Historian William Manchester, biographer of Churchill, dies at 82

Associated Press | June 1, 2004

[nopardons]

I hated his books idolizing JFK,but I admit to enjoying his other works.

Thanks for the ping.For some reason,I thought that he was already dead and I don't know why.

[Jhensy]

"The Glory and the Dream" was a memorable book I read just out of college, years ago, and it inspired and taught me about 20th century US history in a way that no history course had before.

Exactly the same for me, too. It was easy to ignore his obvious liberal bias, it was so info-packed. My favorite American history book.

I also very much enjoyed the two Churchill books, and Goodbye Darkness.

[southernnorthcarolina]

In Moscow [in 1932], Stalin was receiving a British delegation led by Lady Astor. He inquired about politicians in England. "Chamberlain," she said, "is the coming man." Stalin asked: "What about Churchill?" Her eyes widened. "Churchill?" she said. She gave a scornful little laugh and replied, "Oh, he's finished."

Thus ended William Manchester's first volume ("Visions of Glory") of the intended trilogy The Last Lion.

Most folks of my generation and later, I suspect, think of Churchill as a pivotal WW2 figure, but not as much more. But a reading of "Visions of Glory" -- covering the years from Churchill's birth (1874) until his entry into the political "wilderness" in 1932 -- should serve as proof that Churchill would have been a towering historical figure had he passed from the scene in his late 50s.

Manchester's second volume ("Alone," covering the years 1932-1940) was equally fascinating. Churchill's political power in this period had largely ebbed, and Lady Astor's dismissal was viewed as fact by most people, I suspect (to the extent they even thought about the old has-been). And yet, it is in this volume that Manchester set the table for the greatness that was to come, by recounting Churchill's speeches in Parliament and his writings, both in the press and in private correspondence.

What a great shame (though hardly a surprise) that we won't see the final volume. Certainly there's no shortage of Churchill biographies, and Churchill's own extensive writings, notably the brilliant six-volume The Second World War, while not intended to be autobiographical, nonetheless were so to an extent. Still, the lack of the conclusion of The Last Lion will leave a gap. I hope that whatever Manchester had completed will be posted in its incomplete form.

[rond]

"The Glory and the Dream" was a memorable book I read just out of college, years ago, and it inspired and taught me about 20th century US history in a way that no history course had before.

So true. That book inspired me to study writing and love history. Nearly 30 years later, it's still vivid in my head.

[Non-Sequitur]

Aw, damn....

[Servant of the 9]

The Churchill volumes are magnificent.

So9

[Servant of the 9]

.......proof that Churchill would have been a towering historical figure had he passed from the scene in his late 50s.

I wish he had been able to do the third volume, but a biography ending with his becoming PM does highlight what a fantastic figure Sir Winston.

Jennie: The Life of Lady Randolph Churchill, by Ralph G. Martin the two volume biography of his mother is also excelent.
She was as outsized a character as he was.

So9

[NormsRevenge]

Semper Fidelis Bump

Historian and writer William Manchester is seen with President Bush (news - web sites) and first lady Laura Bush during the National Endowments of the Arts Awards ceremony in this April 22, 2002, photo in Washington. Manchester, author of popular biographies on Winston Churchill and Douglas MacArthur and the controversial chronicler of President Kennedy's assassination, has died, a spokesman at Wesleyan University said Tuesday, June 1, 2004. He was 82. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

[MistrX]

A great writer.

[JasonC]

I loved "The Glory and the Dream" and "Goodbye Darkness". His book on MacArthur, "American Caesar", isn't as good as those but is still well worth reading.

[Xenalyte]

A World Lit Only by Fire is a competent yet accessible introduction to the medieval mind. Fascinating book.

[Skooz]

Two strokes prevented Manchester from completing the much-anticipated third volume, covering most of the World War II years.

I read the first two volumes, and eagerly awaited the final one for years. I am being selfish when I say that I am disappointed I will never be able to read it.

"The Last Lion" should be required reading. Superlative biography.

You will be missed, Mr. Manchester. You were a master of your craft.