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 6
... once observed,'when nations are strong they are not always just, and when they wish to be just they are no longer strong'.2 And yet it is remarkable that if the cultural landscape has been so profoundly transformed, the physical ...
... once observed,'when nations are strong they are not always just, and when they wish to be just they are no longer strong'.2 And yet it is remarkable that if the cultural landscape has been so profoundly transformed, the physical ...
Page 14
... once becomes apparent.Winston was not alone in believing Gandhi a clever barrister first and a Hindu mystic some way second, and dislike of politically ambitious lawyers, even if dark-skinned, cannot be branded necessarily racist ...
... once becomes apparent.Winston was not alone in believing Gandhi a clever barrister first and a Hindu mystic some way second, and dislike of politically ambitious lawyers, even if dark-skinned, cannot be branded necessarily racist ...
Page 19
... . ... In the long and slow and sad music of humanity he once sounded an English and noble note which some of us were blessed to receive and to remember.25 CHAPTER ONE FATHER TO THE MAN 1874–1895 There is an 19 Introduction.
... . ... In the long and slow and sad music of humanity he once sounded an English and noble note which some of us were blessed to receive and to remember.25 CHAPTER ONE FATHER TO THE MAN 1874–1895 There is an 19 Introduction.
Page 20
... his eternal boyishness. His was not the calculating seducer's charm but rather the beguiling appeal of a child, expecting affectionate compliance as though by right. He once said that all 20 CHAPTER ONE: Father to the Man 1874–1895.
... his eternal boyishness. His was not the calculating seducer's charm but rather the beguiling appeal of a child, expecting affectionate compliance as though by right. He once said that all 20 CHAPTER ONE: Father to the Man 1874–1895.
Page 21
Richard Holmes. compliance as though by right. He once said that all babies looked like him, but a truer statement might have been that all babies would wish to have lives like his: usually at the centre of a doting coterie, wishes ...
Richard Holmes. compliance as though by right. He once said that all babies looked like him, but a truer statement might have been that all babies would wish to have lives like his: usually at the centre of a doting coterie, wishes ...
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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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...