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Winston Churchill: An Informal Study of Greatness
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433 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1952
362 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Robert Lewis Taylor
27 books19 followersPulitzer Prize for Fiction (1959) for The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 28, 2021
Of the 63 or more biographies of Winston Churchill written in English, this must be one of the funniest and most entrancingly readable. He was outrageous, infuriating, self-obsessed, and hugely accomplished, but I will reserve judgment until I have read at least five or ten more.
January 27, 2018
This may not be the best biography of Winston Churchill I have ever read (William Manchester’s three volume series takes the prize), but it’s probably the most delightful. Taylor is clearly an admirer of Churchill, and he writes with a relentlessly buoyant enthusiasm for his subject. He has a keen sense of Churchill’s wit, and a good sense of humor himself, and he uses these two tools to write a surprisingly amusing biography.
Churchill is much more than WWII (and, in fact, WWII is only about 10% of this book). He had an interesting life from beginning to end, parts of it seem to have been torn from an outrageous adventure story, and this book is as lacking in dull moments as Churchill was himself.
Taylor’s love of Churchill may have driven him to gloss over some of the less appealing aspects of his character and to speed through his failings, but you should read this book anyway because it’s just so much fun.
Churchill is much more than WWII (and, in fact, WWII is only about 10% of this book). He had an interesting life from beginning to end, parts of it seem to have been torn from an outrageous adventure story, and this book is as lacking in dull moments as Churchill was himself.
Taylor’s love of Churchill may have driven him to gloss over some of the less appealing aspects of his character and to speed through his failings, but you should read this book anyway because it’s just so much fun.
July 22, 2019
This was a bit disconcerting at first as the author was referring to Winston Churchill in the present tense, then I found that the book was published in 1952 when Churchill was still alive! But it was informative although I found the tongue in cheek-ness of the author at times a bit off-putting. An interesting look at the greatest figure of the twentieth century.
March 1, 2018
Excellent book. Touches on many aspects of Churchill's life & endeavors!
February 13, 2025
Subtitled "An Informal Study of Greatness", which is exactly what the book delivers. Rather than an exhaustive look at each and every event of importance, Taylor gives us a glimpse of Churchill the man in a series of anecdotes and vignettes. For example, WWII occupies approximately the same space as the material on his hobby painting. However, as the book was written in 1952 (when Churchill was still alive), and because Churchill himself was so guarded about giving interviews, this was the necessary method of writing. It is very successful, though. Taylor supplies wit and flow to the narrative, so it is very easy and entertaining to read.
Churchill's views would today seem prehistoric - he was against universal suffrage, for example. Likewise, the narrative suffers somewhat for having been written in a time of universal chauvinism. This does not detract from the book - it's always necessary to judge people relative to the times in which they lived, and Churchill's life took place in a time of immense social and military change.
It's clear that the author respects and admires Churchill, but not to the detriment of his objectivity. He does not gloss over Churchill's heavy drinking, lack of fashion sense, or child-like impatience. He does not dwell on them, either, instead moving quickly from story to story to give a sense of the personality of the man, not a detailed analysis of his political or social views.
This book is a fascinating glimpse at the man behind the legend. It's too bad it's been out of print for some time, but it's not too difficult to find used - I gather the book did well, so there's lots of copies out there. And, obviously, if you are so inclined there is this Kindle edition as well!
Churchill's views would today seem prehistoric - he was against universal suffrage, for example. Likewise, the narrative suffers somewhat for having been written in a time of universal chauvinism. This does not detract from the book - it's always necessary to judge people relative to the times in which they lived, and Churchill's life took place in a time of immense social and military change.
It's clear that the author respects and admires Churchill, but not to the detriment of his objectivity. He does not gloss over Churchill's heavy drinking, lack of fashion sense, or child-like impatience. He does not dwell on them, either, instead moving quickly from story to story to give a sense of the personality of the man, not a detailed analysis of his political or social views.
