No comments about Winston Churchill: Winston Churchill (Historic Lives).

No comments about Winston Churchill.

5 comments about Churchill's War: The Struggle for Power.

1. And they were right. David Irving tells a compelling story demonstrating that far from the great statesman view of media and historians, Winston was a drunken compulsive gambler heavily indebted to jewish financial interests, and repaid them by turning Englan against its natural ally Germany, which could and should have destroyed Bolshevism. Recall the "iron curtain" speech? Churchill should know-it was his fault.



2. Irving is a discredited "historian" of dubious credentials and poor reputation, but this book is fascinating in the creative manipulation of supposed new information. In that, Irving is at the top of his game. Sadly, one simply can't believe what he writes.



3. With the publication of Lord Alanbrooke's "War Diaries", and the (finally!) re-publication of Henry Williamson's "Lucifer Before Sunrise" and "The Gale of the World", Irving's well-documented, totally supported theses are independantly ond objectively confirmed. The mythologizing of the origins and conduct of World War II was begun by Churchill himself, and has accelerated in the last 20 years to a point that anyone not toeing the "politically correct" line is attacked as a Nazi sympathiser.

   Irving's early books were universally praised. Almost all authors of major works on Hitler's war leadership and the Wehrmacht High Command -- including the multi-volume official histories written by the MGFA (the German Federal Military History Research Office) -- cite Irving's own books or the sources he has uncovered and employed. However, the "political acceptibility" of the material uncovered (not fabricated) by Irving has lead to his current demonization.

   Sometimes, the truth isn't as pretty as we'd like it to be. And when it comes to World war 2, the "truth" is getting harder and harder to find.




4. I used to be a convinced Irving reader. Convinced that is that he represented an alternative view of history. This book is the one where he really departed from reality.

   All of Churchill's faults, alcoholism, cronyism, poor financial judgement, are high-lighted. The fact that he saved civilisation as we know it is ignored.

   The early Nazi leaders biographies and Hitlers War were interesting. I never even picked up on the holocaust denial views in there at the time.

   One is judged by the company one keeps......inspect the ranks of Irvings defenders nowadays.....This is not rational objective history.




5. This book, is not what I expected, I thought I was going to read a two volume bashing on the British leader during World War II. But instead, David Irving once more demonstrates his skills as a thorough researcher and an easy to follow writer. You get an intimate look into the life of Winston Churchill, you learn about his vices, his faults but also you grow to admire him, to admire his dexterity as a cunning, resourceful, manipulative and a brilliant man, you finish reading, the two volumes, understanding why he was the only man capable of being the Prime Minister and why he took the Allies to final victory.
   
   Along the pages you'll learn of a lot that things that happened 'behind the curtain', you'll know of military operations that you never heard to talk of before, as well as familiar topics as the Battle of Britain, the sinking of the Bismark, the Battle of the Atlantic, North Africa: Rommel vs Montgomery, the 'Dambusters', etc. Learn how the United Nations Organization was born, how the Manhattan project was put under way, or why at No.10 Downing Street they knew, beforehand, of every german military operation (and japanese too!); & you'll read about family gossips too.
   
   Let's hope that once David Irving is released from prison, he can conclude writing, and that he publishes the long awaited volume III. I'm sure that in several decades from now, and once this policy, politically motivated, of mental censorship be over, David Irving will go down in history as one of the best WWII historians.

No comments about Churchill: Retreat from Empire.

2 comments about Thirty Days: An Inside Account of Tony Blair at War.

