Darling Winston: Forty Years of Letters Between Winston Churchill and His Mother

The first ever collection of the letters between Churchill and his mother sheds revelatory light on the future wartime premier.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2019
Publisher: Head of Zeus

Winston Churchill, the renowned British statesman, held a deep affection for his mother, Jennie, Lady Randolph Churchill. Their forty-year correspondence, spanning from 1881, when Churchill was just six years old, to 1921, the year of Jennie's passing, is a captivating testament to their enduring bond. In Darling Winston, David Lough has painstakingly compiled the first-ever edited selection of their voluminous and entertaining letters.

Churchill's life during this period was marked by a series of remarkable adventures and political aspirations. He served in the army in India, narrowly escaped from a Boer POW camp, ascended from the position of Conservative MP for Oldham to the Liberal First Lord of the Admiralty, and faced the resignation in the aftermath of the disastrous Gallipoli campaign. However, his journey was not without its setbacks, as he eventually returned to the cabinet in 1917.

In contrast, Jennie's life took a downward spiral. Her second marriage ended in divorce, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated as she moved between the country homes of her wealthy friends. As Winston ascended to political prominence and met his future wife, Clementine, Jennie was going through a divorce and struggling to establish herself as a writer.

Darling Winston offers a unique perspective on Churchill's emotional, intellectual, and political development, as he confided in his mother as his mentor. It also delves into the intricate mother-son relationship, which began with Churchill's dependence on Jennie and later reversed as her life crumbled towards its end. The letters are brimming with gossip, name-dropping, and a bold sense of humor, showcasing the lively and engaging nature of their correspondence.

The cast of characters that populate these letters is a testament to the wide circle of friends and acquaintances that Jennie and Winston cultivated throughout their lives. From political leaders to literary figures, their letters reveal the intimate details of their social circle and the broader political landscape of the time.

In conclusion, Darling Winston is a remarkable collection that provides a glimpse into the private lives of Winston Churchill and his mother, Jennie, Lady Randolph Churchill. It offers a captivating account of their forty-year correspondence, filled with personal anecdotes, political insights, and the tender moments of their mother-son relationship. This sparkling volume will be devoured by all who revere Churchill, offering a deeper understanding of the man and his legacy.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 132 x 198 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786697714