The Last Lion: Winston Churchill, Visions of Glory 1874-1932

The Last Lion: Volume 1: Winston Churchill: Visions of Glory, 1874 - 1932

by William Manchester

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	27690 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	836 pages

FREE

William Manchester's magisterial biography of Winston Churchill, The Last Lion, is a must-read for anyone interested in 20th-century history. The first volume, Visions of Glory, covers Churchill's early life and career, from his childhood as the son of a wealthy British aristocrat to his early political career as a Conservative MP.

Manchester vividly recreates the many battles that Churchill fought, both physical and political. He gives us a keen insight into the mind of a man who was both brilliant and deeply flawed. Churchill was a man of immense courage and determination, but he was also arrogant, impulsive, and often reckless. He made many mistakes, but he also achieved great things.

Manchester's biography is a warts-and-all portrait of Churchill. He does not shy away from Churchill's flaws, but he also does not fail to give him credit for his many accomplishments. The Last Lion is a fascinating and insightful look at one of the most important figures of the 20th century.

Early Life and Education

Winston Churchill was born on November 30, 1874, at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of his illustrious ancestor, the first Duke of Marlborough. His father, Lord Randolph Churchill, was a brilliant politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Conservative government of Lord Salisbury. His mother, Jennie Jerome, was the daughter of a wealthy American businessman. Churchill had a difficult childhood. His parents were often absent, and he was raised by a nanny who was often cruel to him. He was also bullied by his classmates at Harrow School.

Despite his difficult childhood, Churchill was a bright and ambitious boy. He excelled in history and English literature, and he developed a passion for writing and public speaking. He also had a strong interest in the military, and he served in the British Army during the Boer War in South Africa.

Political Career

After his military service, Churchill entered politics. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1900 as a Conservative MP. He quickly made a name for himself as a brilliant orator and a rising star in the Conservative Party.

Churchill served in several ministerial positions in the Conservative government, including President of the Board of Trade and Home Secretary. He was also a leading advocate for social reform, and he introduced several important pieces of legislation, including the Old Age Pensions Act and the National Insurance Act.

Churchill's political career was not without its setbacks. He was often at odds with the Conservative Party leadership, and he was eventually forced to resign from the government in 1915. He then served as a minister in the coalition government of David Lloyd George during the First World War.

After the war, Churchill returned to the Conservative Party. He served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in the government of Stanley Baldwin from 1924 to 1929. He was a controversial figure in this role, and he was often at odds with the Treasury officials. He also made several unpopular decisions, such as raising taxes and cutting government spending.

Churchill lost his seat in the House of Commons in the 1929 general election. He then spent the next several years writing and giving speeches. He also traveled extensively, and he visited several countries, including the United States, the Soviet Union, and India.

The Last Lion Volume I: Winston Churchill Visions Of Glory 1874 1932 is a magisterial biography of one of the 20th century's most iconic figures. William Manchester tells the story of Churchill's early life and career with great skill and insight. This is a must-read for anyone interested in 20th-century history, biography, or politics.

The Last Lion: Volume 1: Winston Churchill: Visions of Glory, 1874 - 1932

by William Manchester

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	27690 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	836 pages

FREE