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Churchill Audiobook
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(3.02) - 1,094 listener ratings
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In Churchill, critically acclaimed historian Paul Johnson explores the complex and fascinating character of Winston Churchill-the soldier, orator, and statesman who shined brightest during Britain's darkest hours. From his forays into the far-flung corners of the empire as cavalry officer and correspondent to his warnings of impending crisis as historian and Parliamentarian, Churchill faced the winds and tides of change with remarkable versatility and tenacity. "A brilliant writer . in full command of the music of words."-Baltimore Sun
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"I love historian Paul Johnson and I love biographies on Winston Churchill so when I found this combination of favorites I knew it had to be a good read. Johnson wrote this book when he was 81 years old which may explain why it's so short, only 168 pages. But Johnson has a magical way of capturing the salient features of even a complex life like Churchill's. The stories behind several of Churchill's famous quotes and experiences are captured as are personal insights into his habits, relationships, and character. Johnson, in his usual form, also captures Churchill's insights into and, consequently, his profound direct impact global politics. Great as a biography. Great as a survey of western 20th century history. The close of this book may be unique among Churchill biographies, but it is quite typical of the insightful Johnson who elucidates 5 primary lessons from Churchill's life. These include aim high in life, work hard, never despair, never carry a bitter spirit (Nixon?), and, being absent of hatred, leave plenty of room for joy. Churchill's life exemplified all these lessons in a large way. He was the model of magnanimity. I had the pleasure and could not abandon the opportunity of reading this last chapter on lessons to my four children. May the perhaps model their lives after as great a man as this."
— Paul (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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A brilliant writer … in full command of the music of words.
— Baltimore Sun
Churchill Listener Reviews
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" "Churchill", by Paul Johnson< is a fabulous, short biography of Winston Churchill. So much has been written about Winston Churchill that it is always hard to imagine why anyone needs to write another book about him. I have often been hesitant to start one of the lengthy, in depth biographies about him because it seems as if I'd need months to complete it. And I know I would want to complete it, because Churchill is one of my favorite people. I find him truly astonishing in so many ways -- especially in the wide variety of pursuits he managed to tackle with a high level of quality and commitment (as a politician, soldier, writer and historian, painter, husband and father). Paul Johnson has written a lively, entertaining and accessible portrait of Churchill. One reviewer described it by saying that Johnson has written a book that allows us to spend some time in the company of Churchill, and it is really true. It would be hard to find a better biography with which to spend a few afternoons or evenings and it will leave you inspired and awed. "
— Joel, 2/15/2014 -
" Accurate, informative and well written. Churchill is to modern history as Aristotle to Ancient Philosophy. "
— Giancarlo, 2/11/2014 -
" Thought it was time to read about the man who inspired so many in my parents' and grandparents' generations. Churchill had an interesting life, and I enjoyed reading about his challenges and triumphs. This book inspired me to read more of his speaches and writings because while his life was interesting, whenever his speaches were quoted, I could really feel the passion he had for people. "
— Heather, 2/9/2014 -
" Churchill was one of two great men in the 20th century who was on the good side of bad events. Like Zelig, he always was seen in the center of them (the Depression, World War II). This biography is an entertaining but not very deep retelling of Churchill's life and times. "
— Peter, 2/8/2014 -
" This was a very fast-moving and interesting read. I wish I were more familiar with British politics though. There were a few chapters that had me scratching my head. Overall it was enjoyable. A quick read too. I thought it would be a tome when I bought the book. Pleasantly surprised with how much was in such a short amount of pages! "
— L., 1/29/2014 -
" I enjoyed the book but would have liked to have known more about Churchill's relationships with his wife and children and his faith (nothing mentioned). "
