A rivetingly observant and well-written biography

I have never read/listened to a biography that was so immensely filled with well-written, well-researched and entertaining information as this one.



Be prepared to spend the time on this book - it is a very long biography of a man with a very long and extremely full life that changed the course of history for so many of us.



Jenkins' style of writing is a joy to listen to and expertly read by Robert Whitfield (who is unknown to me) - brimming with helpful and elegant interpretation and ever adding snippets of information setting the tone or background of a particular event, the part played by a side character, or simply filling in to help history-weak readers like myself.



Jenkins is rather ((too?) discrete about the darker moments in Churchill's life, but they are there, as they should be in a proper biography.



Little, often humourous, comments are interspersed thorughout the book - much appreciated.



As I have not read other biographies on Churchill, I am unable to make comparisons. Suffice it to say that I have enjoyed "meeting" Sir Winston in this way (I have been through it two - and partly three - times so far) and can wholeheartedly recommend it. Interested in Churchill? - read it! Interested in history? - read it! Just wanting to be entertained while being inspired by a great statesman? Enjoy!

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11 people found this helpful

An incredible tour de force

Loved every minute of it! It provided a balanced and ultimately fascinating insight into the greatest Prime Minister of the last century.

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A politically savvy biography studded with brilliantly chosen anecdotes. Less hagiographic than Manchester, superbly written

Jenkins brings no new material and no original research to the story. However his magpie eye for a great quote and his deep marinading in politics makes this the most enjoyable, surprisingly soufflé like biography of the great man. This is the best bio for general readers.

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A fantastic story and excellently read. I would highly recommend this book and will read it again sometime

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Remarkably well read

Whilst Jenkins did the back breaking work he has been fabulously well served by a narrator in Simon Vance . It makes the work a pleasure to listen to time and time again.The depth of Jenkins' knowledge brings us that step closer to getting to know the real Churchill although some bias in his writing appears. His hesitation to delve deeper into Churchill's 'black dog' persona & reveal his weaknesses alongside his strengths is a shame. thats not to say he dent touch on them . He does.
Nonetheless, the skill with which Jenkins covers Churchill's life & his ability to distill and précis such a full life into an eminently 'readable' book feels like a gift to society.

One of my best audibles of all time.

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Who knows what they want to be! Winston S. Churchill did. With statecraft and an iron will, and BAM!

Being physically disabled from my military service has very few benefits. But it has allowed me to learn different skills. I can appreciate with WSC about his service. But he knows where he's going and it won't be an easy task but Simon Vance escorts you on WSC 's journey every step and pitfall along the way, this is where my disabled vantage helps me, as I have the time to listen and listen, this is not an audio book for the odd minute here and there, this is the life of a legend, a statesman and a leader of men. We know he's not perfect, he knows that too. This is an epic well worth the ride. I'm not disabled now. I'm just different, with attitude thanks to WSC. Recommend 110%

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Really excellent!

Really interesting. The besy audio book I have bought and worth every penny. Robert Whitfield is a very easy voice to listen to and Roy Jenkins has covered all the angles. I cannot rate it highly enough.

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5 people found this helpful

Epic

Bit of a marathon but worth the effort. Recommended for serious history buffs but bear in mind the length if you only have a passing interest.

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1 person found this helpful

Absolutely fabulous!

This is a massive work of industry into the personal and political life of a twentieth century legend. Everyone has heard of Churchill and most people know something about the great man though mostly only as a wartime leader.
This book reveals the person, warts and all, and the historic background to two world wars that shaped Churchill as much as he shaped those wars. It clarifies why he changed political parties several times to follow his convictions, how he spent the wilderness inter war years and why the Conservatives lost the election immediately after WWII. The detail during both world wars is as informative about the wars themselves as much as about Churchill’s roles in them.
The narrator changes his voice very effectively for different characters that are quoted. I loved when he quoted from Churchill by speaking like him. It’s not mimicking but a useful way to bring life to the pages and keep the story interesting.
The book reveals a man driven by duty who was both brave and bold. He was not perfect and his mistakes are explained. His faults were at times his strengths. You learn at the same time lots of British and world history so the historical backdrop to his life is as informative as the biography itself.
The book is a real tour de force!

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Loved this book

I grew up just after the war and in my household Churchill was in a quiet way accepted as a hero. He was the background to my patent’s life prior to my birth. This book made me realise why to so many of my parent’s generation he was a revered presence. I think that without him at the helm in Britain’s war effort, it is doubtful that Hitler would have been defeated. As a member of the generation that followed that era I feel a debt of gratitude to him and to the generation he led to victory against one of the most evil regimes that has ever existed.

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