Customer Reviews
A Hero for all times
I just finished reading The Gathering Storm. I have read other books about World War II including, A Man Called Intrepid. This has been, by far, the best. Winston Churchill shows himself to be not only a great statesman, but also an increadibly articulate writer.
First, the story captured me by his tremendous grasp and use of the English language. Churchill's writing is very understandable even though he uses very proper or "High" English. His words draw you in and paint pictures in your mind. It was easy to feel as if you were in the story.
Secondly, Churchill tells an incredible story of suffering, perserverance, sacrifice and honor. Churchill describes how people served with honor and respect without regard to their own needs. History is so easily forgotten but fills such an enormous void in society. Churchill turned his very life over to the country and to the world in order that good would win out over the evil of Nazi Germany and Hitler.
Churchill does not just tell of the things that were done right. In fact, the bulk of the book tells primarily of the failure of the Allies to prevent war. Churchill presents a valuable lesson that dictators and bullies can not be tamed by appeasement. The dictator's appetite grows with every inch given over. Churchill also points out his own failures and mistakes, never once trying to shift the blame or make an excuse.
The Gathering Storm should be a lesson to all of the consequences of thinking that "if it doesn't affect me I don't care". It is a valuable history lesson for all. It is also an excellent book on being a leader. Churchill shows that being a leader is not about being famous and winning admiration. It is about self-sacrifice and thinking of the greater good.
This should be required reading for all high school students as well as every politician. We all need to remember what a tremendous price was paid for us. Winston Churchill was one of the worlds greatest leaders and heroes.
The origins of the world's most terrible war
The Second World War by Winston S. Churchill is THE work on the conflict. Churchill's graceful command of the English language, his personal role in the conduct of the war, and the broad scope of the work, from the origins of the war to its execution, make this the best book on the topic.
This first book in the series explains the causes of the war to the reader. One of the most powerful passages is a one page summary of Hitler's philosophy as set forth in MEIN KAMPF - Churchill read Hitler's book, and, unlike his contemporaries in the Western democracies, the British leader very clearly understood the threat Hitler posed to the world.
Rated the number one book on leadership in time of war by HUMAN EVENTS in 2004, The Second World War will take about a month to read (for someone with a job and family) - time well invested in understanding the massive conflict of the 20th Century that still shapes our globe.
As a once and future Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (he was defeated in 1945) Churchill's easy access to documents, world leaders and generals made him uniquely suited to this ambitious task. I doubt any other mere author of the day could have filled one volume of the six he wrote.
Epic use of language
The most valuable asset this book has isn't Churchill's narration of the "gathering storm" and the rise of Hitler, but his exquisite English prose. It's definetely a book to read, not only for Historians and history fans, but for anyone who wishes to read a top-notch narration with a top-notch language.
I must warn, though, that this is not as "internationally" focused as other books are. Whilst other authors such as Kershaw or Shirer may focus on the German domestic politics, and whilst other historians concentrate on the internatioanl relations in the period, Churchill's approach is more centered towards his British political life and his career in England.
It's lengthy but not impossible. It's not a light reading book, but most certainly enjoyable. I would not recommend this book to anyone who isn't seriously or academically interested in this historical period, for there are bounteous amount of books that cover the same in a more concise way.
All and all, Churchill's language is perfect. It gives you the insight of an eye witness at the time, but the reader must take it with a pinch of salt, for Churchill's background, as well as the mood at the time, heavily influence his books.
