The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz

by Erik Larson

“It is slothful not to compress your thoughts,” he said.

The speech set a pattern that he would follow throughout the war, offering a sober appraisal of facts, tempered with reason for optimism. “It would be foolish to disguise the gravity of the hour,” he said. “It would be still more foolish to lose heart and courage.”

ONE OF THE MOST DISTINCTIVE aspects of Churchill’s approach to leadership was his ability to switch tracks in an instant and focus earnestly on things that any other prime minister would have found trivial. Depending on one’s perspective, this was either an endearing trait or a bedevilment.

Never was there such a contrast of natural splendor and human vileness.”

“An airplane carrying Hitler, Göring and Goebbels crashes. All three are killed. Who is saved?” Answer: “The German People.”

“I never gave them courage,” he said. “I was able to focus theirs.”

My favorite Churchill quote. For as ostentatious and comical he was at times, he was a fiercely loving, loyal and humble leader. Fantastic book from tip to tail.