This book is a fascinating glimpse at the man behind the legend. It's too bad it's been out of print for some time, but it's not too difficult to find used - I gather the book did well, so there's lots of copies out there. And, obviously, if you are so inclined there is this Kindle edition as well!
April 19, 2018
Winston Churchill: An Informal Study of Greatness, by Robert Lewis Taylor, tells the history of the former British Prime Minister from his childhood to just before his death. It becomes clearly obvious that Taylor is a fan of the war-time leader. So am I, but I am also a realist and there are a few occasions within the pages where Churchill’s errors are either glossed over, or quickly set aside.
A recent movie, Churchill, A historical drama about British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's 96 hours before the D-Day landing in World War II, seems to lean in the opposite direction; portraying the leader as a man on the verge of a nervous breakdown, unable to make any decisions. When I had finished the book, I thought, okay, it almost sounds like someone promoting Churchill for another run at politics. The movie left me feeling the opposite; that like a recent movie about Margaret Thatcher, there was far too much focus and exaggerations of negative issues in her life.
As usual, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Although Taylor’s book shows a great deal of research, I can’t get past the obvious fandom in his writing. I would still recommend the book, with a caveat that the reader look further into the details.
Reviewed by Daniel L Little on April 19 2018 – www.daniellittle.com
A recent movie, Churchill, A historical drama about British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's 96 hours before the D-Day landing in World War II, seems to lean in the opposite direction; portraying the leader as a man on the verge of a nervous breakdown, unable to make any decisions. When I had finished the book, I thought, okay, it almost sounds like someone promoting Churchill for another run at politics. The movie left me feeling the opposite; that like a recent movie about Margaret Thatcher, there was far too much focus and exaggerations of negative issues in her life.
As usual, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Although Taylor’s book shows a great deal of research, I can’t get past the obvious fandom in his writing. I would still recommend the book, with a caveat that the reader look further into the details.
Reviewed by Daniel L Little on April 19 2018 – www.daniellittle.com
August 5, 2019
Wildly interesting, sometimes funny, heartwarming account of Churchill's life
I very much enjoyed this book. The great statesman was no longer PM by the time I was born, and was long dead by the time I studied WWII in high school. My image of him was always the bald, elderly cigar smoking Brit.
I was amused to learn he once had a head full of red hair, like I do.
Churchill's energy and penchant for trouble started in childhood and continued to his final years. He ran away from home by stealing a donkey he couldn't ride. He had numerous mishaps involving airplanes. He fought wars on several continents BEFORE WWII, and he was in and out of Parliament more times than I can count.
What has always impressed me was his uncanny ability to evaluate current events and predict what might happen. He was rarely, if ever wrong. He recognized Hitler's motives far in advance and saw Stalin for the ruthless expansionist he really was.
I very much enjoyed this book. The great statesman was no longer PM by the time I was born, and was long dead by the time I studied WWII in high school. My image of him was always the bald, elderly cigar smoking Brit.
I was amused to learn he once had a head full of red hair, like I do.
Churchill's energy and penchant for trouble started in childhood and continued to his final years. He ran away from home by stealing a donkey he couldn't ride. He had numerous mishaps involving airplanes. He fought wars on several continents BEFORE WWII, and he was in and out of Parliament more times than I can count.
What has always impressed me was his uncanny ability to evaluate current events and predict what might happen. He was rarely, if ever wrong. He recognized Hitler's motives far in advance and saw Stalin for the ruthless expansionist he really was.
November 29, 2019
I liked this book. I knew very little of Churchill and am very glad that I read this. He was truly a very different human being. He had so many qualities for one person and did lead an amazing life. He did not understand that he was an individual that could adjust to life as he had it and was singularly able to do so much. He appeared disappointed that his son was not like him in many ways - he did not understand that there was only one Winston. The author painted a good picture of him as a human and yet had special qualities that helped him lead in very trying times. It took me a while to finish because I did a lot of thinking and absorbing his story but did want to finish the book.
