Book Review: Winston Churchill by Dr Christopher Catherwood

Last Updated: 18 October 2021

AD* | This brief and fascinating biography examines every facet of Churchill’s life, from his birth at Blenheim Palace, his tumultuous early political career at Westminster, his inspirational wartime leadership, to his final years as the grand old man of world politics.

Renowned for guiding Britain through the tumultuous Second World War, Churchill was a master orator whose speeches echo through history. But there is more to the man than his official words and photos. Winston Churchill reveals that hidden life, tracking his nine decades from early childhood to his last days. Churchill’s personal letters, documents, and speeches combine to create a unique illustrated portrait of this remarkable man - including his failings, such as the disastrous Gallipoli campaign, the creation of Iraq in 1921, and his blind spot over India. This exciting, colourful exploration of a political titan’s life is a definite must-read.

Winston Churchill is one of the greatest figures in British history and he is known around the world for his brilliance whilst leading the fight against Hitler and Nazi Germany during World War II. This pocket-size guide digs beneath the surface of the legend to reveal the man underneath, explaining exactly how Churchill became the household name he remains today, more than fifty years after his death. 

The book takes a chronological walk through Churchill's life. It begins with his unhappy childhood before progressing to his budding journalistic career, his first forays into politics, and then explaining the events that led to his becoming Prime Minister and the decisions which would help determine the outcome of the war. 

By the very nature of the book, the facts are outlined simply and clearly, with little speculation or contemporary commentary which allows the reader to form their own opinion of Churchill. Each chapter of his life is broken down into bite-size chunks, with key events and individuals highlighted throughout. 

All in all, this book provides a great starting point if you want to learn more about the life and career of the infamous Churchill. An interesting and informative read!

Rating: 3 stars

This compact guide to Winston Churchill is available to buy now.

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* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

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