— Gale, 1/17/2014 -
" good short coverage of Churchill's life, quick read "
— Chuck, 12/14/2013 -
" Short and sweet. A nice introduction. Later I'd like to read a more lengthy biography of the man. "
— Zachariah, 11/15/2013 -
" I enjoyed finding out more about Churchill but this wasn't the most interesting read. "
— Phyllis, 10/23/2013 -
" This was an interesting biography in that it was short and not full of details, yet wove a fascinating picture of a great leader. It was more of an analysis of his character and what made him successful. I enjoyed it. "
— Jane, 7/1/2013 -
" While learning about Churchill's tremendous feats and marks of character, I often found that Johnson left me wanting so much more. I also found the writing style very abrupt and disengaging. "
— Ryan, 4/15/2013 -
" Churchill isn't as likeable person as Robert Frost. "
— Marva, 1/14/2013 -
" A piercing primer on Churchill "
— Jesse, 7/1/2012 -
" Enjoyed this ambitious effort to fit the life of Churchill into 166 pages. Johnson's writing always captivates me. If you are looking for a quick and enjoyable read, this fits the bill. "
— Brett, 6/16/2012 -
" I really enjoyed the book, especially the epilogue, where Johnson pulls out five important lessons from Winston Churchill's full life. "
— Frank, 6/7/2012 -
" Pretty good. A fairly quick read. Doesn't give a lot of character insight and a little difficult to follow at times (partially because I know so little about British politics / political system). "
— Noah, 5/25/2012 -
" I really enjoyed this biography. Churchill was a wonder... I can't imagine what state England would have been in if he hadn't been a guiding force through the war. Anyone interested in history would enjoy it. It really sparked my interest in learning more about World War ll. "
— John, 5/2/2012 -
" Short, to the point, even inspirational at the end "
— Nigel, 1/4/2012 -
" A short biography of Winston Churchill by Paul Johnson. Gives a good look into the eccentricity and brilliance of Churchill. "
— Gary, 11/30/2011 -
" Biography of the many accomplishments of Winston Churchill. "
— Joel, 8/17/2011 -
" Good thing about the book -- it's short. Bad thing about the book -- it's short.... "
— Matt, 7/29/2011 -
" Very good overview of Churchill's life. Very brief: a good prep for further reading. It helped a lot that Johnson was acquainted with Churchill himself. "
— D., 7/14/2011 -
" An excellent small biography of a very interesting and influential man. "
— Dan, 5/21/2011 -
" This is the third biography of Churchill I have read but there were still new facts and infomation I did not get from the others. Althugh short, it is well written and provides a really good overview of the life of this talented and incredibly productive individual. "
— Maureen, 5/17/2011 -
" Churchill was an interesting man and it was good to see into some of his private life. I would have liked to see more quotes from this man who did so much for his country during World War II. "
— Virginia, 5/16/2011 -
" This was an interesting biography in that it was short and not full of details, yet wove a fascinating picture of a great leader. It was more of an analysis of his character and what made him successful. I enjoyed it. "
— Jane, 5/10/2011 -
" Wonderful and quick biography with great literary merit. "
— Andrew, 4/12/2011 -
" One of the best biographies I've read. "
— Seth, 3/20/2011 -
" We are all worms. But, I think that I am a glow worm. -WC "
— Mike, 3/13/2011 -
" Good thing about the book -- it's short. Bad thing about the book -- it's short.... "
— Matt, 2/28/2011 -
" A short but interesting biography of Churchill by an historian that knew him. Johnson is an excellent historian and biographer. I only wish he had offered a more complete volume on the life of Churchill. The most consequential ginger of all time. "
— Nathan, 1/31/2011 -
" Johnson paints a vivid portrait of a man determined to be accepted and praised. Fascinating time period and very well researched. Would have given it a 5 had it not been for the author's pompousness, which was distracting from the incredible topic at hand. "
— John, 1/26/2011 -
" Excellent short biography by a historian whose personal experience adds insight to understanding Churchill. "
— Fred, 1/7/2011
About Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson, British author and historian, is the author of many books, including Modern Times, A History of the Jews, Intellectuals, The Birth of the Modern, and The Quest for God, which have been translated into many languages. He has been a frequent contributor to the Daily Telegraph, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Spectator, and other newspapers and magazines. He has lectured to academic, business, and political audiences all over the world.