January 8, 2018
Informal and Informative
An interesting contribution to the readers knowledge of the past prime minister including much that is likely not known to the general public. Since the writing was done at a time when Churchill was still alive there is more vitality than articles and books written after his death.
I would recommend it to those who might like a more intimate glimpse of the eccentricities of a great historic personality. The writing was good but at times a tad repetitive. Perhaps due to inadequate editing.
An interesting contribution to the readers knowledge of the past prime minister including much that is likely not known to the general public. Since the writing was done at a time when Churchill was still alive there is more vitality than articles and books written after his death.
I would recommend it to those who might like a more intimate glimpse of the eccentricities of a great historic personality. The writing was good but at times a tad repetitive. Perhaps due to inadequate editing.
February 10, 2020
Long-winded and flowery style of writing almost bored me to death.
Bought this book for $3.99. Wanted to know more about the great statesman Winston Churchill. But unfortunately, the book is marred by the author's long-winded writing that is peppered with heavy words when a simple sentence would have effectively conveyed the message, and made reading more bearable. Moreover, the chapters are redundant as they do not indicate which aspect of the story it covers. The writer randomly jumps from one topic to another. Waste of money. You have been warned.
Bought this book for $3.99. Wanted to know more about the great statesman Winston Churchill. But unfortunately, the book is marred by the author's long-winded writing that is peppered with heavy words when a simple sentence would have effectively conveyed the message, and made reading more bearable. Moreover, the chapters are redundant as they do not indicate which aspect of the story it covers. The writer randomly jumps from one topic to another. Waste of money. You have been warned.
Read
September 27, 2019For many yearsI have had a lot of repect for Winston Churchill but until reading this book I never realized that not only was he a determined and strong leader but also on a very personl level a true hero putting himself in mortal danger many times. Truly this book made me feel this man was one of the most exceptioanl humans ever.
April 18, 2021
An enjoyable read
This is a well written biography. It exposes Churchill’s genius and warts. The author makes good use of anecdotes and writes them in a way that generates frequent laughter in the reader.
It is an older biography because Churchill is still very much alive at the conclusion. I feel that he probably would have approved of it
This is a well written biography. It exposes Churchill’s genius and warts. The author makes good use of anecdotes and writes them in a way that generates frequent laughter in the reader.
It is an older biography because Churchill is still very much alive at the conclusion. I feel that he probably would have approved of it
March 15, 2024
Of a half dozen books I have read about Winston Churchill, this one is decidedly the most entertaining. Written by an American, it is a rather irreverent depiction of both Churchill and the British in general. Yet it seems impeccably fair. Author Robert Lewis Taylor was a career journalist, rather than an academic historian, which may explain his sometimes rather unorthodox commentary. Although there are no Notes, as such, sources cited in the text include speeches, newspaper reports, conversations reported by friends, teachers, colleagues and acquaintances, diaries of the same, Churchill’s own writings, military reports, transcripts from Parliament, and assertions from other Churchill biographers.
Helpfully, the first third of the book is of the colorful life of an impetuous boy. In some ways the boyishness never completely abated. Nor, apparently, did his personal self-assurance, whether right or wrong in the judgment of others. Writing when Sir Winston was still living, the author says: Many of Churchill’s present associates think that part of his greatness has always been his refusal to waste time in petty angers, personal bickering, and dreams of vengeance. Neither his equanimity nor his effectiveness is ever impaired by attempts to frustrate him. An often indifferent scholar at formal schooling, he nevertheless later became very well-read and, ever observant, always thought for himself.
Several times, especially as a young man in the military in Africa, he narrowly escaped death by shear good luck. During his up and down political experiences, he faced vicious (literally physical) opposition from the English suffragettes, the nastiest verbal opposition from opposing colleagues, and sometimes obstinate objection to orders when he was “in charge” of a department. Surprisingly, before outbreak of the First World War, his political leanings moved inexplicably to Socialist causes. But that didn’t last after the workers he extolled chose to unionize and paralyze the nation with strikes.
