Churchill Style: The Art of Being Winston Churchill [Hardcover]

Barry Singer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2012

One of the most iconic and endlessly fascinating figures of the 20th century, Winston Churchill has been the subject of any number of books, but none of them have analyzed his lifestyle as a way to really understand the man. This book features a vivid and entertaining timeline of his public history, but also focuses on the more personal, nonwork aspects of his day-to-day life, covering topics such as autos, books, cigars, dining, fashion, home, libations, and pastimes. Churchill lived an extravagant life, but in reality did not have much money. His ability to live well beyond his means is a lesson that will intrigue many.

Praise for Churchill Style:

“Despite the hundreds of books written on the wartime leader, there has been surprisingly little compiled on his lifestyle. Barry Singer—a writer, self-described Churchill fanatic and proprietor of Manhattan's Chartwell Booksellers (which touts itself as "the world's only Winston Churchill bookshop")—has corrected the deficit." —Wall Street Journal

"There’s a good deal to like about this jaunty book . . . In brief, Churchill lived beyond his means and appears to have enjoyed every minute of it. Churchill Style puts on display his resourcefulness at doing it." —Buffalo News

“Hundreds of books have been written about Winston Churchill, most of which focus on his military service and his leadership during both World Wars, but none assess his personal style like Barry Singer does in Churchill Style: The Art of Being Winston Churchill.” —Cool Hunting.com

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Barry Singer has been the proprietor of Chartwell Booksellers in New York City, the only bookshop devoted to the works of Churchill, for more than 25 years. Singer is also a New York Times notable author and a regular contributor to the New York Times Arts & Leisure section, among many others. Michael Korda is a writer, novelist, and former publishing executive.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Abrams Image (May 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081099643X
• ISBN-13: 978-0810996434
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.9 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #288,834 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #58 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( C ) > Churchill, Winston
  • #82 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > U.K. Prime Ministers

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Red velvet and cigars--Churchill's personal style in a unique bio April 29, 2012

By Joanna Daneman #1 HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

This is an unusual biography and I truly enjoyed it--Winston Churchill, that towering figure from World War II is described in terms of his clothing, his furniture, cigars, personal objects and tastes. I don't think I can recall another such book and I liked it so much, I hope the author will write some more of these book about iconic figures of our recent history.

I am old enough to remember Churchill--he died when I was thirteen, so he was an important figure even for me--and more so for my parents who lived through World War II. It's hard to describe how people felt about him if you are younger but he was, even for Americans, almost presidential and beloved as a strong figure who was a lighthouse of hope and courage in a desperately bleak time.

The layout of this book is absolutely beautiful: nicely formatted text with excellent photos of Churchill at various times in public, and at home, photos of his home Chartwell, casual scenes (painting at an easel), photos with Roosevelt, and pictures of personal effects such as cigar bands, a custom lap desk and oddly enough, a red velvet jumpsuit he liked to wear as a sort of lounging suit. I've never seen any of these pictures before and they are fascinating and throw an entirely different light on Churchill's mannerisms and habits.

The book contains a brief outline of Churchill's life and some interesting anecdotes, among which, his comment that if his father had been American rather than his mother, he might, he said as he addressed the US Congress, have got there on his own. His relationship with Roosevelt, who was sometimes obstructive if not outright duplicitous in his dealings with the British, are briefly but poignantly outlined.

This is a terrific book that would be of interest to anyone who loves history, or a Anglophile, or anyone interested in Churchill and WWII. I found it not only interesting and full of stories I did not know, but it is just beautiful to look at and read. Highly recommended.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Winston Is Back" April 16, 2012

By Christian Schlect VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

A fine and favorable overview of Winston Churchill's life, interlayed with remarks on homes, cigars, whiskeys, hats, automobiles, siren-suits, and other of his attachments that, in sum, produced his unmatchable personal style.

This short volume is a joy. While it will be of interest to the seasoned reader of all things Churchill, it also would serve to provide a good launching point for one just being introduced to the greatest man of the last century.

Barry Singer has produced a special biographical book; which, in both terms of visual layout and substance, is worthy of its subject.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for any Churchill Buff May 9, 2012

By J P. Rich

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have read nearly all of the biographies of Churchill (and numerous other books about him) and this is the most downright fun to read. The author is a truly fine writer as well as an expert on Churchill. What makes this book so much fun to read either in snippets "draughts" is the structure: short "chapters" covering everything from his political fortunes to the apartments and homes he lived in at various times in his life to the cars he drove to the cigars, food and drink he preferred (the reports of his drinking, other than champagne, have been greatly exaggerated) to the clothing he wore to his daily habits.

If you're a Churchill fan, you'll see photographs you've never seen before and learn a few things about the man that you likely didn't know. If you know someone who doesn't know very much about Churchill, this is the book to get them to read. A must.