Customer Reviews

The Second World War, Volume 1: The Gathering Storm

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As with virtually everything he did in life, Winston Churchill wrote his six volume history of the Second World War with many goals: As the Prime Minister of Britain (and--equally importantly--a member of the "right" class), Churchill had access to volumes of original documents. As the Prime Minister during the War, he was in a unique position to understand the relationship of those documents to real events. As a central actor, he had a huge incentive to prepare the first draft of history...to place himself in the best possible light. As a conservative politician out of power when he wrote, he sought to warn the world of the looming communist menace. Finally, as a long time practitioner of written English, he had an unparalleled command of the language. In this volume, Churchill successfully blends together all of these personas to create an absolutely riveting history of the prelude to the Second World War--from the close of World War One to the invasion of Belgium.

Churchill's mastery of English is reason enough to read this book. For example, in describing the British government's constant debates over what to do about German rearmament, Churchill says the British were "frothing pious platitudes while foeman forge their arms". Very seldom do I have to turn to a dictionary while reading, but Churchill sent me there regularly.
But do not think that this is just a book to be read to enjoy his use of language. His detailed account of how we got into the Second World War, and how we might have avoided it, is incisive and persuasively argued. And always watch for the subtext--his warning that the appeasement on Germany was then (in the 1950's) being repeated in the appeasement of the Soviet Union.
Churchill's weakness flows directly from his strength. As a prime actor, he saw (and describes) the war entirely from the "balance of power", or large political perspective. The plight of the Jews in Germany is barely mentioned. He pays virtually no attention to the internal politics of the U.S.--which ultimately proved decisive in the war. And he virtually ignores the growing war in the far east.
With that limitation in mind, this is a book everyone interested in understanding the Second World War--and everyone who enjoys the creative use of the English language--should read.

Winston Churchill, in addition to his well-deserved reputation as a great war-time leader and statesman, also has a well-deserved reputation as a prolific author and historian. His six volume history of the Second World War, recently re-issued and now readily available, part history, part memoir, is a must read original source for any student of the War.

Obviously, what makes Churchill's history of the War unique is his involvement in so much of the narrative. He is alone among the great leaders in recording his experiences of this period. But this work is not merely a memoir of his role in the War but rather a complete work of historical scholarship in and of itself. In this book, volume one, Churchill covers the period from the end of the Great War in 1919 until the invasion of France and the fall of the Chamberlain government in 1940. The book is divided into two parts, the first "From War to War" briefly covers developments in Britain and Germany during the twenties that relate to the rise of Hitler and the growing menace of Germany in the thirties. The bulk of this section is devoted to the folly of Britain and France in allowing a toothless Germany to reach military parity with and then greatly surpass the abilities of the two Democracies. Churchill covers all the major events and gives his views on them, including his exclusion from the government and his frustrating inability to affect the course of events. His criticism is surprisingly muted, however. In his characteristic way, Churchill allows his adversaries' own words of folly to speak for themselves. His criticism after the fact his actually a good deal tamer than his speeches to Parliament during this period. Some of this may have to do with the fact of his reconciliation with Chamberlain after the beginning of the War.

The second part of the book, "the Twilight War" covers the period from September 1939 until the invasion of the West in the Spring of 1940. With the mind of a military thinker, Churchill details the naval challenges to Britain from he very start of the war, including the need to protect merchant shipping and the need to secure England's northern Baltic ports. In this section as well, Churchill chronicles the political and diplomatic difficulties of the early part of the war. Included of course, in his typically understated fashion, is the story of his return to power, first as First Lord of the Admiralty then as Prime Minister after the fall of the Chamberlain government. It is on this note that the book concludes, saving the story of the Fall of France and Britain's lonely stand for the second volume.

