Synopses & Reviews
The collected speeches of the most eloquent and expressive statesman of his time The only political leader to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, Winston Churchill used language as a weapon at a time when he possessed nothing more than an empty armory with which to fight his nation's enemies. In this major volume, David Cannadine-one of the foremost historians of modern Britain-selects thirty-three speeches ranging over fifty years, demonstrating how Churchill honed his rhetoric until the day when, in the words of Edward R. Murrow, "he mobilized the English language, and sent it into battle." A landmark of political speechmaking, perfect for the election year, Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat is an essential addition to the library of every Churchill fan.
Review
"Churchill was a word-spinner of genius. . . . A splendid anthology."
-The Sunday Telegraph (London)
Synopsis
The most eloquent and expressive statesman of his time - phrases such as 'iron curtain', 'business as usual', 'the few', and 'summit meeting' passed quickly into everyday use - Winston Churchill used language as his most powerful weapon at a time when his most frequent complaint was that the armoury was otherwise empty.
In this volume, David Cannadine selects thirty-three orations ranging over fifty years, demonstrating how Churchill gradually hones his rhetoric until the day when, with spectacular effect, 'he mobilized the English language, and sent it into battle' (Edward R. Murrow).
About the Author
Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was prime minister of Great Britain from 1940 to 1945 and from 1951 to 1955. A prolific writer whose works include
The Second World War and
A History of the English-Speaking Peoples, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953.
David Cannadine is the author, most recently, of Mellon: An American Life, as well as The Decline and Fall of the British Aristocracy, which won the Lionel Trilling Prize and the Governors' Award. He teaches at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London.