The author writes that “there can be no question that Churchill almost alone save England’s skin in the First World War.” He explains that it was Churchill as Home Secretary who set up a spy network, plus guards to watch over important British mining productions, after the German Kaiser sent gunboats into surrounding waters as much as three years before war actually broke out. Made Lord of the Admiralty, he ordered new battleships and bigger guns for them, encouraged development of aircraft, and prepared the British Navy and new Royal Naval Air Service to face down the attacks which he prophesied. He conceived of what later evolved as the military tank, first mocked by his own countrymen. But British military bungling in early war actions in the Dardanelles and at Gallipoli, which became historically infamous, was blamed on the Lord Admiral, and he was removed from the post. Distressed but undeterred from wishing a part in saving England, he asked for “a command at the front.” He was made a commanding officer of a Scots battalion. After a few months of unconventional leadership there, however, the battalion was disbanded and its men dispersed to other units. Churchill returned to a back bench in Parliament, where he continued to disrupt what he saw as complacency over defeating the Germans. He took up painting as a pastime for empty hours.
After the war was won, Churchill was appointed Colonial Secretary, where he helped pass an Anglo-Irish Treaty and worked in sympathy for the Jews to approve a home for them in a part of Palestine, both measures being seriously opposed by many powers. Then British politics shifted again and he was again shunned. He took painting lessons from landscape and portrait masters, learned the trade of bricklaying, submitted articles to magazines, began writing multi-volume histories and biographies of his own ancestors, and took European vacations. Another shift, and he was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer. Shift again, and he was back to private life. He did a speaking tour in the U.S., began publishing his books, and displayed his paintings in art shows under pseudonyms. If the book is accurate, he drank shocking amounts of wine, whiskey and brandy.
But Fascism in Germany and Italy was rising. And Mr. Taylor writes, “ In these days of British somnolence, the guilt must be shared by nearly everybody except Churchill.” As before, Churchill warned, in speech after speech, of “the magnitude of the disaster” approaching. In September 1939 the disaster began, and the British finally awoke. Churchill was again made Lord of the Admiralty, and ten months later became Prime Minister. He then addressed the nation with his immortal “blood, sweat and tears” speech. As dark days began, he engineered the famous boat flotilla rescue at Dunkirk. It would take six more years, but my own conclusion is that he is far and away the leader most responsible for saving not just England’s skin, but that of the whole world in the Second World War.
Then he took the stage in Missouri in the presence of President Truman, to warn of the next world threat of Communism in his “iron curtain” speech. That problem, it seems, is not quite yet resolved, but we no longer have Churchill to help us. Alas.
Helpfully, the first third of the book is of the colorful life of an impetuous boy. In some ways the boyishness never completely abated. Nor, apparently, did his personal self-assurance, whether right or wrong in the judgment of others. Writing when Sir Winston was still living, the author says: Many of Churchill’s present associates think that part of his greatness has always been his refusal to waste time in petty angers, personal bickering, and dreams of vengeance. Neither his equanimity nor his effectiveness is ever impaired by attempts to frustrate him. An often indifferent scholar at formal schooling, he nevertheless later became very well-read and, ever observant, always thought for himself.
Several times, especially as a young man in the military in Africa, he narrowly escaped death by shear good luck. During his up and down political experiences, he faced vicious (literally physical) opposition from the English suffragettes, the nastiest verbal opposition from opposing colleagues, and sometimes obstinate objection to orders when he was “in charge” of a department. Surprisingly, before outbreak of the First World War, his political leanings moved inexplicably to Socialist causes. But that didn’t last after the workers he extolled chose to unionize and paralyze the nation with strikes.
