The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill by

The long-awaited final volume of William Manchester's legendary biography of Winston Churchill. Spanning the years of 1940-1965, 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 conjured up by William Manchester and Paul Reid is a man of indomitable courage, lightning fast intellect, and an irresistible will to action. THE LAST LION brilliantly recounts how Churchill organized his nation's military response and defense; compelled FDR into supporting 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 twenty 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.

Reviews

Claremont Review of Books · 2020-01-01

sympathetic 3.75

The biography is marked by a deep sympathy for Churchill and attempts to portray him through his own perspective, often defending his flaws by contextualizing them within the values of his time. This approach offers readers a way to appreciate Churchill's deeds while also revealing the author's personal admiration and reluctance to judge Churchill by modern standards.

This review highlights William Manchester's dual approach in the biography: on one hand, a close sympathy for Churchill that allows readers to understand his character and decisions through Churchill's own viewpoint; on the other hand, a personal effort to honor Churchill, sometimes at the expense of critical distance. The author notably shields Churchill from contemporary criticism by invoking Victorian-era values, which can come across as a protective stance rather than objective analysis. Despite these tensions, the biography succeeds in presenting Churchill’s deeds and words in a way that prepares readers to form their own judgments, fulfilling the primary purpose of biography.

Quick quotes

The Last Lion is sometimes moved by a plain sympathy for Churchill, and in that mood, it gets very close to Churchill's own way of looking at things.

Manchester is not revealing previously unknown facts; nor, for that matter, is he condensing the existing record for a popular audience.

He finds the notion of “Victorian standards” serviceable as a kind of insulation to protect Churchill from the derision of fashionable opinion today.

Bob On Books · 2017-06-30

detailed 4.00

The final volume of Manchester’s Churchill biography offers a comprehensive look at Churchill’s leadership during WWII, blending war history with personal and political insights. Although the war dominates the narrative, it provides essential context for understanding Churchill’s character and decisions.

This review reflects a long-standing engagement with Manchester’s work and an appreciation for the exhaustive detail covering Churchill’s wartime leadership and post-war years. The intertwining of Churchill’s personal traits with the dramatic historical events of WWII reveals how inseparable the leader was from the times he shaped. The reviewer notes that the volume’s focus on war is necessary to grasp Churchill’s impact and character, making it a compelling if dense read for those interested in both biography and history.

Quick quotes

Most of this volume (approximately 800 pages) covers the war years.

It was impossible to understand the character and specific actions of Churchill’s leadership except against the canvas of the war.

Churchill’s presence among the ruins, inspiring people by the fact that he was there.

Goodreads · 2015-01-01

insightful 4.25

The biography offers a detailed and vivid portrait of Churchill as both a man and politician, highlighting his personal habits and steadfastness in the face of political opposition. The book is dense but rewarding, providing rich insights into Britain's build-up to World War II and Churchill's pivotal role.

This review appreciates the biography for fleshing out the complexities of Churchill beyond the usual stereotypes, illuminating his unique personality traits and political resilience. The detailed narrative captures the mounting sense of crisis in Europe and underscores Churchill's emergence as Britain's key hope during a turbulent era. While the book’s density may challenge some readers, its depth and historical insight make it a valuable and enlightening experience, especially for those interested in the political climate leading to World War II.

Quick quotes

Manchester fleshes out the entire Churchill, from his twice a day baths, his eccentric food habits at his country estate and even his counseling of Edward VIII prior to his abdication.

The reader will surely take away a great deal from the experience and feel the advancing sense of doom with each part of the book.

The selection of Churchill as prime minister is the only hope Britain has of righting itself, though he cannot do it alone.

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