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Summary
A New York Times Bestseller
A 2012 Barnes & Noble Best Book
A 2012 Booklist Editors’ Choice Selection: Biography
One of the 2012 Kirkus Reviews Best Books for Nonfiction
A November 2012 Kirkus Reviews “New and Notable Title”
A BookPage Top Pick , 2012
A BookPage Book of the Day , December 2012
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 twenty 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 by John Manchester, Julie Manchester, Laurie Manchester, and Paul Reid
Review Quotes
“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 twenty-five years is worth the wait…Manchester (and Reid) 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 (starred review)
“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 (starred review)
“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 (starred review)
“Discover the steadfast courage and military brilliance of Winston Churchill during his years as prime minister when he alone faced the threat of Nazi Germany and vowed to ‘never surrender.’”
—BookPage
Listener Review
1 out of 1 (100%) recommend this product
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An engaging history that offers great insight into a largely forgotten but important person and period
February 23, 2013I am an avid user of audio books and this would be the longest title I have ever purchased. However, despite its length it remains an interesting and well narrated title with plenty of entertaining points throughout the book. Churchill, despite playing such a serious role in history provides considerable humour with his quips and one liners. There is a lot to learn apart from Churchill the man. There is a detailed account of the period from all perspectives, the home front in England, the war itself covering, France, Dunkirk, Norway, the Atlantic war, the Eastern Front, North Africa and Japanese campaigns, etc. The development of the relationship and lend lease with America is included. Its an amazing read and will not bore you although it does take some considerable time and effort to get through and if you can't spare the time, but if you have any interest in Churchill and the period then you won't be disappointed.
Author Bio:
William Manchester (1922–2004) was an award-winning American author, biographer, and historian and a professor emeritus of history at Wesleyan University. Among his many New York Times bestselling books are Goodbye, Darkness and The Last Lion, a multivolume biography of Winston Churchill.
Additional Titles by the Author
The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Vol. 2
read by Richard Brown
The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Vol. 1
read by Frederick Davidson
read by Jeff Riggenbach
read by Grover Gardner
read by Barrett Whitener
Reader Bio:
Clive Chafer is a professional actor, director, producer, and theater instructor. Originally from England and educated at Leeds and Exeter universities, he has performed and directed at many theaters in the San Francisco area, where he makes his home, and elsewhere in the US. In 1993, he founded TheatreFIRST, Oakland’s professional theater company, where he served as artistic director until 2008.
