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Sign up todayMy Early Life
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Learn moreAs a visionary, statesman, historian, and the most eloquent spokesman against Nazi Germany, Winston Churchill was one of the greatest figures of the twentieth century.This is the story of the first thirty years of his life, up to the point where his unique parliamentary career was just beginning. From childhood and his apprentice days at Harrow and Sandhurst we follow him on active service to Cuba, the northwest frontier, Omdurman and the Boer War—including the historic story of his escape from captivity—whilst in the background are his early adventures in politics and literature.
"I have tried, in each part of the quarter-century in which this tale lies, to show the point of view appropriate to my years, whether as a child, a schoolboy, a cadet, a subaltern, a war-correspondent or a youthful politician…When I survey this work as a whole I find I have drawn a picture of a vanished age."—from the author's preface
My Early Lifegives listeners insights into the shaping of a great leader.
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill (1874–1965), an author, artist, war correspondent, and politician, is best known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during World War II. After a brief but eventful army career, Churchill became a member of Parliament in 1900, launching a political career that spanned more than sixty years. He served as prime minister from 1940–1945 and from 1951–1955. His numerous honors include the Nobel Prize in Literature, knighthood, and receiving honorary citizenship of the United States from President Kennedy in 1963.
Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.
Reviews
“This was the best book Churchill wrote, an exuberant memoir of colonial wars as seen by a shameless adventurer and glory-seeker.”
“Churchill’s prose is among the very best. His word perfection, lively but unpretentious style, and self-deprecatory humor make this book thoroughly enjoyable, whether as history, adventure, or the study of a great man.”
“Narrator Frederick Davidson employs a slight Churchillian drawl, making this one of the most completely satisfying programs in years.”
“The best of all his books.”
“Some would put it as one of the outstanding works of the twentieth century.”
“This wonderful book confirms his stature as one of the finest English prose stylists of the last century.”
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