Marlborough: His Life and Times

By: Winston Churchill

Narrated by: Sean Barrett

John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough (1644-1722), was one of the greatest military commanders and statesmen in the history of England. Victorious in the Battles of Blenheim (1704) and Ramillies (1706) and countless other campaigns, Marlborough, whose political intrigues were almost as legendary as his military skill, never fought a battle he didn't win.

Marlborough also bequeathed the world another great British military strategist and diplomat, his descendant, Winston S. Churchill, who wrote this book to redeem Marlborough's reputation from Macaulay's smears. One million words long and ten years in the making, Churchill's Marlborough stands as both a literary and historical masterpiece, giving us unique insights into the Churchill of World War II, for just as Churchill's literary skill helps us understand the complexities of Marlborough's life, so too did his writing of Marlborough help Churchill master the arts of military strategy and diplomacy.

Listen to all four volumes here.

©2015 Winston Churchill (P)2015 Audible Studios

Excellent and very informative.

This is a very deep look into a particular part of history that most people don’t even know ever happened. I find it fascinating that these historical figures journaled and wrote so many letters – Winston showed his typical level of exactitude in putting this book together. I’ve listened to the Lion Lion Trilogy twice and just had to listen to this one.

Awesome listen for history lovers

Winston Churchill is one of my idols and if you love his writings you will not be disappointed in this book. It is very long, I invested about 2 months of commute times and yard work to get through this audio book, but it was well worth it. Marlborough is a fascinating historical figure and I very much enjoyed learning about this very important time in England’s history, highly recommended!

truly remarkable work by Churchill

take the time and you will be rewarded. This is not a well-known history for most Americans. But it is worth reflecting upon.

Enjoy classic if long history

Great written in the styles that made Churchill the greatest of orators and interesting to consider in the time in was written (the garthering strom )

Sounds like an awesome D&D campaign

Idk if it was the life, the reader, or the word choice of Churchill, but it was an amazing listen. Maps would be helpful, but they aren't necessary if you are familiar with the territories described. And you can look up maps for free on Google if you really need to.

Very Interesting and Historically Informative

I liked it very much, even though it was VERY long, For me it shed light on why the founders of our republic were so adamantly opposed to what they called "Factions". The hatred and political warfare between the Whigs and Tories during the period covered were, I now believe the reason that President Washington warned against political "Factions" and their disruptive policies in his farewell speach. Considering how things are today, some 200 plus later, in our Republic, the Great Man knew what he was speaking of.

Amazing details from very significant part of history

I've listen a lot, but narrator for this one was perfect. As for historic account of life of John Churchill it's amazing story how ordinary men shape course of history. It's well investigated and supported by facts, letters and documents. Regardless that from the outset it's said that Winston Churchill had goal to clear his relatives reputation, I never had feeling that anything other than factual approach was taken. I did not read other authors but I can easily understand that partisanship approach to recording history can result in smears and defamation. Overall, what I enjoyed the most are details written in letters by the people that lived 300 years ago (which seams so distant time today) which faced same hardship, dilemma and personal challenges in life just like we do today regardless of technological advancement. This details bring them back to life and makes them relatable just as if they are our contemporaries and feel connected to them even today.

Epic!

This is an epic tale of adventure and intrigue on a grand scale. WSC is in his own league as an author and historian. Never dull. Never boring. A masterpiece. And beautifully narrated as well.

History at its best

Churchill writes a fascinating history of his ancestor, the Duke of Marlborough, and the events and people important at the end of the Stuart royalty in England and rule of Louis XIV in France. This is such a well researched book, however long, showing many intrigues and conflicts, and the best and worst of people. Great read!

wonderfully indepth

it's a marathon to listen to, is wonderfully indepth. learned as much about europe as the man.