1. "It's all very well being a pacifist, but to be a pacifist after september 11, that's something different." So says Tony Blair early in this behind-the-scenes look at the office of the British Prime Minister during 4 crucial weeks in march & april of 2003. During this time journalist Peter Stothard follows Mr. Blair to several important summit venues: Brussels for the EU, the Azores for the coalition-of-the-willing vis-a-vis Iraq, Camp David, & Belfast. We are also treated to some of what went on behind closed doors as Mr. Blair submitted his Iraq policy to an up-or-down vote in the House of Commons; which, had he lost, would have necessitated his resignation. That said, this journalistic book is more an agglomeration of snapshots than an accomplished whole. We learn what everyone already knew: that Blair was standing shoulder to shoulder with President Bush over Iraq on principle---Blair's religious side apparent here as well; & because it was in Britain's interest to do so; that the British were far more keen on the UN than Washington; that Mr. Blair relied heavily on his advisor Alastair Campbell, etc. In short, most of this book should already be known to anyone who followed British politics avidly on television and in serious newspapers either at the time and/or since. The value of this book, thus, lies more in the not-so-noteworthy incidental happenings obscured from public view that provide "color"---ie., personalize the individuals herein. Hence, we are treated to numerous occurrences the likes of this: Blair's convoy outside of his Downing Street residence starts off & then abruptly stops. "'He's forgotten his glasses.' 'Where are they?'" an aide in Number 10 asks another aide in the motorcade. "'Somewhere in the den,' she repeats the reply. She pushes open the door, but Jack Straw is already back on the Number 10 front step. Before there is time to ponder whether Lord Carrington would ever have left his car to fetch Margaret Thatcher's glasses, or whether Douglas Hurd would have made the same leap for John Major, Tony Blair's Foreign Secretary is back in the street with the trophy in his hand." Yes, such asides are interesting to characterize personalities and such, but when too numerous to count, can become as satisfying as several appetizers in lieu of dinner. Mind you, I didn't dislike this book. It is a very short read and has its moments. I'm just stating that it isn't as substancial as the above editorials make it out to be. I read its 234 pages in something over 6 hours over two days & enjoyed it. The most interesting thing about the book, I think, was that Mr. Blair wanted to end an important address to the British people---as he committed British forces into combat---with "God Bless You" but his advisors dissuaded him from doing so. I present to you the exchange: "'That's not a good idea.' 'Oh no?' says the Prime Minister, raising his voice. To which they respond, 'You're talking to lots of people who don't want chaplains pushing stuff down their throats.' 'You are the most ungodly lot I have ever...' Tony Blair's words fade away into the make-up artist's flannel. 'Ungodly? Count me out,' complains speechwriter Peter Hyman, who is Jewish and whose plum-coloured neck wound is throbbing hard. 'That's not the same God,' the protesters insist. 'It is the same God,' says the Prime Minister, scribbling fiercely on his text" (pp. 106-107). The author ends the book by saying of Mr. Blair, "but he has changed in the past 30 days"---ie., since the author began to observe him in close quarters, but he is rather vague throughout this book exactly how. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the read & can recommend this book as part of a multi-volume study of Mr. Blair and/or the Iraq War. Cheers!



2. I found this book to be an interesting read because it follows the day to day and hour by hour activities of PM Blair. Having said that it lacks a lot of the details and fails to answer some of the pressing questions.
   
   This book does an excellent job of following the daily activities of Blair starting 10 days before the Iraq invasion and for 20 days after that event. It gives an excellent insider's view of what he does during a day, how he handles stress, and living conditions at Number 10. It describes who he talks to, who gives him what advice on what subject, how he handles travel, phone calls, meetings, advisors, etc. It even covers what he eats and his preparations for the question period in parliament.
   
   What it lacked was the definitive comments from Blair why he was going to war. By the time the book starts, Blair has made up his mind to close ranks with Bush and support him with military assistance, and he had decided that was essential to preserve trans Atlantic unity.
   
   So the book is very interesting, very well written, but more about the process than the rational of his activities. I preferred Tony Blair: The Making of a World Leader by Philip Stephens.
   
   So 4 stars.

No comments about Winston Churchill,: The biography of a great man (Cardinal edition).

2 comments about Burnham: King of Scouts.

1. It's good, but it was published on-demand by the author and could have used a professional editor to clean it up a bit.
   
   Also, although it's a novel it would have been nice to have an introduction, bibliography, and notes, and generally some more explanation.



2. 
   Fred Burnham wrote "Taking Chances" and "Scouting on Two Continents" - biographies written from his point of view.
   
   This book/novel fills in some of the holes in the facts of what the modest Fred Burnham didn't include.
   The author draws upon information not available until 2000 - a collection of private letters between Burnham and Baden-Powell stored under seal in the Yale Library.
   
   I have read many books about Fred Burnham and that mention Fred Burnham.
   (Biographies of Winston Churchill mention Fred Burnham cause Burnham saved Churchill's life during the Boer War in South Africa.)
   This book one is a welcome addition to my collection of African Tales.
   
