Marlborough: His Life and Times, Book Two (Volume 2)

Winston Churchill's massive biography of the Duke of Marlborough is considered one of the great biographies in the English language. It lives up to its reputation. Churchill's writing is engaging, moving and clear. In a few sentences he can capture the qualities of both thought and action. This history is exhaustive and was intended to lay to rest many historical controversies regarding John Churchill's actions and character. His access to original documents through his family connection lends formidable support for the authors interpretation of events. It is a long, long biography but it is amply rewarding!

Winston Churchill wrote this book during the 1930's while in political exile. His masterful handling of Hitler, Roosevelt, and Stalin is presaged as he tells the tale of John Churchill, who overcame party strife in England, baseness and shortsightedness in coalition partners, and (finally) Louis XIV of France. WSC tell the story with his brilliant flair and style, but he also pauses with the reader to reflect on such matters as how to blunt a violent political storm without being yourself destroyed, how best to handle superiors who will hold you responsible for results but will not let you do the job, and how to act honorably when all of your life's work is thrown away by your enemies. These trenchant insights were pertinent in 1700, in the 1930's, and today. You are in for a treat, read this one.

A great read. Learned so much about a very interesting period of time

The Duke of Marlborough, almost forgotten today, was the successful military commander in the War of The Spanish Succession. His leadership and skills can provide much insight in the contemporary world scene.

Winston Churchill is a great writer, and this biography is a page-turner. That's rare for a half-forgotten 18th Century general fighting a half-forgotten 18th Century war. Churchill makes this all come alive.The only problem is that Marlborough, in Churchill's eyes, can do little wrong. I may have to read some of the other adverse biographies as a corrective to this.All in all, though, a very enjoyable and informative book.

Well written

I have watch with a great deal of interest the 1971 BBC production of "The First Churchills." However, much of the television series dealt with the live of Marborough up to the beginning of this book. Consequently, this book has shown me much new material.

Churchill, simply the best

I have not yet read book 2 of this story about Marlborough. However, if book one is an indicator of what is coming up in the second book, I can't wait to read it soonest.

English literature at it's finest, covering critical times and characters in British and European history. The principal figure is a legend and his life is recounted by his ancestor, also a legend.Whilst never verbose, the language is expansive, inspiring and educational to the reader; words and expressions are used that have fallen out of general use in our modern age.Whilst these books deserve to be read diligently, and are best approached by those readers who can devote serious time to them, they remain very readable.

Marlborough is a man who, in the past, has been vilified by many but this amazing man, as described and researched by that most literate and distinguished writer, Sir Winston Churchill, has now been placed back into his rightful place in history. Churchill is a wonderful penman and this skill, combined with his powers of description and explanation, make these books a wonderful experience and an essential read for those interested in history.

Probably one of the best history books ever made. Beautifully written (of course), full of passion, immense yet never boring, an absolute masterpiece

An immaculate paperback