Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Penguin Books Ltd (1960), Paperback
Description
This book is the first in Winston Churchill's monumental six-volume account of the struggle between the Allied Powers in Europe against Germany and the Axis during World War II. Told from the unique viewpoint of a British prime minister, it is also the story of one nation's heroic role in the fight against tyranny. Having learned a lesson at Munich they would never forget, the British refused to make peace with Hitler, defying him even after France had fallen and it seemed as though the Nazis were unstoppable. What lends this work its tension and power is Churchill's inclusion of primary source material. We are presented with not only Churchill's retrospective analysis of the war, but also memos, letters, orders, speeches, and telegrams, day-by-day accounts of reactions as the drama intensifies. We listen as strategies and counterstrategies unfold in response to Hitler's conquest of Europe, planned invasion of England, and assault on Russia. Together they give a mesmerizing account of the crucial decisions made as the fate of the world hangs in the balance. The Gathering Storm covers the Treaty of Versailles, the rise of Adolf Hitler, the capitulation of Munich, and the entry of Britain into the war. This book makes clear Churchill's feeling that the Second World War was a largely senseless but unavoidable conflict-and shows why Churchill earned the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953, in part because of this awe-inspiring work.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member PopeLinus
This may be one of the most important books of the twentieth century, written by one of its greatest heroes. Churchill, a lone voice against tyranny for so long, did everything he could to sound the warning bell against fascism. In the end--although so very late--they listened. In the end, the
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Allies were victorious. And in the end, we have this brilliant account from which to learn of the follies of the past, in order to preserve our future from tyranny. Show Less
LibraryThing member majackson
Winston Churchill Second World War
This book consists of Churchill’s thoughts and actions concerning the aftermaths of WW1 and the lead-up to WW2. While there is much information that was left out of the story, Churchill concentrates on the parts of the war in which he played at least some part.
Churchill also makes a point of never chastising any of the other players in the war-game for their failings and devotes most of his writing to the main characters and their thoughts. He lays out his opinions of correct actions and incorrect actions without condemning any of the actors for following their consciences.
When Chamberlain finally resigned, having accepted that he had been duped by the Nazis, Churchill felt intense sympathy for this man who had truly dedicated his life to peace and made supreme efforts to convince Hitler that there was nothing to fear from the British.
“But Mr. Chamberlain and the Foreign Office were baffled by this riddle of the Sphinx… Statesmen are not called upon only to settle easy questions. These often settle themselves. It is where the balance quivers, and the proportions are veiled in mist, that the opportunity for world-saving decisions presents itself.”
One great challenge the Allies faced was whether or not to conclude a mutual support treaty with the new Soviet Republic under Stalin. The British and the French were convinced that, at their current level of military weakness compared to the Nazis, they had to negotiate a pact with Stalin to draw significant German military might away from the Western Front, to the Eastern Front. The only problem was that the nations comprising the Eastern Front—Poland, Rumania, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania—did not like the idea of being “saved” by the Communists. The Polish attitude was, “With the Germans we risk losing our liberty; with the Russians our soul.”
Meanwhile, as Churchill notes Hitler’s protestations and promises concerning German intentions in Europe…and then Germany’s actions…he wryly comments that “if a Government has no moral scruples, it often seems to gain great advantages and liberties of action…”. But then is quite confident that “all comes out even at the end of the day, and all will come out the more even when all the days are ended.”
After the invasion of Poland, and Britain & France accepted the fact of war, Churchill tells the sanguine anecdote: “The Prime Minister’s broadcast informed us that we were already at war, and he had scarcely ceased speaking when [an air raid alarm sounded]. My wife came into the room…and commented favourably upon German promptitude and precision…”
And finally, the one man who refrained from criticizing others, who had followed all his orders faithfully, and yet successfully forecast the problems sure to come, was finally elected Prime Minister: “As I sat in my place, listening to the speeches, a very strong sense of calm came over me, after the intense passions and excitement of the last few days. I felt a serenity of mind and was conscious of a kind of uplifted detachment from human and personal affairs. The glory of Old England, peace-loving and ill-prepared as she was, but instant and fearless at the call of hour, thrilled my being and seemed to lift our fate to those spheres far removed from earthly facts and physical sensation.”
“Since 1911 much more than a quarter of a century had passed, and still mortal peril threatened us at the hands of the same nation. Once again defence of the rights of a weak state, outraged and invaded by unprovoked aggression, forced us to draw the sword. Once again we must fight for life and honour against all the might and fury of the valiant, disciplined, and ruthless German race. Once again! So be it.”
“[Hitler] did not understand the profound change which takes place in Great Britain and throughout the British Empire once the signal of war has been given; nor how those who have been the most strenuous for peace turn overnight into uniting toilers for victory. He could not comprehend the mental or spiritual force of our island people, who however much opposed to war or military preparation, had through the centuries come to regard victory [and this is a telling notion] as their birthright.” Obviously the American Revolution didn’t really count as a “war”, because a bit of Britain’s trade & tax revenue was the only thing at stake…not the subjugation of its people.