   Burnham's exploits never fail to amaze me.
   His attention to detail is complete.
   His ability to see detail, while prevailing in the most trying of conditions, are so advanced that mere mortals can only dream of having that level of perception of their environment.
   He doesn't seem to have realized the extent of his mental and physical gifts.
   Its seems like the complicated information that Burnham collected,processed,interpreted and communicated while scouting came to him as easily as if normal people were checking to see if it was raining.
   But it wasn't that simple - he dedicated himself to the study of the details that would keep him alive in lands filled with tribal strife - the American West and South Africa.
   In this modern world of instant gratification its hard for today's men & women, outside the elite military units like SEALS, SAS, Delta Force, to understand the importance of the art & craft of true scouting behind enemy lines.
   
   I truly believe that Homer would have included Fred Burnham in the Iliad as a major figure if Burnham had lived in that time... That's how singular and brilliant he was.
   

2 comments about MARGARET THATCHER: IRON LADY VOL 2.

1. While she was still Leader of the Opposition, Margaret Thatcher paid a visit to Yugoslavia, where she had a meeting with President Tito. The conversation turned to China, where Chairman Mao's widow had recently been stirring up trouble for the leadership. Tito remarked that he disapproved of women interfering in politics. "I don't interfere in politics, " declared his guest, eyes ablazing, "I AM politics."
   
   Therein can be found both the secret of Margaret Thatcher's success and the seeds of her downfall. Her supreme confidence helped overcome widespread doubts that a woman could lead her party and her country, but in the end her arrogance alienated the very people she needed to retain power.
   
   Thatcher's story presents a unique challenge to political biographers, largely because her overpowering personality and strident views make a fair assessment difficult to achieve. The writer has to tread a fine line between hagiography and demolition job. Happily, John Campbell's book manages to avoid these pitfalls, and his account of Thatcher's life and times is even-handed, thorough and highly readable. The first volume
   of Campbell's biography - The Grocer's Daughter - covered Thatcher's early life and career, concluding with her arrival on the threshold of Number Ten. This second volume concentrates on her entire eleven-and-a-half years as mistress of Downing Street, as well as the aftermath of her removal from power.
   
   The first thing to say is that it's a huge read - over 800 pages. But this is no more than the subject deserves, given Thatcher's dominance, not only in her role as Prime Minister, but also as an inveterate meddler in the work of her ministers. From health and education to local government finance and foreign affairs, there was barely an aspect of policy which Margaret Thatcher did not seek to influence.
   
   All the important events of her premiership are there - the three election victories, the Falkands, Westland, the miners' strike, the Poll Tax, and her dramatic departure at the hands of her own party. But the book goes beyond the big stories to put her premiership in a wider context. Take housing: Campbell shows that Thatcher's policy of encouraging council tenants to buy their own homes, while prohibiting local authorities from building new houses with the proceeds, led to a massive shortage of affordable housing, and by extension to the high
   numbers of homeless people still seen on British streets today.
   
   Campbell's thorough research shines brilliantly throughout the book, but U.S. readers may find this depth of detail just too much information to take in. During some passages, even my eyes started to glaze over at so many references to obscure events and personalities from Britain's political past.
   
   Of greater interest may be the sections covering Thatcher's dealings with Ronald Reagan. Thatcher apologists often claim that Britain's standing in the world grew taller as a result of her strong support for the U.S. President. But Campbell makes good use of Reagan's archival papers to reveal the true relationship of these political soulmates.
   
   While they undoubtedly got on well, the President rarely let their friendship get in the way of his policy objectives. Thatcher believed they were working as partners to save the world from tyranny, but Reagan failed to consult her even on such important matters as the invasion of Grenada (a British Commonwealth territory) or his suggestion to Mikhail Gorbachev at the Reykjavik summit that the US and USSR should abolish
   all nuclear weapons. Even so, Thatcher never lost an opportunity to catch the presidential ear. Campbell recounts Reagan breaking off from one of her many telephone rants to observe: "Isn't she marvellous!"
   
   One of the most enjoyable sections of the book focuses on the burnishing of the Thatcher image, especially in the later years of her premiership. Campbell documents the change from the clothing of a "middle-class mimsy" to the power-shoulders of a leading lady, and her increasingly imperial airs. The regal touch was most memorably on show when she emerged from Number 10 to announce "We have become a grandmother." But
   the author also offers a reminder of her qualities as a consummate actress. In 1990 she delivered a conference speech in which she compared the new bird of freedom logo for the Liberal Democratic Party to the dead parrot from the Monty Python sketch. She had never seen the routine, but delivered it with perfect timing to laughter and cheers from her audience. The following month, she was an ex-Prime Minister.
   
