No comments about Chronicles of Love & Confusion.

No comments about The Life of William Ewart Gladstone - Vol. II 1859-1880.

No comments about David Lloyd George and the British Labour Movement: Peace and War (Modern Revivals in Economic and Social History).

4 comments about Churchill and Hitler: In Victory and Defeat.

1. When I first saw this book I got excited. I thought what a great concept writing a biography of both of these extremely influential leaders in the same book. It would give the reader an amazing perspective to see how these leaders came about, and what influenced them and led them to be the men they ended up as. I thought that both men would be a study in contrast that would give readers a greater insight into these men and their times. Instead what I found was a lop sided work that was nothing but a study in the author's own biases.
   
   We all know the history of these two men, and so I don't expect a history of Hitler to cast him in a positive light, but what I do expect is some historical perspective and even-handedness by the author. The author from the very beginning suggests that he is somewhat of a fan of Churchill and as such the book may have a slight bent towards Churchill. I thought that would be fine, and I thought it showed great integrity in the author that he was willing to admit this. I also thought since the author himself was aware of his bias that would mean he was aware during his writing, and would thus have worked against his own feelings to give readers a more balanced account. No such luck though, as I found out this work is about as lopsided a book as I have ever come across. Churchill is portrayed as a great hero from the beginning, while the writing on Hitler oozes vitriol from the very beginnings.
   
   The history writer must do their best to set aside personal feelings to attempt to truly capture the objective truth. History must be allowed to speak for itself because when authors let their biases seep in then history becomes subjective, and when history becomes subjective it can also become dangerous. It is a very difficult thing to accomplish (especially with these two figures). Unfortunately this author didn't even give it a try, and this book suffers terribly for it. My disappointment is certainly compounded by my initial excitement.



2. As I read the author's account of Superman Churchill, passing lightly over Churchillean stumbles such as putting Britain on the gold standard, Gallipoli, holding badly needed troops in northern Norway, etc., I realized I was reading hagiography and not history. The abhorrence of unpleasant stuff extends to Hitler. It's hard to believe that anyone could write a book about the dictator and never even mention the Holocaust, but Strawson did, without explanation or apology. I'm surprised he didn't omit World War II.



3. I am a Churchill admirer and was anxiously to read Strawson's book. I was a bit disappointed once I finished it. I had hoped for a detailed description - by a military man - of the war and Churchill's and Hitler's role leading their nations. Strawson spends almost half of the book "setting up" the war. This may be a good tack for those who might not know much about the background of the two protaganists. But, if you do know anything about Churchill's and Hitler's youth and rise this is needless filler. Also, Strawson seems to draw quite extensively from Isiah Berlin's "Churchill in 1940" and Allan Bullock's "Hitler" as sources. Having read both I am a little disconcerted that Berlin's work (a short but brilliant monograph) figures so prominently. And although Bullock's work is also well done, there are other superb Hitler biographies - like Joachim Fest's. I am additionally disappointed that Strawson's editors did not put full citations in the work - as foot or endnotes. Overall, this book didn't give me all I wanted. But, it is an admirable effort by an aging general who wants to leave his mark on modern military history.



4. this book does a fairly good job in paralleling the lives of hitler and churchill.the authors objectivity,however is clouded by his unbridled admiration for churchill.i was a bit disappointed in this because in order to get the full flavor of a person a balance of negatives and positives must be met.yet i admire the authors military acuman.he tells a good one of the north african campaign how the british rolled up the italian army,capturing no less than 10 divisions only to be repelled by rommels panzer forces.one of the best parts of the book to me was when the author did a comparison of leadership and temperaments between rommel and montgomery.he did a good job in explaining the might of the german army,and how it was developed in the 1930's.indeed one is left with the impression that german leaders like rommel and guderian were among the most innovative of the war.the author illustrates how hitler though a master of stragedy and creating bold concepts,gave in to his megalomania,and eventually lead the wehrmact to disaster.stalingrad is a case in point.overall i enjoyed the book, particularly the battle of britain, and despite the possibility of imminent invasion,churchill was eager to get the british back on the offensive.this book makes clear how important the meditterean was to the british empire.for history buffs this book may be a revisit of old territory.yet for students of military history this book is worth a read because he describes several of the campaigns so well,like the allied landing in anzio, and how general lucas waffled;blowing the allies chance of walking into rome with little german resistance.still this book disappointed me in one respect.the author fails to explain how hitler became the monster who caused the death of millions.there is little description of his childhood.

No comments about Benjamin Disraeli.

No comments about The Political Legacy of Margaret Thatcher.

2 comments about Disraeli Gears: Cream (Classic Rock Series).

1. The life and career of Eric Clapton has been extensively covered in various other books, but there are a precious few about the definitive power trio he was apart of in the 1960's. Cream is one of the best rock bands from the 60's and Disraeli Gears is their best album. John Platt not only gives a crisp and insightful look into the making of the album, but to the origins of the band itself. Mr. Platt supplies us with liberal doses of the bassist and lead vocalist Jack Bruce's thoughts as well as commentary from drummer Ginger Baker and Mr. Clapton. The book also details their live work which is the band is renowned for. Mr. Platt has written a superb book that is another great volume in the Classic Rock Series.



2. For you Cream fans waiting for the "reunion", this will make you long all the more. John Platt does a very good job on retracing the history of the band's recordings, with the emphasis on the Disraeli Gears album. The book does spend too much time on the subject of exact dates and many of the inconsistent accounts leave you with a feeling of; "so what was the real version"? But, all aside, the best documented account I have found on one of the most talented bands in rock/blues history.

   As a big Jack Bruce fan, I found myself reinforced with what I always believed: Jack was THE driving force behind the band and had more of his influence been allowed to develop, their survival may have been prolonged.

No comments about Mr. England: The Life Story Of Winston Churchill, The Fighting Briton.

No comments about LLOYD GEORGE (BRITISH HISTORY IN PERSPECTIVE).

No comments about Lloyd George (Lancaster Pamphlets).