The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Vol. 1: Visions of Glory, 1874–1932, Volume 1

William Manchester

Dec 1990 · Blackstone Audio Inc. · Narrated by Frederick Davidson

About this audiobook

Winston Churchill is perhaps the most important political figure of the twentieth 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, he 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 fifty 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.

As a biographer, William Manchester is the standard by which all others are measured. And when a writer of his caliber is matched with a subject as colorful as Winston Churchill, look for results that are magisterial. This, the first in a three-volume biography, is a momentous piece of work.

Ratings and reviews

Exceedingly detailed, well researched and interesting - and on these alone would be worth 5 stars. However the narration is terrible; an affected, stuffy, nasal, drawling accent from a bygone era - almost impossible to listen to. Maybe this was the upper-class English accent of that era but it is not "the" accent of today and it is a challenge to tune ones ear to it, especially for 40+ hours. Such a shame....

About the author

William Manchester (1922–2004) was an award-winning American author, biographer, historian, and a professor emeritus of history at Wesleyan University. He was awarded the National Humanities Medal and the Abraham Lincoln Literary Award. Among his many New York Times bestselling books are two which made the #1 spot on the list: The Death of a President and The Last Lion: Alone.

Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.