   Margaret Thatcher's fall from power was pure political theatre, and those of us who watched it unfold on our television screens will never forget those dramatic days. The big question in my mind was: could Campbell's account rise to the occasion? The answer: a resounding yes. Every twist and turn of the spectacle is followed, without recourse to melodrama or purple prose, and what could easily have been a disappointing damp squib of a section turns out to be a fine account of a political career in meltdown.
   
   For me, the most intriguing part of the book describes Thatcher's life after leaving Number 10. Politically-speaking, she was dead in the water - there is no role in the British constitution for an unemployed prime minister. But Campbell is astute enough to highlight the human aspects of her new situation. Only days earlier, she was being feted by
   President Mitterrand at Versailles. Now, shorn of the Downing Street machine, she had difficulty even using the telephone to find a plumber. Thatcher's refusal to adapt to her new situation caused her successor much grief, and the book relates the despair which John Major felt at her off-stage sniping , especially when he was trying to rebuild bridges
   to Britain's European partners.
   
   Having already documented the lives of two former Prime Ministers - Lloyd George and Edward Heath - Campbell is able to view the Thatcher years with a historical perspective. The conclusion of this book, however, is disappointing. A work of this magnitude deserves a resounding finale, but instead it runs into the sand, offering little more than a couple of pages to sum up Thatcher's impact. It's not a bad ending, but I feel that the author could have done justice to the rest
   of the book by bringing together more effectively the various strands of Thatcher's life.
   
   That said, the book is a masterpiece of political biography,
   meticulously researched and written in that enviable style which both informs and entertains. It may be too soon to call it the definitive biography of Britain's first woman prime minister, but the next time an author sets out to write Margaret Thatcher's premiership, this is the first book they should turn to.



2. The mid-90's pop band Spice Girls called the ultimate Girl Power as Margaret Thatcher. The British singers were on the money because Thatcher was a revolutionary Prime Minister. She kept her own counsel and could not be manipulated by the popularity polls. This account of her political career is the ultimate study in what Henry Kissinger once said "power is the ultimate aphrodisiac". Churchill and Thatcher proved that Britain produced two formidable leaders who survived Machiavellian daggers over and over again and got their way before being ousted.

No comments about Winston S. Churchill: Companion Part 3 April 1921- November 1922.

2 comments about In The Footsteps of Churchill: A Study in Character.

1. Professor Holmes is a British military historian and it shows in this interesting attempt at describing Winston Churchill's character. He decidedly has an opinion, usually conservative, on most political and social issues of the last century and is happy to share them with the reader. He also spends more time on battle issues in the two world wars than would most authors of a character study of this type. This book is best for readers who have some prior knowledge of the life of Winston Churchill. The professor points out many of the faults and warts of his subject but the ultimate verdict is in recognition of his genius.



2. British military historian Richard Holmes' "In The Footsteps Of Churchill: A Study In Character", is a book that, inspite of its brevity, offers a most penetrating, thoughtful analysis of Winston Churchill as a politician and statesman. While he is obviously someone favorably disposed to Churchill for some intriguing personal reasons, Holmes does offer a surprisingly nuanced portrayal of Great Britain's greatest 20th Century prime minister, which veers from a self-indulgent narcissist to a deliberative, often profound, observer of his fellow British politicians and of foreign affairs, especially in the 1930s, with respect to Hitler's Nazi Germany. Understandably Holmes, as a military historian, emphasizes Churchill's military service, his celebrated exploits as a military journalist and finally, his service as First Sea Lord in both world wars, as a means of exploring Churchill's personal character, and demonstrating how his military experience played an important part in defining it. Holmes may be the first historian I know of who does consider simultaneously Churchill's service as First Sea Lord, ultimately portraying a less than flattering portrait of someone who was too "wedded" to the interests of charismatic, flamboyant leaders like Admirals Fisher and Beatty (For example, Churchill seriously underestimated the crucial need of smaller escort vessels for the Royal Navy in both world wars, relying more on the advice of his admirals interested in big gun warships like ballecruisers and battleships.). And yet, inspite of a detailed exploration of Churchill's personal and leadership flaws, Holmes does conclude that ultimately, his strong, decisive leadership during World War II was necessary for ensuring Great Britain's survival. Those who think they know well Winston Churchill's biography will ultimately be as surprised and intrigued as I was while reading Professor Holmes' superb study of Churchill's character. Without question, it is among the finest books on Churchill's life that I've come across.