Churchill's way with the pen is incomparable. His use of the written English language is remarkable. As a history, this book is comprehensive and excellent. He makes much use of original sources, particularly regarding German actions. Its only weakness as a history is the lack of Churchill's detachment from the events of which he writes. But this weakness of the book as a history is its strength as a biography. Churchill's insights into the times in which he lived and the famous people with whom he dealt are invaluable. In this book, his description of Molotov as a perfect robot is priceless. Churchill states that the theme to this volume is "How the English-Speaking people's...allowed the wicked to re-arm." It is a lesson also covered in Manchester's "The Last Lion Volume Two-Alone." It is a lesson still invaluable today.

I just finished reading The Gathering Storm. I have read other books about World War II including, A Man Called Intrepid. This has been, by far, the best. Winston Churchill shows himself to be not only a great statesman, but also an increadibly articulate writer.
First, the story captured me by his tremendous grasp and use of the English language. Churchill's writing is very understandable even though he uses very proper or "High" English. His words draw you in and paint pictures in your mind. It was easy to feel as if you were in the story.
Secondly, Churchill tells an incredible story of suffering, perserverance, sacrifice and honor. Churchill describes how people served with honor and respect without regard to their own needs. History is so easily forgotten but fills such an enormous void in society. Churchill turned his very life over to the country and to the world in order that good would win out over the evil of Nazi Germany and Hitler.
Churchill does not just tell of the things that were done right. In fact, the bulk of the book tells primarily of the failure of the Allies to prevent war. Churchill presents a valuable lesson that dictators and bullies can not be tamed by appeasement. The dictator's appetite grows with every inch given over. Churchill also points out his own failures and mistakes, never once trying to shift the blame or make an excuse.
The Gathering Storm should be a lesson to all of the consequences of thinking that "if it doesn't affect me I don't care". It is a valuable history lesson for all. It is also an excellent book on being a leader. Churchill shows that being a leader is not about being famous and winning admiration. It is about self-sacrifice and thinking of the greater good.
This should be required reading for all high school students as well as every politician. We all need to remember what a tremendous price was paid for us. Winston Churchill was one of the worlds greatest leaders and heroes.

The key point to be learnt from this volume of Churchill's memoirs is that history proved him correct. Through all the years leading up to World War II, Churchill alone understood the Nazi menace.

Every step along the road of appeasement was another potentially destructive step for democracy. It fed the Nazi appetite for power and revenge. Appeasement was also incredibly naïve although this is said with the benefit of hindsight. Churchill, by way of contrast, was saying these things at the time. He saw the dangers in turning a blind eye to the surrender of the Rhineland, Austria and finally Czechoslovakia. The line drawn at Poland was too late. It meant that the war had to be fought from a weaker position than could have otherwise been the case if the democracies of western Europe had taken an earlier stand.

Churchill's memoirs are long on detail and probably meant for a keen reader of modern history. Do not let this fact alienate potential readers. Churchill actually made history and his views remain relevant.

In his preface Churchill states that one day president Roosevelt asked him for suggestions as to what the war should be called. He replied at once " the Unnecessary War "

While hindsight is always 20-20, it is impossible to read this brilliant account without coming to the conclusion that Churchill was giving way to understatement. The absurd idiocies of the governments of the victorious Allies of The Great War from 1918 to 1939 were so blatantly appalling as to be beyond belief.

To name just one, there was strong pressure in the British Parliament and Press to have France, in the interest of fair play (?) reduce its army by half and allow Germany to double its own.-- As Hitler was rallying millions to his banner.

The chapter on Hitler is perhaps the best. To quote Churchill again: " When eventually he came to power there was no book (Mein Kempf) which deserved more careful study from the rulers, political and military , of the Allied powers. All was there . . . "

But the Allies, embroiled with their own party strifes, took little notice.

Juncture after juncture, The Second World War could have easily been avoided. Repeat, easily.

For readers only familiar with Churchill's reputation as an orator, this is a chance to get to know why so many justly regard him as one of the greatest prose writers of the 20th century.

Furthermore, neither Hitler, Roosevelt, nor Stalin had the means or inclination to give an insider's first rate account of the war. Here you will see it from the summit, blow by blow.

It is indeed a tragedy, but one superbly told.

If you have never before read Churchill, you're about to discover why it is that his work stands alone: it is because there is no one who has used the English language quite like he did. In this area his work ranks as pure artistry.

