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)

A tour de force!

Fascinating recount of the life of WC until WWII. Very detailed analysis. Some portions surprisingly are R rated.

Awesome series

Love every aspect of it as a Churchill fan. Best things I’ve seen of the man.

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.