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)

Fascinating!

Loved the information in the book. Not only was history of Churchill interesting, the history and mores of the culture were very enlightening. The narrator does an excellent job with all of the character voices.

Magnificent

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

The narration and, in fact, the performance of this book by Frederick Davidson is not only entertaining, but compelling.

What did you like best about this story?

The great prose.

Which character – as performed by Frederick Davidson – was your favorite?

All, but especially WSC.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Any additional comments?

LOVED IT!!

Great book and wonderful performance

I’ve enjoyed this book immensely! I’ve learned so much about Churchill, the history of the British Empire during his lifetime. Churchill lived through momentous times as a pivotal player in those times. I’ve had to drive a lot for work of late and this excellent book has made the going so much more pleasurable. Highly recommended.

I don’t ordinarily gush about the reading of a book but this man does such a stellar job of it! That makes the book come to life. He has different voices for different people, different voices for the same persons at different times in their lives. He does all manner of accents, he sings songs. He reaches high and if he falters its only very very rarely and only because of the ambition with which he approaches his performance.

superb story superb reader

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

Frederick Davidson is the perfect reader for this life of Churchill series. Perfect voice, perfect tone, he's not just "reading" -- but bringing the story alive. My of my Audible choices are based on his narration.

What does Frederick Davidson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Frederick Davidson bring the story alive because he's not just "reading" the book -- he's a consummate story-teller in his narrative qualities. Whether it's Dickens or Wodehouse, a mystery or an historical series, Davidson is exceptional.

Any additional comments?

Why in heaven did you have anyone else but Davidson narrate the final book in this series? That was a huge mistake ... and incredibly aggravating to all of us Davidson fans who have purchased the previous Churchill books.

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!