Customer Reviews

Churchill's History of the English Speaking Peoples

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I read this series a number of years back. Sir Winston Churchill put together a fascinating guide to the development of British civilization, ranging from the Roman conquest of Britain all the way into the dawn of the 20th century. It is clear from the reading that Churchill was quite proud of his British heritage. And why not? The British managed to rule nearly every corner of the globe and to have virtual command of the global economy. Churchill presented this as a logical progression from England's national awakening through such pivotal events as the Reformation and the Glorious Revolution. Also noteworthy is his chronicle of "the Great Democracies" and their role in spreading British civilization. While this book will annoy the PC crowd, I argue that it is a classic work on the rise of a great and enduring civilization.

This paperback is the Henry Steele Commager edition which is ABRIDGED. The abridgement is not totally clear from the description or photo of the book as the cover says "arranged by" and the pages turn out to have very big print on them and lots of pictures. Mr. Commager apparently felt a need to edit Churchill and concentrate on subjects like the American Civil War, thinking that that's what an American audience would like to read. Unfortunately, this American wanted to read just what Churchill wrote - a history of ALL the English-speaking peoples. The last thing I need is another book with a focus on the American Civil War alone, as we have tons of those available! If you are interested in subjects like Australia and pre-Roman Britain, DON'T buy this paperback 4-volume Commager edition. I learned the hard way after I already paid for and received this book, and I had to buy another set of volumes to read what I wanted to read.

The book is fascinating for those who love history. I like it so much I will probably buy the 4 volume set.

I was most disappointed with this selection. I thought I was buying the complete 4 volume set in hardcover by Churchill and paid over $130.00. What I received was one paperback book, 400 plus pages, condensed to less than half the 4 volume set. I do not expect to pay this kind of money for one paperback book. It was not at all what I ordered or expected. Churchill is one of the most erudite writers of the 20th century and the gentleman who condensed this volume even took the trouble to reduce his more colorful language to words every child will understand. Pitiful.