The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Volume 3

Defender of the Realm, 1940-1965

By: William Manchester, Paul Reid

Narrated by: Clive Chafer, Paul Reid

Length: 53 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Spanning the years 1940 to 1965, Defender of the Realm, the third volume of William Manchester’s The Last Lion, picks up shortly after Winston Churchill became prime minister - when his tiny island nation stood alone against the overwhelming might of Nazi Germany. The Churchill portrayed by Manchester and Reid is a man of indomitable courage, lightning-fast intellect, and an irresistible will to action.

This volume brilliantly recounts how Churchill organized his nation’s military response and defense, compelled President Roosevelt to support America’s beleaguered cousins, and personified the "never surrender" ethos that helped the Allies win the war, while at the same time adapting himself and his country to the inevitable shift of world power from the British Empire to the United States.

More than 20 years in the making, The Last Lion presents a revelatory and unparalleled portrait of this brilliant, flawed, and dynamic leader. This is popular history at its most stirring.

©2012 John Manchester, Julie Manchester, Laurie Manchester and Paul Reid; published by arrangement with John Manchester, Julie Manchester and Laurie Manchester (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc

Critic reviews

"Before his death in 2004, an ill Manchester asked former Cox newspapers journalist Reid to take his research notes and finish writing the final volume of his trilogy. The long-delayed majestic account of Winston Churchill’s last 25 years is worth the wait…. Manchester matches the outstanding quality of biographers such as Robert Caro and Edmund Morris, joining this elite bank of writers who devote their lives to one subject." ( Publishers Weekly)

"General readers, as always, will be taken by [Manchester's] boundless abilities as a storyteller…. Essential for Manchester collectors, WWII buffs, and Churchill completists." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"A big book but reads easily…. The finished book is a worthy conclusion to what must be considered one of the most thorough treatments of Churchill so far produced. An essential conclusion to Manchester's magnum opus." ( Library Journal)

Love it!

This is a fantastic story told exceedingly well. The narrator is also fantastic. I've listened to it four times through and have enjoyed it immensely every time.

great book

learned about history of the past which is a glimpse of what we are headed to.

A spectacular tour de force.

The best of all of the Churchill books that I've read.. More than worth the many hours that it takes to listen to an excellent portrayal of one of the greatest figures in world history

Incredible

A great bio of a great man. Easily listened to, not dry history.
Will make you smile and laugh.
Thoroughly recommended.

Warning for volume three

Any additional comments?

If you listened to the first two volumes, one likely felt that this was an outstanding biography. However, if you did not know that Mr. Manchester had died before he could flinish the third, brace yourself. The third was completed by another writer and they use a different narrator. I have no criticism of the author's writing (based on Manchester's notes) thought it does seem to lack in comparison to Manchester), but change in narration took quite a while for me to get used to. In all, certainly not reasons not to listen to Volume Three, but there is a bit of a let down here underscoring what an achievement the first two volumes are.

I really feel that ive lost a dearest friend.

By the end of the third book the man's jokes, attitudes and reactions give you a sense of kinship with one of the greatest leaders of all time. in addition to the extreme sense of historical familiarity, you also fall in love with the details of Churchill's life and his character. I'm glad I spent the time to listen to this book despite the at times difficult narration in comparison to the readers of the first two books. highly suggest you this book.

Gave me a new appreciation for the British Spirit

This wonderful history of the war through the eyes of one of the world's greatest statesmen imbued me with a new appreciation for the British Spirit during the dark times of the second world War. I came to learn that although America may have been the victor of that war, it was Britain who won it. That victory was due in no small part to a man who kept the tide of evil in check during Europe's darkest hour. I already want to read it again.

Completely transformed my view of WW2. Superb!

i had no idea how superficial my knowledge a out ww2 was until i read this book. long but superbly written. Highly recommend also Panzer Commander by Hans von luck. what a rare experience in these two books.

A Great Man

I never thought I would make it through all 7 but Winston held my attention though out this remarkable account.

Great leader, great history

What made the experience of listening to The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Volume 3 the most enjoyable?

Worried that Manchester did not write the book but this is great history well written