The Wicked Wit of Winston Churchill

by Dominique Enright (Editor)

Sir Winston Churchill was the greatest orator of his day, the greatest leader of the Second World War, the greatest statesman of his age, and the greatest Englishman of the 20th century. The debt owed to him by the free world remains immensurable.

Yet at the heart of this often intimidating colossus lay a man of vast humanity, enormous wit and boundless humour, much of it mischievous. His most famous speeches and sayings have passed into history and into everyday language, but many of his aphorisms, puns, "bons mots", jokes - often at his own or others' expense - are less well known.

This enchanting collection gathers hundreds of his funniest and wickedest quips in tribute to the exhilarating wit of this great-hearted, infuriatingly conceited, wildly funny, and brilliantly talented Englishman.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, Humor, Politics, Reference, Historical

162 pages, Hardcover

First published August 31, 2001

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Porque será que a descrição da vida política e dos políticos está sempre actual?

“O Mundo é hoje governado por políticos acossados e obstinados em chegar ao poder ou em derrubar o próximo, de modo que sobra pouco espaço para debater as grandes questões nos seus pontos essenciais”

[^ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title is pretty self-explanatory; this is a book of quotes, a book of memorable sayings of Sir Winston Churchill, the eminent British Prime Minister who served two terms; firstly from 1940 to 1945 and secondly from 1951 to 1955. “The Wicked Wit Of Winston Churchill” IS an interesting and amusing read, for all other than those whose political beliefs lie embedded on the far Left, who whilst still choking on the title might well baulk at so much as getting as far as the Contents page.

This book is very much of a genre published to appeal to the generation who remember Churchill’s two terms as British Prime Minister, and the full State Funeral (unprecedented for a commoner) granted to him in 1965. It’s a book that solves the problem children and grandchildren have of, ‘What do I get Granny / Daddy for their birthday / Christmas?’ The rest of us can more economically pick up a dictionary of quotations, search the internet, or scan the second-hand market to read Winston’s memorable sayings; rather than spend a whopping £9.99 (new, in 2011) on a hardback book of this genre, sized just 20.4cm x 13.5cm x 2cm, with no illustrations. Sources are not given for the quotes published within this book – an indicator of the market targeted by the publisher.

Not all of Winston’s sayings set within this book are political. I felt a bit spooked by “You must have four children. One for Mother, one for Father, one for Accidents, one for Increase.”; also to be found at https://www.nationalchurchillmuseum.o... which, incidentally, does looks like a good excuse for a holiday in the USA to visit 501 Westminster Avenue Fulton, MO 65251]. Of Winston and Clementine’s five children (four daughters, one son), two daughters pre-deceased their parents.

[[ J o ] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Winston Churchill KG, OM, CH, TD, DL, FRS, RA was a British Conservative Politician and served as Prime Minister for two periods, from 1940-1945 during the Second World War and 1951-1955. He is best known for being one of the greatest War Time Leaders, having led the United Kingdom during the conflict with Germany. Apart from government, Churchill was also a soldier, a writer and an artist.

This thin book contains a chosen few of the many quips, quotes and questions he posed during his lifetime. Some portray his clever wit and quick thinking whilst others show his deep understanding of war and Human nature.

The book is divided in to sections, which makes it easier to dip in and out of and find whichever one will tickle your English fancy. Even though he was pretty sexist and a little bit of a racist, his ability to lead a country in war will never be taken away from him.


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[Florian Pekazh · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife recommended this book, which turned out to be quite a funny read. Then again, one would expect as much from someone as witty as Winston Churchill.

The book covers parts of Churchill's speeches, outbursts to friends and foes, jokes, and day-to-day wisdom as he navigated life through what was arguably the hardest of recent times. While not nearly as political as I expected, many of the thoughts shared here are fairly popular and well-known. This might be why I found the unknown ones(unknown to me, at least), focused on ordinary life, the most entertaining from the collection.

[Sashankh Kale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good compilation with witty barbs and comebacks. Quite enjoyable.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much new in this book for anyone who's read books about or by Churchill in the past. Still, I liked the way the author organized the sections of the book. I often felt that something was missing that kept the reader from really getting a feel for Churchill. That being said, for someone with little knowledge of Churchill, the reader will find it full of interesting quips and anecdotes.

[Anil Swarup · Rating 4 out of 5]

One may hate Churchill (as I do for his contemptuous statements with reference to India and the Mahatma) but one cannot but admire his wit and grit. This book is a fabulous compilation of quotable quotes from Churchill. His persona was perhaps defined by his wit and the book provides ample illustration of this.

