Churchill: A Study in Greatness (Hardcover)

by Geoffrey Best (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"a rich portrait, presenting the man's great virtues and small vices in the right proportions and restoring him to his proper place as a giant of the twentiet century." –W. F. Deedes
-- Review

Review

"a rich portrait, presenting the man's great virtues and small vices in the right proportions and restoring him to his proper place as a giant of the twentiet century." –W. F. Deedes

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Hambledon & London (September 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852852534
• ISBN-13: 978-1852852535
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #752,374 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A splendid biography, September 26, 2001

By	Jose Maria Navarro (Zaragoza, Spain) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Mr. Geoffrey Best is a remarkable historian and, possibly as important to the reader, a talented writer. Of course the subject of his study, Winston Churchill, is a captivating one: he was the most important politician in the most important country, and the time he had to live through was plenty with momentous events. There are, at least, three reasons which qualify the book as splendid: First, it is magnificently written, so it`s a pleasure to read. Second, it condenses the life of W.C. in just over 300 pages, which is a notable feat considering such a rich and interesting life (of course most of the details cannot be dealt with), and, third, wherever the author comes across a historically conflictive subject -for example the battle of Gallipolli- he gives a balanced opiníon. So Mr. Geoffrey Best succeeds in conveying to us a vivid image of a character whose actions and words are still reflected in our time.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars True Greatness, April 24, 2003

By	JMack (Chicago) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Geoffrey Best undertakes an unenviable task with this book. He attempts to capture the life of one of England's greatest leaders in one book. Best is successful in his attempt.

While it is obviously impossible to list all of Churchill's great stories and accomplishments in just over 300 pages, Best is entertaining in his approach. While this chronological tale may be a bit dry to the average reader, those who enjoy history will embrace this book. Best documents Churchill's attitude that he was destined for greatness early in life, discusses many of his war strategies, and is thorough enough to look into Churchill's family and personal life. Many people are unaware of the tragic lives of his three children, all of which are alluded to in this book. There truly is more to this man than is demontrated in the common pictures history books record of him.

Churchill worked toward bettering England and world almost unitl his death. This man who was largely self taught played a large role in shaping contemporary Europe even when he was no longer the Prime Miister. Even when his idea of the United States of Europe failed, he continued to be an early proponent of arms control and ending communism. The chapters which discuss his later years are among the most fascinating parts of this book.

Books on the life of Churchill can go into much greater detail than this. This book is an excellent starter for learning about the life of Churchill.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Thoughts and opinions on Winston Churchill, June 20, 2006

By	JoeV "Reader" (Arlington Hts, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Churchill: A Study in Greatness (Paperback)

Not a true biography but more than just a compilation of essays concerning Churchill's life and times, the author provides us with a 300+ page synopsis/chronology with a sprinkling of his thoughts, insights and conclusions. I found nothing new or "earth-shattering" here. On the other hand it makes a nice supplement, (i.e. much like Meachem's book on FDR and Churchill), to biographys/books I have read. If you are looking for a full-fledged bio start elsewhere, (Manchester or Gilbert), and if your interest is piqued as mine was, come back to this one.