The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Volume 3 cover art

The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Volume 3

Defender of the Realm, 1940-1965

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The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Volume 3

By: William Manchester, Paul Reid
Narrated by: Clive Chafer, Paul Reid
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About this listen

Spanning the years 1940 to 1965, Defender of the Realm, the third volume of William Manchester’s The Last Lion, picks up shortly after Winston Churchill became prime minister - when his tiny island nation stood alone against the overwhelming might of Nazi Germany. The Churchill portrayed by Manchester and Reid is a man of indomitable courage, lightning-fast intellect, and an irresistible will to action.

This volume brilliantly recounts how Churchill organized his nation’s military response and defense, compelled President Roosevelt to support America’s beleaguered cousins, and personified the "never surrender" ethos that helped the Allies win the war, while at the same time adapting himself and his country to the inevitable shift of world power from the British Empire to the United States.

More than 20 years in the making, The Last Lion presents a revelatory and unparalleled portrait of this brilliant, flawed, and dynamic leader. This is popular history at its most stirring.

©2012 John Manchester, Julie Manchester, Laurie Manchester and Paul Reid; published by arrangement with John Manchester, Julie Manchester and Laurie Manchester (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc 20th Century Europe Great Britain Historical Military Modern Politicians Politics & Activism Presidents & Heads of State

Critic Reviews

"Before his death in 2004, an ill Manchester asked former Cox newspapers journalist Reid to take his research notes and finish writing the final volume of his trilogy. The long-delayed majestic account of Winston Churchill’s last 25 years is worth the wait…. Manchester matches the outstanding quality of biographers such as Robert Caro and Edmund Morris, joining this elite bank of writers who devote their lives to one subject." ( Publishers Weekly)
"General readers, as always, will be taken by [Manchester's] boundless abilities as a storyteller…. Essential for Manchester collectors, WWII buffs, and Churchill completists." ( Kirkus Reviews)
"A big book but reads easily…. The finished book is a worthy conclusion to what must be considered one of the most thorough treatments of Churchill so far produced. An essential conclusion to Manchester's magnum opus." ( Library Journal)
All stars
Most relevant  
I read or listened to most of the works on the great man.
This is particularly detailed in the machinations behind his prosecution of the war. It also places much emphasis on his being a great sage of social developments which many he played a pivotal and often initiating role.
It’s very long of course , Churchill had a very full life. Well worth the effort.
It contains less of Churchill wit than other tomes but one still is rewarded with a few chuckles .

One of the best Churchill Biographies

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I was left incredulous, and in awe. What a wonderful story. Should be read by all who want to understand today’s world.

Stunned by this story

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I feel now I have a much better idea of Winston Churchill, his faults and his strength, and the reasons the British public absolutely loved him.

Great narration

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couldn't get past the first part. Perhaps it gets better, but the endless drone of the narrator and an odd lack of focus on Churchill the man just failed to deliver anything I could withstand

Dense and droning

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