This is not to overshadow his efforts as an historian; his history of the increasingly tempestuous thirties--in which he was largely in the political wilderness--is insightful, and it is one of the only times in the entire six-volume series in which he writes from outside a position of political power. By this point in his writing career he had a lifetime of experience at the trade--indeed, it's mainly how he paid the bills--and it shows in his observations about the situations he witnessed. Even the discussions of Parliamentary wrangling are made interesting.

As an interesting bonus, the back of this (and each other) volume is filled with memos, letters and notes that document what was going on at the time. They run the gamut from formal notifications of this or that to Churchill's grousing about the run-down look of the Admiralty's flag. It must have taken a whole room to hold all the source material for this series.

If you love the masterful use of English, or take any interest in the history of the Second World War, many happy hours await you. There is no reason I can think of why one should not simply save on the shipping and get all six in one go.

Churchill gathered his researchers and secretaries and wrote an account of the events of World War II. These memoirs would span a work of six volumes, and added with his other literary achievements win for him the Noble Prize in Literature. The 'Gathering Storm', Volume I, starts with the end of World War I..the war to end all wars..and concludes on May 10,1940 with Germany's invasion of the Low Countries(Holland/Belgium) and France. May 10 was also the day that Neville Chamberlain resigned as Prime Minister and Churchill was asked, by the King, to form a new Government...in effect becoming the new head of Government or Prime Minister.

This is a work that is well worth reading. The contents and wisdom are just as relevant today as then. Churchill was relentless in his opinions, good and not-so-good, and did all in his power to try and stem the coming war. He had the advantage of being in the early government as First Lord of the Admiralty from 1911 to 1915. Driven into the wilderness years by forcing the Darnanelles,..a plan he still maintained would have worked if not for the 'timid observationists'..he would still keep active in governmental affairs and had enough connections to keep up-to-date with current events. Chamberlain, in 1939, would put him back into the Admiralty as First Lord..ironically going full circle back to his old office. Now with victory and hindsight, he was in the enviable position to see and write about the events that took place, and what could have happened if certain plans had or hadn't been implemented.

Churchill states that all the trials he went through prepared him for the great task of war. Had he remained in office, the position of Prime Minister would never have come his way. He would have been swept out of office with the failed administration. Those 'invisible wings' of fate were watching out for him. He was freed from party antagonisms and with six years of warning, about the oncoming events, no one could reproach him. What he had warned about was now real and the future was not certain. Churchill felt he knew a great deal about it all and was sure he could not fail. As Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, he now had the power to direct the whole scene. That was one of the areas I felt he craved more than any. The power to move the action forward on the offensive instead of always on the defensive.

Churchill wrote of the events that were transpiring with Germany's disregard for the Treaty of Versailles, Locarno and the failure at Munich. The rise of Hilter and his ascension to Chancellor, the absorption of Austria, the neutralization of Czechoslovakia, and the fall of Poland. The timidity of England and France to respond to the treaties and strike a blow for freedom in retaliation. He doesn't hold back his opinions and what he felt should have been done. As First Lord of the Admiralty he pushed for taking the port at Narvik Norway and found this plan changed from a sea strike to a failed pincer attack. He watched with frustration the failed, yet fortunate, attempt to tangle and embed the war on the Norwegian front. It was fortunate because shortly the war was to break full upon the Western Front and all was needed there. Norway ended the twilight or false war and moved the events forward into an all out compaign of total war.

The face and technology of war has changed over these many years. I doubt we'll ever see countries signing peace documents on battleships again. Unfortunately the reality is that war is still very much alive and with us. These facts alone make these volumes important reading. Possibly the most important aspect is that we can learn from a great man's experiences and hopefully not repeat the past. Well worth adding to the library.

This book is simply excellent. Winston Churchill is one who has a brilliant first-hand experience and does a great job sharing it with us.

One of the hallmarks of this book is its ability to keep the reader interested through real-life accounts of the times of war; in the War Rooms and in the minds of men.

