In Search of Churchill: A Historian's Journey - Softcover

Gilbert, Martin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0471180726 ISBN 13: 9780471180722

Publisher: Trade Paper Press, 1997

Synopsis

Penetrating . . . beautifully rounds out and humanizes the character of the greatest statesman of the twentieth century. —San Francisco Chronicle.

""A multifaceted gem, sparkling with anecdotes and insights about the nature of biography, the challenges and rewards of historical research, and of course Winston Churchill."" —Richmond Times-Dispatch

""Everything about Winston Churchill is extraordinary. During his excavation of his subject, Martin Gilbert has discovered many gems. In this book he holds some of the most gorgeous jewels up to the light for us to admire."" —The Spectator.

""Gilbert here gives us Churchill's vast humanity with the politics largely left out. Readers daunted by the 8,000-odd pages of the official life should start here. They will love it."" —The Times (London).

""The portrait of Winston Churchill is . . . vivid and painted with an affection and humour that rarely appear in the official biography."" —London Daily Telegraph.

""The work [Gilbert] has done puts all historians of the twentieth century, and all students of Churchill, incalculably in his debt."" —London Sunday Telegraph.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Gilbert's eight-volume biography of Churchill is the largest ever written and, in the opinion of many, the greatest. This book is a fascinating account of the author's 30-year quest for his subject, offering a provocative glimpse into how a successful biographer practices his craft. Contains fresh new vignettes of Churchill which are not included in the official biography along with a concise insightful history of the era in which Britain's most famous prime minister lived.

From the Inside Flap:

In Search of Churchill Martin Gilbert’s landmark eight-volume biography of Winston Churchill is considered one of the greatest ever written. And the story behind it is every bit as fascinating as its celebrated subject. In Search of Churchill is the critically acclaimed tale of the author’s thirtyyear quest for one of the legendary leaders and dominant personalities of the twentieth century. This brilliant account is at once a striking portrayal of Winston Churchill as seen through the eyes of those closest to him and a rare, inside look at "the Agatha Christie side of the historian’s art" (London Financial Times). In Search of Churchill reveals the staggering extent of Gilbert’s research, an epic undertaking that he began in 1962 as Randolph Churchill’s assistant. From that auspicious beginning to the exultant moment when, some twentyfive years later, the author "reached the final file in the bottom drawer of the last filing cabinet," we witness the extraordinary process of countless interviews, of digging ever more deeply to dispel the myths and stereotypes, of alternately charming and cajoling those sources reluctant to confide. Now, share some of the great moments in Martin Gilbert’s pursuit, and meet an unforgettable cast of characters along the way: secretaries, assistants, diarists, correspondents, soldiers, politicians, civil servants; the eminent and the unknown. All had tales to tell, many appearing for the first time in this book. Through these intimate recollections a remarkable pattern emerges. The impressions Churchill made on those he met, even as an adolescent, were indelible. From schoolmates to members of Parliament, family friends to casual acquaintances, all were convinced he was unique — and a true man of destiny. Here, then, is an unparalleled opportunity to view the complex character of the man behind the public persona—seen at his most unguarded moments. Filled with intriguing anecdotes that could not be included in the formal biography, In Search of Churchill unfolds with vigorous enthusiasm and unbounded affection for its subject. It is must reading, not only for Churchill devotees, but for all those interested in the art of biography.

About this edition

• Publisher: Trade Paper Press
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0471180726
• ISBN 13: 9780471180722
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 380