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

By: William Manchester

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

Winston Churchill is perhaps the most important political figure of the 20th 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, Churchill 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 50 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.

©1983 William Manchester (P)1990 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Manchester is not only a master of detail but also of 'the big picture'....I daresay most Americans reading The Last Lion will relish it immensely." ( National Review)
"[Manchester] can claim the considerable achievement of having assembled enough powerful evidence to support Isaiah Berlin's judgment of Churchill as the largest human being of our time." (Alistair Cooke)

Forty-one hours well-spent

"Let us not delude ourselves by thinking that there is any substitute for victory."

I began this with little knowledge of Churchill's life; having finished, I think he's an indispensable figure for our times.

Our current president recently returned the bust of Churchill that Great Britain had given the US after 9/11. That's unfortunate... Churchill's resolve and principled will are as valuable now as they were seventy years ago.

Great book, great writer, great man.

Great

A brilliant portrayal of a brilliant man.Startlingly comprehensive. Davidson is a master lectioner and may do a better Churchill than Churchill himself. Young men on the brink of reality (with college dwindling) must hear Davidson tell Churchill's story. Its depiction of a man watching an imperial collapse and a world at war are too compelling to be ignored.

Churchill- Fascinating early years also iPod note

IPod Note: If you listen on an iPod, there is a known problem for books longer than about 30 hours causing them to halt playing the last several chapters. The workaround is to download them in sections. Keep using Enhanced mode to download in the My Books place where you download but note there is a small triangle to the left of the book title which if clicked allows you to download the book in sections, 5 for the Last Lion. It's not a problem for an iPhone or to play in iTunes. Audible support picked up on the first ring, and when I explained the symptoms they knew immediately and told me the workaround. They were not sure if or when this bug would be fixed.
Last Lion: Volume 1 reminded me of Caro's first book on Johnson. Powerful leaders, with difficult childhoods, many challenges, huge egos, zigzag paths.Churchill's words permeate the book and Davidson's narration was perfect. Churchill's gifts were self taught. He came of age in a world of British empire before the slide. Manchester's writing is impressive, Even though we know the ending, it is suspenseful. And I learned a lot along the way.

One of the greatest biographies ever written.

William Manchester writes this book and Frederick Davidson narrates to perfection. I only wish there was a masterpiece checkbox that I could check.

Loved everything about it!

Thoroughly researched biography about one of history's most consequential men. There is so much more to Churchill than the war time leader that most of us are familiar with. Few get beyond his most famous quotes. This work dives deep into his life and times to help you better understand the man, his genius and his contributions to our world. It is a highly entertaining narrative read by a narrator perfectly suited for the task. One of my all time favorites...this is the first audio book I have listened to twice.

packed with history

A fascinating and informative book about one of the most influential figures of the early twentieth century and the geopolitical landscape that shaped his outlook and policies. A long and dense but enjoyable read.

Astounding

The only possible thing greater than the story of Churchill is the performance given in the reading of this tome!

Great

Well written
Well read
One of the best biographies
Worth listening to
Thank you so much

great book and performance

wonderful story of Winston Churchill's early life and career, and set in the context of British Society of those ears. The performance is amazing. The reader brings new energy and life to the reading and does fantastic impressions of the characters.

worth the time

I absolutely loved it. Its brilliantly written. Very funny, very informative and it is exceptionally read