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)

Informative and entertaining

Persevere through the original reader ( a very short time) who, for this book, is surpassed by the magnificent reader, who quickly follows. His ability to quote complete with accents makes the book far more entertaining. It is an excellent t way to understand the background, personalities and decision making. The lesson: the importance of a leader and never give up

A fitting conclusion to an astounding trilogy

There are simply no words. The finest biography I have ever read about a man who changed the face of history. I believe Manchester would be happy to see Reid's conclusion to this beautiful work which adds not only outstanding global context to the events but brings Churchill to brilliant life as he is meant to be viewed. Absolutely fascinating. (Side note: many have complained of the narrator however on 1.25x speed it is quite enjoyable and the cadence sounds more natural).

A man of Character

This and the others in the three volumes are history lived and not just observed. At times I was worried that the 2nd W. war would be lost!
Great job of bringing the character in its full meaning to life. Bob Griffin

The Gripping Story of Winston Churchill's Life

A world history? No, but so great was Winston Churchill's impact on it, that to read of his life is to see history fleshed out, as never before in my readings. Over 3000 pages, yet this reader's interest never waned or flagged.

Winston's childhood and desperate, though scorned, desire for his parents' love made me ache. His quick, biting, wit made me laugh aloud. His courage to fight unflaggingly for what was best for both Britain and the world, at the cost of the Empire, and his bulldog pursuit for protection of victimized nations and people swelled my heart. His love of battle strategies and the glory of dying bravely in self-sacrifice, while simultaneously hating the need for war and doggedly pursuing world peace, made me want to speak up more bravely and fight more sacrificially for justice. Here. Now.

His death at the end made me weep as if I had known, loved, and lost him.

"REMEMBER WINSTON CHURCHILL."

wonderful.

I cannot think of a better book to finish this large biography. it somehow manages to capture in vivid heart breaking reality the incredible life of a truly great man. my appreciation and wonder of Churchill has only grown after these books.

Amazing

One of the best biographies I have read. This three volume book set raced through. Sad to see it end.

Great book

This book is so great. Love the details about one of the greatest men of all time.

A notch below the first two volumes, but still magnificent

Some say skip the 3rd volume as it wasn’t written by Manchester; they’re wrong. This is still perhaps the best account of Churchill during WWII and beyond, and while some of the prose and figures of speech are strained in their eagerness to emulate Manchester’s distinct style (and also Reid dips into the same well for quotes too often, most noticeably oddly Goebbels), more often than not Reid accords himself brilliantly. The narration is solid, but benefits from being at 1.1x speed for a more natural diction.

Amazing Man, Great Story

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

I have a theory for biographies: if they don't bore you in at least a few sections, they are not worth reading. That being said, this volume was my favorite of the series. The book maintained a good pace with a grounded view of Winston from a variety of sources. After ~125 hours of hearing of his life, I feel like I know him now.

What did you like best about this story?

After listening to this biography, I am amazed at his genius, strength of will, ability to overcome obstacles and faith & love in humanity.

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

I cried at his death.

Outstanding!

Well written and well spoken. I've listened to 100's of Audible Book Recordings and this is in the top five along with "The Boys in the Boat."