The author writes that “there can be no question that Churchill almost alone save England’s skin in the First World War.” He explains that it was Churchill as Home Secretary who set up a spy network, plus guards to watch over important British mining productions, after the German Kaiser sent gunboats into surrounding waters as much as three years before war actually broke out. Made Lord of the Admiralty, he ordered new battleships and bigger guns for them, encouraged development of aircraft, and prepared the British Navy and new Royal Naval Air Service to face down the attacks which he prophesied. He conceived of what later evolved as the military tank, first mocked by his own countrymen. But British military bungling in early war actions in the Dardanelles and at Gallipoli, which became historically infamous, was blamed on the Lord Admiral, and he was removed from the post. Distressed but undeterred from wishing a part in saving England, he asked for “a command at the front.” He was made a commanding officer of a Scots battalion. After a few months of unconventional leadership there, however, the battalion was disbanded and its men dispersed to other units. Churchill returned to a back bench in Parliament, where he continued to disrupt what he saw as complacency over defeating the Germans. He took up painting as a pastime for empty hours.
After the war was won, Churchill was appointed Colonial Secretary, where he helped pass an Anglo-Irish Treaty and worked in sympathy for the Jews to approve a home for them in a part of Palestine, both measures being seriously opposed by many powers. Then British politics shifted again and he was again shunned. He took painting lessons from landscape and portrait masters, learned the trade of bricklaying, submitted articles to magazines, began writing multi-volume histories and biographies of his own ancestors, and took European vacations. Another shift, and he was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer. Shift again, and he was back to private life. He did a speaking tour in the U.S., began publishing his books, and displayed his paintings in art shows under pseudonyms. If the book is accurate, he drank shocking amounts of wine, whiskey and brandy.
But Fascism in Germany and Italy was rising. And Mr. Taylor writes, “ In these days of British somnolence, the guilt must be shared by nearly everybody except Churchill.” As before, Churchill warned, in speech after speech, of “the magnitude of the disaster” approaching. In September 1939 the disaster began, and the British finally awoke. Churchill was again made Lord of the Admiralty, and ten months later became Prime Minister. He then addressed the nation with his immortal “blood, sweat and tears” speech. As dark days began, he engineered the famous boat flotilla rescue at Dunkirk. It would take six more years, but my own conclusion is that he is far and away the leader most responsible for saving not just England’s skin, but that of the whole world in the Second World War.
Then he took the stage in Missouri in the presence of President Truman, to warn of the next world threat of Communism in his “iron curtain” speech. That problem, it seems, is not quite yet resolved, but we no longer have Churchill to help us. Alas.
July 22, 2019
Terrific book!!
You would never expect to find a comedy when you read a book about WInston Churchill but I found myself laughing aloud over and over. Great book and a great man.
You would never expect to find a comedy when you read a book about WInston Churchill but I found myself laughing aloud over and over. Great book and a great man.
January 16, 2018
Indeed and informal rendering. Provides insight into the personality and the mode of operation of this great and sometimes egotistical savior of England and possibly the western democracies.
March 13, 2021
Some great stories about him. So much i never knew about his life. Bricklayer, painter, eating with Stalin stories are great
April 17, 2018
Chuchill
The book was slow and somewhat boring i.wish it had more of Churchill wonderful.quotes. It did confirmed that he was right about many issues of history.
The book was slow and somewhat boring i.wish it had more of Churchill wonderful.quotes. It did confirmed that he was right about many issues of history.
January 29, 2023
UPDATE:
Five stars, easily.
Full review is here: https://misterfweem.blogspot.com/2023...
My wife, who found the book for me, found another copy without the printing error. Loved it, though it gives short shrift to Churchill's World War II years.
END OF UPDATE
I want to give this book five stars because it's a delightfully funny telling of Churchill's life and times. My copy, however, has a printing error: The printer inserted pages 53 through 84 in the book twice, and in the process omitted pages 277 through 308. Anyone out there with an intact copy of the book willing to PDF my missing pages and send them along electronically?
Photo of the printing error is here: https://misterfweem.blogspot.com/2023...
Five stars, easily.
Full review is here: https://misterfweem.blogspot.com/2023...
My wife, who found the book for me, found another copy without the printing error. Loved it, though it gives short shrift to Churchill's World War II years.
