The Last Lion

The Last Lion is a segment biography written by William Manchester. Published in 1988, the work covers nearly 700 pages, detailing events for Winston Churchill (WSC), beginning in 1932 and closing in 1940. 

During most of this period Churchill was alone in public opposition to Hitler and developments in Germany. Out of favor with the politicians that happened to be in power, WSC spent the eight years fostering sources of intelligence, writing essays and books for the public. Winston's connection to the general public was much greater that that he had with the ruling class. The English political regime, and the monarchy had strong historical ties to German royalty via marriage and a common hatred of Communists.  In that posture, they resisted recognition of German aggression in favor of a misguided hope that it would end at the doorstep of France. They were wrong, WSC was right and it took Hitler invading Poland and the lowlands of Belgium to declare war, war which they were unprepared for.

At the point war was inevitable, the PM and his cabinet were still clinging to control. The public and correspondingly the House of Commons wouldn't have it. Churchill then became the Prime Minister, which was basically the end of the book. 

The book affirms my belief that in times of peace, politicians waste military capital by allowing equipment to become obsolete and diverting money to social objectives. Their actions and inactions tend to make us weak, confirming my belief that politicians, by and large, suck.

I'm a fan of William Manchester's biographies, in part because for a time he lived in my hometown which was adjacent to the city where he was a professor.  This biography is no different, I'm pleased to have added it to my pile.