Meeting Churchill: A Life in 90 Encounters

This book provides a multifaceted portrait of Winston Churchill, incorporating perspectives from individuals who encountered him throughout his life, including Bletchley Park codebreakers, Hollywood stars, writers, and political figures. It explores his transformations from a schoolboy thug to a statesman, covering his life from Benjamin Disraelis premiership to the release of the Rolling Stones' 'Route 66.' It also examines controversial aspects of his legacy and challenges preconceived notions, inviting readers to reconsider the complexities of Churchill.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

This captivating portrayal of Winston Churchill extends beyond the confines of well-known political events, encompassing a diverse range of perspectives from individuals who encountered him throughout his life. Spanning from the enigmatic codebreakers at Bletchley Park to the iconic figures of Hollywood, such as the legendary Charlie Chaplin, to renowned writers like H. G. Wells and P. G. Wodehouse, as well as influential figures such as Harold Wilson, Mahatma Gandhi, and Queen Elizabeth II, these lesser-known interactions offer invaluable insights into the enigmatic man behind the legendary persona.

We embark on a journey to meet Churchill, the vibrant schoolboy thug with an early penchant for bulldogs, and witness his transformation into a wise elder statesman, shedding tears in the House of Commons smoking room. Along the way, we encounter various anecdotes, including a young journalist dismissing a call from Churchill as a mere prank, and a visiting Dwight D. Eisenhower experiencing a peculiar dream of being strangled, only to find himself entangled in Churchill's borrowed nightshirt upon awakening.

The book serves as a testament to the profound transformations that Churchill experienced throughout his remarkable life, spanning from the era of Benjamin Disraeli's premiership to the advent of the Rolling Stones' iconic song "Route 66" and the transition from steam to atomic power. By delving into controversial aspects of his legacy, this multifaceted portrait invites readers to reevaluate their perceptions and explore the intricate complexities of Churchill's remarkable life.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 223 x 146 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241678558