END OF UPDATE
I want to give this book five stars because it's a delightfully funny telling of Churchill's life and times. My copy, however, has a printing error: The printer inserted pages 53 through 84 in the book twice, and in the process omitted pages 277 through 308. Anyone out there with an intact copy of the book willing to PDF my missing pages and send them along electronically?
Photo of the printing error is here: https://misterfweem.blogspot.com/2023...
June 14, 2021
The book does not rush through Churchill’s formative years and early career or treat these years as unimportant when painting a full picture of the man, as is often the unfortunate circumstances in other biographies. The book is primarily not focused on his historical importance to the events of world history, though it does not refrain from the occasional detail, rather it is a window into the character of the man himself. Filled with often amusing anecdotes throughout his life, the book captures the personality and wisdom of the protector of Western Civilization at its darkest hour.
The diction is elevated making it a slightly difficult read, if the challenge is met with the wrong attitude.
Despite the careful consideration of his early career, the reader knows where the story goes, and the book seems to be climaxing. However, the reader is severely disappointed as the book deals with Churchill’s time during the war rather insufficiently. Instead of a rousing narrative that delves into the deep responsibility, anguish, and purpose he may have felt during these years, the book largely focuses on Churchill’s relationships with FDR and Stalin during the war.
I would not recommend reading this as a purely historical book, if you are merely interested in reading about Churchill’s finest hour during World Wars II. However it paints a full, masterfully crafted painting of a great man.
The diction is elevated making it a slightly difficult read, if the challenge is met with the wrong attitude.
Despite the careful consideration of his early career, the reader knows where the story goes, and the book seems to be climaxing. However, the reader is severely disappointed as the book deals with Churchill’s time during the war rather insufficiently. Instead of a rousing narrative that delves into the deep responsibility, anguish, and purpose he may have felt during these years, the book largely focuses on Churchill’s relationships with FDR and Stalin during the war.
I would not recommend reading this as a purely historical book, if you are merely interested in reading about Churchill’s finest hour during World Wars II. However it paints a full, masterfully crafted painting of a great man.
April 17, 2014
An undeniably great read regarding Winston Churchill, his life and the impact he has had on Great Britain and the world.
Robert Taylor's book, traces Churchill's life from before he was born until 1952 (the year the book was written). He spends far less time on WWII than I thought he should, and much more on things that occurred before the war - the events that shaped his life - the elections, his adventures as a journalist, his experiences in WWI that were pivotal in Great Britain winning that war.
Even after WWII, Taylor spends a lot of time on what Churchill did after the - painting, occasionally entertaining,etc.
Fascinating information from a fascinating man - I found myself telling my wife about a quip, or story from the book more times than she would care to hear about. Taylor's writing is engaging and very readable.
However, minor points taken off due to Taylor's obvious fanboy devotion attempts to transform Churchill's boorish behavior (and there was some of that certainly - especially in regards to women or political opponents) into something quaint and reasonable. Nevertheless, a worthy read and something that will keep you up very late into the night.
Robert Taylor's book, traces Churchill's life from before he was born until 1952 (the year the book was written). He spends far less time on WWII than I thought he should, and much more on things that occurred before the war - the events that shaped his life - the elections, his adventures as a journalist, his experiences in WWI that were pivotal in Great Britain winning that war.
Even after WWII, Taylor spends a lot of time on what Churchill did after the - painting, occasionally entertaining,etc.
Fascinating information from a fascinating man - I found myself telling my wife about a quip, or story from the book more times than she would care to hear about. Taylor's writing is engaging and very readable.
However, minor points taken off due to Taylor's obvious fanboy devotion attempts to transform Churchill's boorish behavior (and there was some of that certainly - especially in regards to women or political opponents) into something quaint and reasonable. Nevertheless, a worthy read and something that will keep you up very late into the night.
July 17, 2021
hilarious at times. interesting biography of the war time Prime Minister written during his lifetime
July 29, 2023
I would guess this is at least my fourth Winston Churchill biography or related works. Clearly, this author loved his subject, throughly enjoyed him. As we all should. My favorite of them all.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews