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)

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.

A Window into the Past

Manchester brings dead facts to life in this biography. I feel like I was Churchill's invisabe friend. Its sad when you realize he has been dead for over 40 years. I miss him.

Enthralling

A depiction not only of Churchill's early life, but of the character and circumstances of the Victorian world that shaped him. If Churchill had died at the close of this volume — before performing any of the great feats with which he is associated today — Manchester's work would stand as a testament to why he still ought to be counted among the most visionary statesmen of his generation.

A masterful biography of the origins of a political genius.

I found this biography to be one of the most satisfying listens in all of my audible library. I have many and this is one of the best.

Unlike many others I found this reading to be excellent. Very British and eccentric - perfect depiction of Churchill's Victorian origins.

Highly recommended!

I am looking forward to reading the entire trilogy

The narrator was amazing. He changed his voice often to reflect the character who was speaking. Well done from a historical standpoint and very interesting and entertaining as well.

William Manchester Churchhill volume one

The story of Mr. Churchhill's life is exquisitely interesting and important. Manchester is the genius, and the reader, Mr. Davidson, is perhaps the best of all the readers I have ever listen to. She is in especially adept presenter of The meaning between the lines and his ability to do the different voices is spectacular!

Exquisite performance

Amazing narration by Davidson. Superb research and story. Highly recommended. Will listen to the rest of the series without a doubt.

Great book, painful audio mastering

It is nearly impossible to turn up the Volume loud enough to listen to - with even just an air conditioner on - without being deafened by the hissing treble of the actors enunciation. He's a great reader but audible app. Desperately needs a graphic equalizer!!

Engaging and well read.

Would you listen to The Last Lion again? Why?

Maybe, I'm a big fan of Winston Churchill and I found this book to be a very honest biography that provides tremendous insight into his incredible life. The reader of this book is outstanding with terrific command of the various characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was really unaware of the challenges Winston had in his early years and the disconnect between him and his parents. It was inspiring to see how much he had to overcome and the fierce determination that appeared very early and would be evident throughout his life.

Any additional comments?

This is a very entertaining and informative book that provides real insight into Winston Churchill and the events that shaped his life.

Regarding both volumes.

Any additional comments?

Regarding both volumes there is much to like: they are superbly written and, of course, the subject could not be more interesting. However, in answer to the question by a prior reviewer of "what's not to like?," there are some very questionable historical assertions, particularly in volume two.

One example is characteristic of Manchester's sometimes reckless scholarship. He states as fact that had Hitler not entered into the Munich agreement and ordered the invasion of Czechoslovakia that Hadler had in place coup plans that he was about to order. This assertion relies for the most part on post-war trial testimony by German generals who were trying to get out from under the charge of agreesive war. It is very questionable. As most historians show (read Evans and Kershaw for example) there was a lot of plotting and talking going on in some elements of the German military but there is no hard evidence that a coup had reached a final organizational stage and would have be successful it it had. In fact, it wasn't until German was partically on its knees and the war was clearly lost in July of 1944 that they finally did something and even then it didn't work.

Another example of many in volume two is the assertion that the offensive plan for the May 1940 was Hitler's original idea. Of course, he later claimed it was and he certainly gets credit for going with a great plan, but most historians agree the idea did not originate with him. I could go on.

It really got so I had to fact check constantly in volume two. Any there was some of it In volume one. For a much for convincing discussion of Churchill's relationship with Fischer, which Manchester presents as inexplicable, see Gallipoli by Robert James. It's kind of like what Manchester did with The Death of a President where he took something that was true (that there was a climate of right wing hate in Dallas) and connected to Kennedy's killing. In fact there was no connection between the two because Kennedy was killed by a left wing activitist who had just tried to kill a leading right wing figure in Texas 8 months before killed Kennedy. Or what Manchester did with what people thought were his Pacific War memiors where he just made things up. Having said all this, they are very enjoyable books. I just hope (particularly in volume one) that there aren't too many errors I didn't caught.