Up until this time Churchill was constantly dealing with the various European rulers who argued that precipitous actions against Germany “might draw reprisals upon France” and other, smaller, nations: “This idea of not irritating the enemy did not commend itself to me.” Churchill was definitely upset by those who argued: “Don’t be unkind to the enemy, you will only make him angry.”
At the very end of the beginning, when, where before, Churchill was intentionally excluded from any role in the government in order to not offend Germany or Italy, he was now hailed as the only personality capable of leading Britain out of this morass, we read of Churchill’s thoughts and feelings.
“During these last crowded days of the political crisis, my pulse had not quickened at any moment. But I cannot conceal from the reader of this truthful account that as I went to bed at about 3 A.M., I was conscious of a profound sense of relief. At last I had the authority to give directions over the whole scene. I felt as if I were walking with Destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial. Therefore, although impatient for the morning, I slept soundly and had no need for cheering dreams.”
Again, Churchill doesn't tell the entire story...but enough of the highest levels of the story, and with enough emotional interest to be as entertained as we are informed.
This book consists of Churchill’s thoughts and actions concerning the aftermaths of WW1 and the lead-up to WW2. While there is much information that was left out of the story, Churchill concentrates on the parts of the war in which he played at least some part.
Show More
Meanwhile, his self-assurance and confidence are inserted into the text with little diffidence—and manages to add the occasional odd element of humor. Churchill also makes a point of never chastising any of the other players in the war-game for their failings and devotes most of his writing to the main characters and their thoughts. He lays out his opinions of correct actions and incorrect actions without condemning any of the actors for following their consciences.
When Chamberlain finally resigned, having accepted that he had been duped by the Nazis, Churchill felt intense sympathy for this man who had truly dedicated his life to peace and made supreme efforts to convince Hitler that there was nothing to fear from the British.
“But Mr. Chamberlain and the Foreign Office were baffled by this riddle of the Sphinx… Statesmen are not called upon only to settle easy questions. These often settle themselves. It is where the balance quivers, and the proportions are veiled in mist, that the opportunity for world-saving decisions presents itself.”
One great challenge the Allies faced was whether or not to conclude a mutual support treaty with the new Soviet Republic under Stalin. The British and the French were convinced that, at their current level of military weakness compared to the Nazis, they had to negotiate a pact with Stalin to draw significant German military might away from the Western Front, to the Eastern Front. The only problem was that the nations comprising the Eastern Front—Poland, Rumania, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania—did not like the idea of being “saved” by the Communists. The Polish attitude was, “With the Germans we risk losing our liberty; with the Russians our soul.”
Meanwhile, as Churchill notes Hitler’s protestations and promises concerning German intentions in Europe…and then Germany’s actions…he wryly comments that “if a Government has no moral scruples, it often seems to gain great advantages and liberties of action…”. But then is quite confident that “all comes out even at the end of the day, and all will come out the more even when all the days are ended.”
After the invasion of Poland, and Britain & France accepted the fact of war, Churchill tells the sanguine anecdote: “The Prime Minister’s broadcast informed us that we were already at war, and he had scarcely ceased speaking when [an air raid alarm sounded]. My wife came into the room…and commented favourably upon German promptitude and precision…”
And finally, the one man who refrained from criticizing others, who had followed all his orders faithfully, and yet successfully forecast the problems sure to come, was finally elected Prime Minister: “As I sat in my place, listening to the speeches, a very strong sense of calm came over me, after the intense passions and excitement of the last few days. I felt a serenity of mind and was conscious of a kind of uplifted detachment from human and personal affairs. The glory of Old England, peace-loving and ill-prepared as she was, but instant and fearless at the call of hour, thrilled my being and seemed to lift our fate to those spheres far removed from earthly facts and physical sensation.”
“Since 1911 much more than a quarter of a century had passed, and still mortal peril threatened us at the hands of the same nation. Once again defence of the rights of a weak state, outraged and invaded by unprovoked aggression, forced us to draw the sword. Once again we must fight for life and honour against all the might and fury of the valiant, disciplined, and ruthless German race. Once again! So be it.”
“[Hitler] did not understand the profound change which takes place in Great Britain and throughout the British Empire once the signal of war has been given; nor how those who have been the most strenuous for peace turn overnight into uniting toilers for victory. He could not comprehend the mental or spiritual force of our island people, who however much opposed to war or military preparation, had through the centuries come to regard victory [and this is a telling notion] as their birthright.” Obviously the American Revolution didn’t really count as a “war”, because a bit of Britain’s trade & tax revenue was the only thing at stake…not the subjugation of its people.
Up until this time Churchill was constantly dealing with the various European rulers who argued that precipitous actions against Germany “might draw reprisals upon France” and other, smaller, nations: “This idea of not irritating the enemy did not commend itself to me.” Churchill was definitely upset by those who argued: “Don’t be unkind to the enemy, you will only make him angry.”
At the very end of the beginning, when, where before, Churchill was intentionally excluded from any role in the government in order to not offend Germany or Italy, he was now hailed as the only personality capable of leading Britain out of this morass, we read of Churchill’s thoughts and feelings.
