The reviewer praises William Manchester's detailed and sympathetic biography of Winston Churchill but critiques its lack of analytical depth and inconsistent portrayal of Churchill as both a great man and a product of a fading era. The review highlights Manchester's defense of Churchill against modern criticisms while noting erratic historical judgments.
William Manchester's biography of Winston Churchill, 'The Last Lion: Visions of Glory, 1874-1932,' presents two central theses: Churchill as a towering figure of brilliance and courage, and Churchill as an epiphenomenon shaped by a fading Victorian era. The reviewer appreciates the detailed narrative and sympathetic portrayal but finds the analysis shallow and the presentation of Churchill contradictory. Manchester's defense of Churchill against modern criticisms is noted, but the historical judgments are deemed erratic and unsupported. The review concludes by highlighting the schizophrenic portrayal of Churchill, reflecting a division within Manchester's own perspective. While the biography is engaging, the lack of depth in analysis leaves the reader wanting more.
Quick quotes
Manchester sets out to make the case for Churchill, beginning as early as page 27, where he quotes Churchill: “. . . I was brought up in that state of civilization when it was everywhere accepted that men are born unequal.
As a conservative in the purest sense — a defender of freedom, justice, and the great achievements of the past — he saw civilization gravely endangered [by Bolshevism].
He was truly a lion of a man.