[Matilda Bergvall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helt okej. Finns väl inte så mycket att recensera eller analysera. En bok på 160 sidor om Churchill och hans mest berömda citat, gliringar, anekdoter och frågeställningar. Några citat handlar går in på hans sarkastiska och rappa personlighet medan andra handlar om hans förståelse för krig och människans tänkande och natur. Boken är indelad i sektioner vilket gör det lätt för en att följa med eller bara läsa de intressanta delarna. En bok för de som är intresserade av Churchill men inte kan så mycket om honom. Stundtals rolig. Även om Churchill var ganska sexistisk och stundtals rasistisk kunde han i alla fall leda ett land. :)

”No one can say that I ever failed to display a meet and proper appreciation of alcohol.”

[Lorna Dykstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This small book serves as a great introduction to the old British bulldog. Churchill has always been a man that I admired greatly so I enjoyed the snippets of his (sometimes caustic) wit.

[Jack Gubbins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stfu Churchill

[Mihaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting into this book is a treat, as it reveals just how quick and witty Winston Churchill was, making his genius all the more relatable and enjoyable.

[Khushie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book of Quotes—really.

[Karen-Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this man and this book was full of gems,

[Nikola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, great quotes from WSC


Find yourself a partner you can meow and oink to each other in front of the Archbishop of Canterberry

[Jo Kaiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! It's a lovely collection of Winston Churchill's wit and humour, and for someone who has not been much exposed to him, it's a fantastic read. It's rather embarrassing to admit how little I know of Churchill but I barely knew who he was prior to reading this book. The reading of this has really motivated me to further look into his life and work, something I'll no doubt enjoy. Whilst it feels a little strange giving this book five stars, I truly believe it deserves it, the range of quotes is impressive and the way in which they are woven together more so. I might just have to purchase my own copy!

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

his most amazing quips seem to be watered down by so many 'just good' ones

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well assembled collection of quotes and stories with quotes completed with historical references to clarify their origin. It was disappointing that citations were not consistently included.
Some bits are so funny I couldn't help but share them with others as I was reading. I appreciated that the editors did not try to choose a "best parts" version but used the text to show an image of man, flaws and all, that made a great impact on history. Some bits remind me that the more things change, the more they remain the same. It seems this time in history is strikingly similar to now but where is OUR Churchill?

If you like reading about WWII and particularly about Churchill, this is a good choice to checkout from your library. It wouldn't make my list of "you must own it" but it was enjoyable.
If you recently watched "Darkest Hour" you may be surprised to see how many actual quotes made about and by W.S. Churchill were included in the movie. That was impressive.

"A fanatic is someone who can't change his mind and won't change the subject."

"The maxim "Nothing avails but perfection may be spelt p-a-r-a-l-y-s-i-s." "

"Everyone is in favor of free speech. Hardly a day passes without its being extolled, but some people's idea of it is that they are free to say what they like, but if anyone else says anything back, that is an outrage."

"The "Times" is speechless and takes three columns to express its speechlessness." (on the issue of Irish Home Rule)

[Andrew McAuley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cracking read, if somewhat biased in places and seemingly drawing heavily on the author's earlier work. I should note that this review refers to the book: Winston Churchill: the greatest Briton' as opposed to the author's other works, for which reviews from other reviewers seem to have been seemingly lumped in with this title.

the story of WSC is a fascinating one, and is well told here, although the 240 pages don't seem to quite do the subject justice - particularly taking into consideration the overly wide margins and larger than standard print, which makes it feel like a 180-page book has been stretched to make it appear more substantial. regardless, the margins and print make it easier to read for one such as me with ailing sight.

I felt that WSC's early life was largely skipped over, and his post-war life was reduced to a short chapter. Not only that, even in the sections outside of the war years, the author regularly transports us to 1940 to regale us with one of Winston's legendary quips. the quotes, while welcome, take up the bulk of the text - perhaps not surprising, as the author has an entire previous title devoted to that very subject.

while it may not be the most comprehensive account of WSC's life, or the most impartial, it does tell the story of the subject well and is a good read.

[Carol Bakker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps I was too tired when I picked this up. Perhaps Winston's zingers are so widely flung, that they resemble a toddler's third telling of a joke that was funny the first time. It could be that quotes stripped of context looked pale, naked. And, I will say, some quotes were dirty pool.

Of course, some bear repeating. Regarding Stanley Baldwin, Churchill said "He occasionally stumbled over the truth, but hastily picked himself up and hurried on as if nothing had happened.

My favorite from this book was WSC's answer to the question:
If you could not be who you are, who would you like to be?
Mrs. Churchill's second husband.

My all-time favorite Churchill quote was not included in this collection.

