About the book
This critical biography of Winston Churchill is “a powerful corrective” as it shines a light on the real history and war crimes of ‘Britain’s greatest leader’ (Independent).
The subject of numerous biographies and history books, Winston Churchill has been repeatedly voted as one of the greatest of Englishmen. The wartime leader has become a household god for many, preserving an antiquated vision of Britain still shared by all 3 parties. Yet, was he anything more than a plump carp happy to swim in the foulest of ponds to defend the Empire?
In this coruscating biography, Tariq Ali challenges Churchill's vaulted record. Churchill himself never bothered to conceal his passionate defense of the British Empire or its attendant racism. On a more personal level, his complacent self-belief influenced his every step and frequently tripped him up. As the head of the British Navy during WWI, he was responsible for a series of calamitous errors that cost thousands of lives. His attempt to crush the Irish nationalists left wounds that have yet to heal. His attacks on striking workers in Glasgow and Tonypandy, his posturing when calling in the army to burn two anarchists in London’s East End, his vicious propaganda during the General Strike were not forgotten or forgiven.
During the war against Germany, the most revered period of his career, Churchill’s crimes abroad continued, including the brutal assault on the Greek Resistance, the Bengal Famine that cost over 3 million Indian lives, the all-out assault on civilians in Dresden and Hamburg, and the insistence on the use of nuclear weapons in Japan. Even as the Empire was starting to crumble, Churchill never questioned his imperial philosophy as he became one of the architects of the postwar world we live in today. His is a terrible record, amply documented in Tariq Ali’s indictment.
Editions of Winston Churchill
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781788735773
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781788735803
- EBook
- ISBN 9781788735797
Read an Excerpt
This critical biography of Winston Churchill is “a powerful corrective” as it shines a light on the real history and war crimes of ‘Britain’s greatest leader’ (Independent).
The subject of numerous biographies and history books, Winston Churchill has been repeatedly voted as one of the greatest of Englishmen. The wartime leader has become a household god for many, preserving an antiquated vision of Britain still shared by all 3 parties. Yet, was he anything more than a plump carp happy to swim in the foulest of ponds to defend the Empire?
In this coruscating biography, Tariq Ali challenges Churchill's vaulted record. Churchill himself never bothered to conceal his passionate defense of the British Empire or its attendant racism. On a more personal level, his complacent self-belief influenced his every step and frequently tripped him up. As the head of the British Navy during WWI, he was responsible for a series of calamitous errors that cost thousands of lives. His attempt to crush the Irish nationalists left wounds that have yet to heal. His attacks on striking workers in Glasgow and Tonypandy, his posturing when calling in the army to burn two anarchists in London’s East End, his vicious propaganda during the General Strike were not forgotten or forgiven.
During the war against Germany, the most revered period of his career, Churchill’s crimes abroad continued, including the brutal assault on the Greek Resistance, the Bengal Famine that cost over 3 million Indian lives, the all-out assault on civilians in Dresden and Hamburg, and the insistence on the use of nuclear weapons in Japan. Even as the Empire was starting to crumble, Churchill never questioned his imperial philosophy as he became one of the architects of the postwar world we live in today. His is a terrible record, amply documented in Tariq Ali’s indictment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Winston Churchill about?
This critical biography of Winston Churchill is “a powerful corrective” as it shines a light on the real history and war crimes of ‘Britain’s greatest leader’ (Independent).
The subject of numerous biographies and history books, Winston Churchill has been repeatedly voted as one of the greatest of Englishmen. The wartime leader has become a household god for many, preserving an antiquated vision of Britain still shared by all 3 parties. Yet, was he anything more than a plump carp happy to swim in the foulest of ponds to defend the Empire?
In this coruscating biography, Tariq Ali challenges Churchill's vaulted record. Churchill himself never bothered to conceal his passionate defense of the British Empire or its attendant racism. On a more personal level, his complacent self-belief influenced his every step and frequently tripped him up. As the head of the British Navy during WWI, he was responsible for a series of calamitous errors that cost thousands of lives. His attempt to crush the Irish nationalists left wounds that have yet to heal. His attacks on striking workers in Glasgow and Tonypandy, his posturing when calling in the army to burn two anarchists in London’s East End, his vicious propaganda during the General Strike were not forgotten or forgiven.
During the war against Germany, the most revered period of his career, Churchill’s crimes abroad continued, including the brutal assault on the Greek Resistance, the Bengal Famine that cost over 3 million Indian lives, the all-out assault on civilians in Dresden and Hamburg, and the insistence on the use of nuclear weapons in Japan. Even as the Empire was starting to crumble, Churchill never questioned his imperial philosophy as he became one of the architects of the postwar world we live in today. His is a terrible record, amply documented in Tariq Ali’s indictment.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Winston Churchill?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Biography: general > Biography: historical, political and military
Where can I read a sample of Winston Churchill?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781788735773
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Winston Churchill?
Tariq Ali
Who is the Publisher of the book Winston Churchill?
Verso Books
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Winston Churchill is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781788735773) and paperback(ISBN 9781788735803) and ebook(ISBN 9781788735797)
Where can I buy Winston Churchill online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Winston Churchill?