The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Volume I: Visions of Glory 1874-1932

By: William Manchester

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

Length: 41 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Winston Churchill is perhaps the most important political figure of the 20th century. His great oratory and leadership during the Second World War were only part of his huge breadth of experience and achievement. Studying his life is a fascinating way to imbibe the history of his era and gain insight into key events that have shaped our time.

In political office at the end of WWI, Churchill foresaw the folly of Versailles and feared what a crippled Germany would do to the balance of power. In his years in the political wilderness, from 1931 to 1939, he alone of all British public men, continually raised his voice against Hitler and his appeasers. For over 50 years, he was constantly involved in, and usually at the center of, the most important events of his age. It was, however, his obduracy on matters of principle, his fortitude in the face of opposition, and his perseverance in standing alone that defined him.

©1983 William Manchester (P)1990 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Manchester is not only a master of detail but also of 'the big picture'....I daresay most Americans reading The Last Lion will relish it immensely." ( National Review)
"[Manchester] can claim the considerable achievement of having assembled enough powerful evidence to support Isaiah Berlin's judgment of Churchill as the largest human being of our time." (Alistair Cooke)

Tip Top

Highly recommend. A truly great story of extraordinary man read to perfection by the narrator.

Favorite even better the fourth time around

Yes, this makes it four times that I have immersed myself in the life of Winston Churchill. This is the first time I have listened to the book, however, and the experience was superb. The late great Frederick Davidson is the narrator of this book and he imbues his reading with just the right amount of Churchillian verbal swagger. Indeed, I am a little apprehensive of listening to the second and third volumes because they do not have Davidson as the reader. Still, the subject is such a great one that I am sure I will love it too.

Churchill is the giant of the twentieth century, at least the first half of it anyway. But what makes this book so enthralling is that this is Churchill in the decades before he became an icon. From his days as a neglected son to his uneven career as an MP and a Minister in varying capacities (Exchequeur, Admiralty) we see a man who absorbs the lessons of his distinguished heritage and the troubled life and career most particularly of his tragic father and applies them to the changing landscape of British politics and international crises. We also get valuable insight into Churchill as an author, a journalist, a painter, and most charmingly, as a wit.

It is hard not to like Churchill even when he is behaving not particularly well. Even though this is a biography written by a man who clearly admired his subject, Manchester doesn't gloss over Churchill's sins and flaws. Churchill was undeniably an egoist and seems to have retained many nineteenth century values and opinions well into the twentieth. Nonetheless, Churchill achieved so much largely it seems through force of intellect and energy. This book concludes as Churchill begins the crucial and, for him, defining part of his legend--the struggle to awaken the oblivious British political leadership to the enormity of the Nazi threat.

This is not an unbiased account. That being said, it is marvelous literature and stands the test of time. Manchester unfortunately died early on in the writing of volume 3 of this series. This first one remains the finest, or at least my personal favorite, and is one that every lover of history, or at least good biography, will enjoy.

wonderful

I am so enthralled by the detail on this book that I have been unable to put it down.. cant wait to start the next volune..

comprehensive biography

This book can best be described as an in-depth comprehensive biography of Winston Churchill.

although it is 41 hours long I found it interesting and for the most part captivating

exactly what a biography should be

I've read several biography stories in my life and most seem to be lack luster and never dive into who the man/woman was. That is not the case with Manchesters telling, a riveting story of a great man's life well done.

P.S. there is some background talking at certain points in the books reading reason for the four stars not five.

a reminder

a must for a reminder of the prices paid and lives lost for out present day luxury.

Fantastic in every regard

The text, performance and recording are top notch. Even though it's quite long I just couldn't stop listening. Churchill is presented here as a person instead of the familiar caricature; by turns inspiring, hilarious and frustrating. He lived "in interesting times" as the bust goes but seems to have been made especially for it.

The narrators impersonation is awesome. Several times I laughed out loud or shed a tear. Super can't wait for volume 2!

Overwhelming in detail, but an enjoyable listen

Would you consider the audio edition of The Last Lion to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The book goes into great depth for Winston's life, and his childhood is especially sad in that his parents never spent much time with him. He treats his own children much better.

Which scene was your favorite?

There are sever scenes which I enjoyed, Churchill had a very interesting life and the story is compelling enough to get me to listen to all 41 HOURS of the first volume. Looking forward to the second volume.

Masterpiece

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Outstanding narration, story and pacing. While I admit that I am somewhat of an Anglophile and a history buff, the author makes the passing decades come alive and does not just focus on Churchill. Clearly Manchester is on Churchill's side, but he does acknowledge some of Churchill's foibles. Nary a dull moment and excellent for those who are Churchill enthusiasts or want to get a thumbnail sketch of Queen Victoria's England.
Additionally the narrator brought the material to life and I might not have enjoyed it so much, but his his talent.

fantastic history

Churchill was an amazing character and handled adversity better than any character I've ever read about.