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)

Powerful Human & Political Story, beautifully told

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

Oh, yes. The reader is simply spectacular.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Winny.

Have you listened to any of Frederick Davidson???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Don't know whether I have or not, but Davidson has to be one of the best readers ever.

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

No, much too long.

Any additional comments?

It's an endlessly fascinating story. I've listened to it now, several times. Manchester is a worldclass writer, but what makes it all work is Davidson. He absolutely channels Churchill. He turns a book into an experience.

The Most Interesting Man In the World

Any additional comments?

It's difficult to convey how remarkable and influential Sir Winston Churchill was to the unfolding of the 20th century and, in fact, the fate of the world. It's also hard to explain how many truly bizarre turns he experienced throughout his life. His sad, strange upbringing coupled with a brilliance unmatched by any of his peers turns this early-years biography into an epic journey repleat with danger, disappointment, intrige, betrayal and triumph. Even his fiercest detractors admired him for his ample gifts.What a joy to have this first volume narrated by Frederick Davidson whose masterful Churchillian mimickery brings Victorian and Eduardian England to vivid life.There are times where the level of detail is such that the mind drifts away momentarily, but I think that's a function of Manchester's desire to get it all down while there were contemporaries who knew Churchill personally. Do yourself a favor and do not skip this volume to jump into the war years. This book is well worth the telling nd certainly worth a listen. Well done!

Fascinating reading

For those who are interested in history, this book is fascinating. Manchester not only chronicles Churchill’s life, but also situates his life in the era. Thus one gets a rich sense of late 19th & early 20th century life in England and the major events of that time. Yes, the book is very long, but I listened a few hours at a time over many days and always looked forward to hearing more.

New found respect for Churchill

I have read many bits and pieces about Churchill over the years; after all, it is impossible to learn about WW2 without encountering Churchill. William Manchester's ability to weave historical facts, meaningful information and world events provides us with a vivid and intimate depiction of Churchill's pre WW2 life and accomplishments.

If you only ever read one book about Churchill, this should be the one.

Outstanding

Excellent, and exceptional book.
Well written. Keeps you wanting more.
It all makes complete sense.
Hurrah! Can't wait to continue to the next.

Great.

Outstanding an riveting account of WSC. Was very pleased with the narration. Amazon is forcing me to write eight words.

Amaxing !

This is an enthralling story of the life and times of an incomparable human being. It is well worth the time.

Best narration AND narrative

Narration is usually a let down for audiobooks, but in this case quite the opposite. It really added richness to an amazing biography.

Briliant!!

Where does The Last Lion rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Tough call...but, the best I've invested in to date.

What did you like best about this story?

The sweep of History and geopolitics--an amazing story.

Any additional comments?

See more detailed comments in VOL 2 review.

phenomenal

I loved it and I purchased the rest of the volumes too. it is rare that a biography does justice to its' subject!