It is also truly fascinating to watch as the whole of Europe fall prey to a nation which had been summarily defeated only a few decades prior. Winston is very good at pointing out the mistakes made by victorious nations in rebuilding the defeated. While Britain and the U.S. tried to help Germany get back on its legs after WWI, we were really helping them prepare to make war once again.

One particular interest I had was the treaties that were made, and constantly broken by the Germans. Perhaps never in recent history had a nation been so cynical in signing and then throwing its alliances away when it saw fit. The nation had truly turned into a thing of evil.

I will caution the reader about two points. Do not read this book unless you are prepared to see Germany, France and a bit of the U.S. in perhaps a new, and darkly colored light. All of these nations are at fault for a number of things during the war. Winston holds nothing back in letting the reader know how simply horrible Germany was at that time, how weak France was, and how the U.S. was far too hesitant and should have come to Britain's aid sooner than it had.

A final note of caution, do not expect the Art of War. This book rarely delves into the real thought process as to why decisions were made. It tells of the emotions but not of the decision making process in a number of situations where it would have fit in well.

I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in history, and its making.

The Second World War by Winston S. Churchill is THE work on the conflict. Churchill's graceful command of the English language, his personal role in the conduct of the war, and the broad scope of the work, from the origins of the war to its execution, make this the best book on the topic.

This first book in the series explains the causes of the war to the reader. One of the most powerful passages is a one page summary of Hitler's philosophy as set forth in MEIN KAMPF - Churchill read Hitler's book, and, unlike his contemporaries in the Western democracies, the British leader very clearly understood the threat Hitler posed to the world.

Rated the number one book on leadership in time of war by HUMAN EVENTS in 2004, The Second World War will take about a month to read (for someone with a job and family) - time well invested in understanding the massive conflict of the 20th Century that still shapes our globe.

As a once and future Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (he was defeated in 1945) Churchill's easy access to documents, world leaders and generals made him uniquely suited to this ambitious task. I doubt any other mere author of the day could have filled one volume of the six he wrote.

Reviewer: Chuck DeVore is a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2010, a California State Assemblyman, he served as a Special Assistant for Foreign Affairs in the Department of Defense from 1986 to 1988, retired from the Army National Guard as a lieutenant colonel, and is the co-author of "China Attacks."

During and after my recent reading of Cameron Watt's book, "How War Came," I thought of Churchill's "The Gathering Storm." They both deal with the same subject: causes of and events leading to World War II. Having read TGS twenty years ago my memories of it were vague. But I remembered it as eloquently written and one of the better reads of my life (I'm 62 and have probably read about 1,000 books). Then I thought, "Maybe time has made me remember 'TGS' as better than it actually is." So I decided to reread it, and have just finished.

"TGS" is not as good as I remembered. Yes, Churchill writes well, with sharp diction and some good turns of phrase. His prose is not perfect, however. (Whose is?) Some of his sentences are too long, sometimes obscure. He does not write with the fluid, streamlined prose of a contemporary professional author. Nevertheless TGS is readable and is far easier and more fun to read than "How War Came."

Compared to "How War Came," TGS barely scratches the surface of diplomacy during the year before war was declared. Then again, much of what Watt says is excessive and uninteresting. And "How War Came" barely scratches the surface regarding WWII causes and related events that take place before the Munich conference in 1938. But TGS says next to nothing about Japan and the U.S., including leaders, politics, and diplomacy. "How War Came" has some very interesting moments, but the reader needs to sludge through some awful prose to get to them.

The superlative thing about TGS, and the thing that makes it a classic, is its personality. It is written by one of history's foremost characters. Looking at the pre-WWII period and the first part of the war through the eyes and mind of one of the Big Four (Hitler, Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin), is a rare literary experience and is pleasantly fulfilling. Churchill gives us no more than a few peeks at his domestic life. Still, the political-military narrative is decidedly personal.

Except for the charts, the appendices are boring. If you're reading just for entertainment, don't bother with them, even when Churchill refers you to them. But do treat yourself to the narrative.