...
Page 11
... world seems content to accept that he was indeed a great man, albeit of and for his time, in Britain his reputation remains one of those issues that never quite seem to achieve closure. Part of the reason is that for all our apparent ...
... world seems content to accept that he was indeed a great man, albeit of and for his time, in Britain his reputation remains one of those issues that never quite seem to achieve closure. Part of the reason is that for all our apparent ...
Page 12
... World War II. Therefore, he argued, the refusal to capitulate in 1940 was not Britain's finest hour but the time when, misled by Winston, the nation ruined itself, a consummation devoutly wished for and partly engineered by the ...
... World War II. Therefore, he argued, the refusal to capitulate in 1940 was not Britain's finest hour but the time when, misled by Winston, the nation ruined itself, a consummation devoutly wished for and partly engineered by the ...
Contents
6 | |
20 | |
39 | |
The Tattered Flag 19011911 | 71 |
First Lord 19111915 and 19391940 | 95 |
The Great Betrayal 19141929 | 124 |
Climacteric 19291935 | 151 |
In the Wings 19361940 | 175 |
Centre Stage 19401942 | 202 |
Supporting Role 19421944 | 235 |
Final Act 19451965 | 271 |
Death Shall Have No Dominion | 294 |
Broadcast of 16 November 1934 302 | 343 |
The Atlantic Charter 308 | 343 |
Notes and References 317 | 344 |
Picture Credits | 351 |
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Common terms and phrases
accepted action Admiral Allied American armed army attack authority battle became become believed better Britain British called campaign Churchill civil close command Commons Conservative continued death defeat defence doubt early effect election Europe expressed fact fight followed force France French Front future German give hand Home hope House India industry interest Italy John knew Labour land later lead leader less Liberal lives Lloyd George London Lord major March matter military naval Navy never once operations Party political Prime Minister production reason remained responsibility result Royal Secretary September served ships social speech staff strategic things thought tion took trade Union United Volume votes Winston World wrote
Popular passages
Page 324 - Second, they desire to see no territorial changes that do not accord with the freely expressed wishes of the peoples concerned; ^ -Jhird, they respect the right of- all peoples to choose the form of government under which they will live; and they wish to see sovereign rights and self-government restored to those who have been forcibly deprived of them...
Page 211 - ... we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the new world, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.
Page 13 - Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world, Like a Colossus ; and we petty men Walk under his huge legs, and peep about To find ourselves dishonourable graves.
Page 47 - Far-called, our navies melt away, On dune and headland sinks the fire; Lo all our pomp of yesterday Is one with Nineveh and Tyre.
Page 88 - The mood and temper of the public in regard to the treatment of crime and criminals is one of the most unfailing tests of the civilization of any country.
Page 201 - I was conscious of a profound sense of relief. At last I had the authority to give directions over the whole scene. I felt as if I were walking with destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial.
Page 324 - FOURTH, they will endeavor, with due respect for their existing obligations, to further the enjoyment by all States, great or small, victor or vanquished, of access, on equal terms, to the trade and to the raw materials of the world which are needed for their economic prosperity...
Page 324 - First, their countries seek no aggrandizement, territorial or other; Second, they desire to see no territorial changes that do not accord with the freely expressed wishes of the peoples concerned; Third, they respect the right of all peoples to choose the form of government under which they will live; and they wish to see sovereign rights and self-government restored to those who have been forcibly deprived of them...
Page 290 - I am now going to say something that will astonish you. The first step in the re-creation of the European family must be a partnership between France and Germany. In this way only can France recover the moral leadership of Europe. There can be no revival of Europe without a spiritually great France and a spiritually great Germany.
Page 324 - Sixth, after the final destruction of the Nazi tyranny, they hope to see established a peace which will afford to all nations the means of dwelling in safety within their own boundaries, and which will afford assurance that all the men in all the lands may live out their lives in freedom from fear and want...