“During these last crowded days of the political crisis, my pulse had not quickened at any moment. But I cannot conceal from the reader of this truthful account that as I went to bed at about 3 A.M., I was conscious of a profound sense of relief. At last I had the authority to give directions over the whole scene. I felt as if I were walking with Destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial. Therefore, although impatient for the morning, I slept soundly and had no need for cheering dreams.”
Again, Churchill doesn't tell the entire story...but enough of the highest levels of the story, and with enough emotional interest to be as entertained as we are informed.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Smiley
"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it." And he did. This compulisively readable account of Europe between the wars and from 09/39 to 05/40 covers European diplomatic history, shifts in British politics, Britian's unwillingness to prepare for war, Hitler's rise to power and German
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re-armament. It ends with the invasion of France/the Low Countries and Chuchill's ascent to Prime Minister of a National Government. For all it's readablity and heavy use of documentation and primary sources, this is still a memior and sometimes self-serving. Show Less
LibraryThing member MrsLee
There is a lot of good stuff in this. Some of the highlights for me are listed here.
Churchill describes the foreign policy of England for the past 400 years as this: Pressing against whatever European power which took it upon itself to over-run other countries. Regardless of which power (France,
He also makes the point that one must make one's decisions from one's own conscience instead of from fear of man. There were many times when he took an unpopular stand and thought he had wiped out his future, only to find several years later that the country's opinion had swayed back towards his own.
Quiseling-a German man who befriended Norway and then turned on her without warning and took over from within for Germany. There were many other Germans with him who did this but he was their leader. What an honor to have your name become an insult!
I enjoyed reading this very much. It makes so many ideas and snippits of history come into focus.
Churchill describes the foreign policy of England for the past 400 years as this: Pressing against whatever European power which took it upon itself to over-run other countries. Regardless of which power (France,
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Italy, Germany, etc.), they would resist aggressive behavior.He also makes the point that one must make one's decisions from one's own conscience instead of from fear of man. There were many times when he took an unpopular stand and thought he had wiped out his future, only to find several years later that the country's opinion had swayed back towards his own.
Quiseling-a German man who befriended Norway and then turned on her without warning and took over from within for Germany. There were many other Germans with him who did this but he was their leader. What an honor to have your name become an insult!
I enjoyed reading this very much. It makes so many ideas and snippits of history come into focus.
Show Less
LibraryThing member xenchu
This is the first of a series of six books written by Winston Churchill on World War Two. This is a very good, very well-written on am important subject. Winston Churchill was at the center of events during the entire war, being Prime Minister for almost all of it. This was a unique perspective on
The book has many details of memory and records. The appendix has important documents for those who want more information. The writing is by a master of the English language who is a seasoned writer. The combination of political leader and writer of power is without precedent.
For those interested in World War Two, for those interested in Twentieth Century history these books are imperative. I don't think you can really understand the period without reading and understanding this set of books. I cannot recommend them too much.
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the war. This is history related by the man who, in many cases, made the history.The book has many details of memory and records. The appendix has important documents for those who want more information. The writing is by a master of the English language who is a seasoned writer. The combination of political leader and writer of power is without precedent.
For those interested in World War Two, for those interested in Twentieth Century history these books are imperative. I don't think you can really understand the period without reading and understanding this set of books. I cannot recommend them too much.
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LibraryThing member GTTexas
Excellent review of the early beginnings of WWII. Churchill has the advantage not only of having lived this portion of history, but also the records of the Nuremberg trials and his own personal journals. Very readable.
LibraryThing member DinadansFriend
As an historical artefact, an account of WWII from the highest level, but lacking the Enigma and Ultra information, this is a very good production. He writes clearly and well. Having some of the instincts of the historian,, and having already written two major biographies, he knew what he'd be
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looking for if he was writing a biography. So that's what it is, and it reads well. I've finished it three times, and dipped in often. Show Less
LibraryThing member Doondeck
Great to hear Churchill during his proudest moments. The lonely voice warning of the rise of fascism, just like today.
LibraryThing member charlie68
A gripping account of the events leading up to World War 2 by someone very close to the inner workings. Well read by the reader sounds like Mr. Churchill himself.
LibraryThing member jwhenderson
The first volume of Churchill's six-volume history of World War II, This volume describes, step by step, the decline into war, a period that ended with Churchill becoming Prime Minister. This is a well-written history by one of the great men of the twentieth century.
LibraryThing member m.belljackson
Winston Churchill was able to lead The Allies to victory against the Germans in World War II
while writing like a poet - "The Norwegian mountains run into the ocean in a continuous fringe of islands."
His mastery ranged from balancing the mass confusion of internal British political divisions
through
and on to distant commanding of The Royal Navy.
while writing like a poet - "The Norwegian mountains run into the ocean in a continuous fringe of islands."
His mastery ranged from balancing the mass confusion of internal British political divisions
through
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engaging reluctant President Roosevelt and on to distant commanding of The Royal Navy.
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Subjects
Awards
Notable Books List (1948)
Language
Original publication date
1948-06-21