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)

A great finale for the first two volumes!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Volume 3 to be better than the print version?

N/A

What other book might you compare The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Volume 3 to and why?

The Last Lion: Volume 1

Have you listened to any of Clive Chafer and Paul Reid ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to either before. Great job!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Unknown

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the entire series. The last Volume was by far my favorite.

Narrator not as good as the 1st

I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator of the first part of the trilogy more than this one. It almost felt as if I was suffering through to complete the great man’s life.

A must listen

I always knew W C was a great man, but I had no idea how incredible his determination was. The world truly wouldn't have be the same without W C.

Great effort

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

Its a pity that the American Author reads the prolog - could not imagine a Brit reading the pro log of a book on Washington.

Having said that Paul Reid has done an excellent job at re-creating the events that shaped the World we currently enjoy.

Suggest you skip the prolog (I did) and sit back and enjoy.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Winston

Which scene was your favorite?

Every moment

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The Lion Roars

Wonderful

The story is phenomenal. Reading is only slightly below vol 1 and 2, but still top-notch. M

A finale worthy of the man

I was riveted to this audio book from start to finish. The three book series has kept me entertained and informed for the last two months. I was sorry to get to the end. Churchill’s bust belongs in the White House for all time and all Americans can learn from his example.

Paul Reid is Remarkable

I had heard that this book was a let down due to William Manchester's untimely strokes, but Paul Reid nailed it. It's a superb book (incidentally very well performed), but more importantly, it was true to Manchester in every sense. Mr. Reid deserves tremendous credit for his ability to replicate his predecessor's voice without in any way diminishing the quality or style of the work. A climax and close to an epic trilogy.

A great listen

Not only a great story, but also a great performance. I highly recommend this book.

Just a note about the American reader

Any additional comments?

To answer the review of someone who complained about the "American narrator": it surprised me too, until I realized that only the first part of the narration was read by Paul Reid, the co-author, he of the broad accent and mis-pronunciations. After he has described the character of Churchill, the competent (and British) Clive Chafer comes in and picks up the story. So just hang in there for the intro: it's a couple of hours long, but smooth sailing from then on. And after all, it was an American (in fact, two) who wrote this, so their voice should be in there somewhere!

The Complete Churchill

What did you love best about The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Volume 3?

I liked the level of detail which is included in this volume. It contains many details which I have not encountered in either biographies of Churchill or accounts of the 2nd World War. An example is the descriptions of the ebbs and flows of support for Churchill during his time as prime minister during the war. Also, the information about the people who surrounded and assisted him during this period is very well done and informative.

Which scene was your favorite?

All of the descriptions of his personal quirks, which were many and fascinating. Examples of this are his drinking and the schedule which he kept during the blitz. Also, the scenes which describe his single minded determination to defeat Germany once he was given responsibility for the war give real insight into his greatness.

Any additional comments?

This is must reading for anyone interested in Churchill and/or the 2nd World War.