Churchill: Walking with Destiny

I very much enjoyed reading this book. I wanted an in-depth account that didn't pull punches in examining Churchill, and this book did that. As a very controversial figure, Churchill is usually either overly lionized or critisized, and I think this book does a good job of highlighting his all-too-human faults as well as his outstanding achievements both as a world-moving figure and as what sounds like a wonderful man. Like most great men, I wouldn't have wanted to work for him, but his vision and courage were truly astounding. I highly recommend this read to learn more.

Andrew Roberts’ biography of the man who tens of millions worldwide regarded in 1945 as “probably the greatest man alive” is a highly literate page-turner full of fresh perspectives. While not eschewing controversies which dogged Churchill’s reputation throughout his career (most of them exaggerated and stoked by jealous political rivals), Roberts presents the facts & detailed evidence in each case, allowing the reader to draw his/her own conclusions. Among hundreds of previously-published biographies of Churchill, this might justifiably claim to be the best-ever, certainly in a single volume. Roberts’ narrative structure is that of traditional classic biography with a chronological timeline. Alongside the public parliamentary battles and legion of detractors Churchill created by ‘crossing the floor’ not once but twice before 1922 (to more effectively champion his centrist/liberal positions in support of home rule for Ireland, women’s suffrage, the introduction of the welfare state and House of Lords reform), mistakes in the conduct of the First World War are not glossed over but recounted in forensic detail which never fails to engage. Subsequent years ‘in the wilderness’ prior to his celebrated leadership through WW2 are matched by deep insights into Churchill's personal life, chronic financial difficulties and highly supportive marriage. The reader is reminded again and again of Churchill’s great resilience, legendary capacity for work and formidable oratory skill: in the 40 years prior to becoming PM in 1940, Churchill had given more than 1,000 public speeches in Parliament, at formal meetings or out ‘on the stump.’ One factor of which I was previously unaware was the great number of personal injuries Churchill suffered, particularly in his early 20s, including a four-times dislocated shoulder and many broken bones. Fearless - some might say foolhardy - in the presence of physical danger, Churchill was often under enemy fire right up to 1916 when as a serving MP with already a long record of active military service he nevertheless volunteered for the western front following the failure of the Dardanelles venture. He once observed: “Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result” and he was, indeed, shot at without result on numerous occasions. Churchill’s legendary impish wit and clever insight shines through even in situations of the gravest adversity. Roberts’ book is a fine lesson in how biography ought to be written and is highly recommended, especially to readers interested in this remarkable and important figure of the 20th century and not intimidated by the book’s >1,000 pages’ length. It’s an impressive achievement.

Unfortunately, I am almost finished this terrific book. Although I'm not an historian by profession, I have enjoyed most of it. The bits I didn't enjoy were the - often too many - details of the political wranglings and their sequelae. What was most enjoyable was WC's childhood background, his resilience in the face of stupidity and resistance, and his incredible insight into what could - and did - happen. Even while not particularly admiring WC's sense that imperialism is generally a 'good thing', it's forgivable in the light of his sense of altruism. What I would dearly loved to have known is why and how someone whose parents were clearly not supportive of him - in fact, the opposite (except in later years, his mother) - managed to not only survive into a grand old age, but was an amazing leader in a time of crisis. But then, the writer isn't a psychologist, I suppose. All in all, a very balanced view of the great man (who, I confess I hadn't much time for before reading the book). It highlights human nature at its best and worst.

It's a beast of a book. Huge amount of detail and full of quotes but a very interesting, and surprisingly easy, read. First few pages are coversed in maps and include a Winston Churchill family tree BUT misses a very important trick......no 'timeline' chart ! Something that would have been hugely useful in helping to put so much of the biography into context, especially in relation to the progress of the two World Wars. Maybe they will include one in any reprint.

Excellent book if you want to really understand the man. Too many revisionists will tell you about him being an imperialist rascist etc. This book clears that up . A must read for any scholar of history.

Its a magnificent read where the author dwells both onto the praises and the critical aspects of Churchill's life. Good from a neutrality point of view, since Churchill was shaped during the sunset of the Victorian era and most of his views in the modern world do no corelate to the values emphasized on back then.

Churchill était vraiment quelqu'un de 'larger than life', une des personnalités les plus marquantes du 20e siècle sans aucun doute. Ouvrage très instructif et bien écrit que je recommande sans hésitation.

Amazing biography by an amazing author. Dr. Roberts is a true storyteller. What I've enjoyed the most, is how he delivers insights about Churchill's private life. A true British icon indeed, and one of the best biographies I've read.

I've read other books about this great statesman and this one is far the best. A very detailed account of his thoughts, reflections and decisions. Quite lengthy but well worth the read. Recommended if you want insight into the greatest stateman of the 20th century.

Un libro che accende una luce su un personaggio chiave del secoño scorso. Un libro necessario per le vecchie generazioni, indispensabile per le nuove