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)

Overwhelming in detail, but an enjoyable listen

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

I have not read the print version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The book goes into great depth for Winston's life, and his childhood is especially sad in that his parents never spent much time with him. He treats his own children much better.

Which scene was your favorite?

There are sever scenes which I enjoyed, Churchill had a very interesting life and the story is compelling enough to get me to listen to all 41 HOURS of the first volume. Looking forward to the second volume.

Masterpiece

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

Outstanding narration, story and pacing. While I admit that I am somewhat of an Anglophile and a history buff, the author makes the passing decades come alive and does not just focus on Churchill. Clearly Manchester is on Churchill's side, but he does acknowledge some of Churchill's foibles. Nary a dull moment and excellent for those who are Churchill enthusiasts or want to get a thumbnail sketch of Queen Victoria's England.
Additionally the narrator brought the material to life and I might not have enjoyed it so much, but his his talent.

fantastic history

Churchill was an amazing character and handled adversity better than any character I've ever read about.

Frederick Davidson reads Churchill biography

Twice Frederick Davidson sings in this eloquent biography of Churchill. The Churchill accent is spectacular and so on and so forth.

Inspiring

Brilliantly written, witty, comprehensive, insightful, inspiring. Can't recommend highly enough. Looking forward to reading the next two books in the trilogy.

I’m Too American

Probably me, I have nothing against a little snobbery but this narrator’s ultra snobby swallowing his words so I have to strain to understand wtf he is talking about affectations must be clashing with my down to earth American over/simplicity. The biography itself is fine but I should have picked a narrator who pronounces ‘r’. Ah. Pahdon mah candah.

Superb Narrator

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

Yes. Winston Churchill is a fascinating historical figure and one that was pivotal to how the 20th Century turned out. To know more about him and his life and times is to better appreciate where we are now.

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

Davidson mimics Churchill's voice very well and makes it very entertaining to listen to this monumental work of history.

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

What do you mean its not possible, do you know who I am, I'm Winston S. Churchill.

Absolutely first rate

Not only an incredibly well written biography done by a biographic wizard, but narration that brings this very long story alive. Short of hearing Churchill tell his own story, I can't imagine a better job.

A Great Lesson of England's History

A comprehensive journey of England's history and place in the world. An incredible foray into Victorian society. it's a lesson to all who think they cannot achieve greatness because of a parent's lack of attention. By 20th and 21st century social welfare system accounts churchill should be on the dole or in prison with years of therapy because of his parental influenece. very interesting book, sooo much information. took a long time to get through.

Remarkable Achievement

Tremendous in scope that fully captures the life of Churchill from his childhood with letters to his neglectful parents, his school days, military career, time in South Africa and political career. Mining through the extensive Churchill documents and those of his contemporaries includes their diaries to distill the essence of the man and produce this at times chatty insight into one of the key figures of the 20th century is an amazing accomplishment. Churchill’s likes and dislikes, his foibles, his keen insights, and deep prejudices are, I think, laid out against the background of events in panoramic style. I highly recommend this first volume of Winston Churchill.