If you cannot read all your books, at any rate handle, or, as it were, fondle them — peer into them, let them fall open where they will, read from the first sentence that arrests your eye, set them back on their shelves with your own hands, arrange them on your own plan so that if you do not know what is in them, you will at least knbow where they are. Let them be your friends; let them at any rate be your acquaintances.

[Joe Boudreault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only 160 pages long, this book is filled with a variety of wit and wisdom from one of Britain's most famous leaders. It reads like a brief biography of the man who many consider to be the greatest talent in England since Shakespeare. There are many facets to the character of Churchill, and many books written about him. Here are contained a parcel of clever, perceptive, and often brilliant sayings from this knight of the empire who was both generous and sharp, forgiving and caustic, but always entertaining.

I find it impossible to chose a favorite, although the response to one of his civil servants about the use of prepositions at the end of sentences catches the eye: “This is the sort of English up with which I will not put.” The wit of Churchill is after all a compelling look into human character which covers all the paths.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book was very insightful
I learned that Churchill was an avid drinker, a profound speaker and an extremely intelligent man.

I had to research some of the vocabulary for definitions of words because I had not heard of them or read them before.

I tried to understand the quotes as best as I could, but with some it felt near impossible. I am sure that sometime in the future I will go over this book again - or another similar.

I gave 4/5 stars because I felt like the writer of this book could of included footnotes or a thesaurus/dictionary at the end of the book. Also there seemed to be missing some commas in places.

[Oliver Hepburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightfully funny read about the greatest man in modern British history. As many others have pointed out, it is only a collection of short quotes, phrases, anecdotes, and speech extracts. Because of this, you could easily read it all in one dedicated Sunday afternoon. At times it genuinely made me laugh out loud; the first book to do so. My only criticism is that it would’ve been nice for the quotes to be referenced, as a few of the quotes would have proved useful in some of my university work. Despite this I would still recommend it as the perfect last minute gift for any middle aged father, uncle or Churchill lover.

[Marius · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book cannot be reviewed as any other book. It is a humouristic book, one to make you laugh, to make you relax and as a side-effect, you get to learn some history. I did enjoy it to the last bit. His arguments with other members of the Parliament are the hilarious part of this book.

I enjoyed the characterisation did to WSC, being portrayed as a bold, sensible, funny man. The author tries to be objective about him, but that is limited by the nature of the books, which puts him in a positive light.

I would recommend this book to anyone searching for more about WSC, British politics and who wants to have some serene entertainment.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Dead birds don't fall out of the nest". A classic retort from Winston Churchill. Have a read of the book and see if you can find the context for that one. Bet it makes you chuckle! I'm in awe of this man - funny, smart, demanding, stubborn, a man who was not afraid to go against the consensus when he believed himself to be right. And thank goodness he did! This little book of quotes gives an insight into his humour and cutting wit to see beyond the speeches we know and love. Well worth a quick read whenever you need a pick-me-up.

[Paul Clarkson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’d heard/read a few of Sir W’s witty and/or barbed quips over the years, but really thought there’d be more than this book contains. Also thought he was funnier and more caustic than this suggests. Some examples were neither witty or wicked. No matter; there are a few gems.

‘The Times (newspaper) is speechless and takes three columns to express its speechlessness’.

‘He is a modest man who has a good deal to be modest about.’

This was on my fathers’ home shelves, most likely a gift from a grandchild, definitely a gifty style to it.

[Zach]

A superb collection of quotes and anecdotes from Churchill. The editor, Dominique Enright, has done a great service for the collection by providing context for many of the quotes and anecdotes. 


A favorite among many:

Luckily, life is not so easy as all that; otherwise we should get to the end too quickly.

[Jack Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant I Say, Brilliant

I truly enjoyed the flair and brilliance of the Greatest orator of the 20th century.
What cannot be enjoyed with the reading/ hearing the brilliance of Churchill.
The world and all of Europe would be a different place without his perseverance, poise and guts.
Loved ready this.
JM

[Bennett Matson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book; it has cemented Churchill as one of my favorite historical figures of all time. The command and joy that he gets from the English language and the mastery that he has as a orator is immense. I enjoyed seeing the world through his eyes and finding deep enjoyment in the simplest things like he did. Great read and one that I will continue to return to.

[Phil Cotnoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some fun zingers in here, and you do get a sense of the man's sense of humor. There's a few I've tucked away for future use as well.

I think my favorite is 'This is the sort of English up with which I will not put.'

[Helle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four stars for the quotes and anecdotes, but only two for the way they are compiled. One of the most annoying things was the inconsistency of using “Churchill” vs “WSC”. The order of quotes was a bit weird, and the context was often too elaborate and sometimes confusing.