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丘吉尔不仅是一位政治家,还是画家、演说家、作家以及记者,1953年诺贝尔文学奖得主。他曾两度任英国首相,三度登《时代周刊》年度风云人物,甚至被美国杂志《展示》列为近百年来世界最有说服力的演说家之一。
内容简介
没人怀疑丘吉尔是20世纪英国乃至全世界最伟大的人物之一,他是超群的政治家、雄辩的演说家、杰出的外交家、天才的画家、“现代坦克”的发明家、荣获过诺贝尔文学奖的作家、费油传奇色彩的战争英雄。
一生傲视群雄的斯大林由衷地这样评价他的盟友兼对手丘吉尔:“他是人类一百年才会诞生的一位大人物!”美国总统肯尼迪更是把丘吉尔视为心中的英雄,他一生致力于研究效仿丘吉尔。
《丘吉尔大传》不仅介绍了丘吉尔一生的传奇经历,更有他为人处世、领军治国的技巧和谋略,内容丰富,史料翔实,评价客观,值得一读。
目录
第一篇丘吉尔的传奇人生
第一章儿童时代
贵婴早降,公爵之后
学校生活,淘气努力
顽皮少年,身体羸弱
第二章少年壮志
哈罗公学,调皮作怪
誓考军校,补习功课
军校生涯,展露才华
失去父亲,担当重任
第三章事业与家庭
暴力镇压,毫不手软
一场火灾,收获美人
内政外交,两不耽误
海军大臣,雷厉风行
精彩书摘
第一篇
丘吉尔的传奇人生
丘吉尔大传第一篇│丘吉尔的传奇人生
chapter 1儿童时代
贵婴早降,公爵之后
1874年,温斯顿·丘吉尔出生于维多利亚时代的英国。同年11月,他的母亲伦道夫·丘吉尔夫人在参加布伦海姆宫的一次射猎会时滑倒了,当时她怀孕快7个月了。过了几天,当母亲伦道夫·丘吉尔夫人乘坐一驾马车在颠簸的路面上行驶时,因为分娩,很痛苦。她迅速赶回布伦海姆宫,11月30日凌晨,温斯顿·丘吉尔出生了。
牛津郊外的丘吉尔庄园
温斯顿出生后不久,伦道夫夫妇便带着他前往伦敦居住,表面的理由是伦道夫身为议员,需经常参加政治活动,不能常住故乡,更为实际的是,这对年轻的夫妇都不能十分适应布伦海姆宫中那种沉闷、刻板的生活习惯。尤其是美国平民出身的珍妮(即伦道夫·丘吉尔夫人,原名珍妮·杰罗姆),她美貌聪慧,充满魅力,具有活泼好动的性格特点,更加上她的美国观念,这一切都使她与布伦海姆宫中那些公爵夫人们格格不入。她长期居住巴黎养成的生活习惯,也使她格外向往伦敦的社交界。
他们在伦敦生活得很舒适,除了伦纳德·杰罗姆(珍妮的父亲)每年给2 000英镑外,老公爵每年也给伦道夫1 000英镑,每年3 000英镑的收入使他们足以应付日常必需的开支。但是夫妇两人都过惯了富贵日子,花钱如流水,经常在家设宴款待社交界朋友;伦道夫又是一位狂热的赛马爱好者,所以他们也经常感到拮据。
……
前言/序言
《时代巨擘:一位影响世界的灵魂》 Winston Churchill, a name that echoes through the annals of the 20th century, is more than just a historical figure; he is a titan, a symbol of resilience, and an architect of modern history. This comprehensive biography, The Great Churchill, delves deep into the extraordinary life of this remarkable man, tracing his journey from an aristocratic upbringing to his pivotal role in shaping the destiny of nations. It is a narrative rich with the complexities of a life lived on the grandest stage, filled with intellectual prowess, unyielding determination, and an unwavering spirit that inspired millions. The book opens a window into Churchill's formative years, painting a vivid portrait of a boy wrestling with academic challenges yet possessing an innate curiosity and a burgeoning eloquence. We witness his early military aspirations, the daring adventures that forged his character, and the nascent political ambitions that would define his trajectory. His early career in Parliament, marked by both bold pronouncements and periods of political vulnerability, sets the stage for the tumultuous decades that were to follow. The biography meticulously reconstructs these early experiences, highlighting the influences that shaped his worldview and the experiences that honed his formidable intellect and rhetorical skills. It’s a story of a man learning to navigate the intricate currents of power, driven by a deep-seated conviction in his own abilities and a profound sense of duty. A significant portion of the narrative is dedicated to Churchill's often-overlooked periods of political wilderness. The biography does not shy away from the setbacks and criticisms he faced, instead using them to underscore his extraordinary resilience. We explore his intellectual pursuits during these times – his prolific writing, his extensive travels, and his continued engagement with the pressing issues of the day. This is where the reader gains a profound appreciation for Churchill’s enduring spirit, his ability to weather storms of public opinion and personal disappointment, and his unwavering faith in the eventual triumph of his convictions. His keen observations on international affairs during these years, though not always immediately heeded, proved to be remarkably prescient, foreshadowing the conflicts that would engulf the world. The true heart of The Great Churchill lies in its comprehensive examination of his leadership during World War II. This is not merely a recounting of historical events, but an intimate exploration of the man at the helm during Britain’s darkest hour. The biography captures the raw power of his oratory, the strategic brilliance of his wartime decisions, and the sheer force of his personality that galvanized a nation and rallied the free world. We are privy to the agonizing choices he faced, the immense pressure he endured, and the unwavering resolve that became his hallmark. The book offers fresh perspectives on his relationships with key Allied leaders, shedding light on the complex dynamics of wartime diplomacy and the personal sacrifices made by those at the forefront of the global struggle. It reveals the strategic acumen behind his famous pronouncements, demonstrating how his words were not just motivational tools but carefully crafted instruments of political and psychological warfare. Beyond the battlefield, The Great Churchill delves into the multifaceted nature of the man. His life was not solely defined by politics and war. The biography explores his rich intellectual life, his passion for history, his love of painting, and his enduring literary achievements. We learn about his complex family life, the personal joys and sorrows that shaped him, and the enduring relationships that provided solace and strength. This biographical tapestry weaves together the public figure and the private man, presenting a nuanced and deeply human portrait. His literary output, often a reflection of his broader political and historical interests, is examined not only as a source of income but as a vital outlet for his thoughts and a powerful tool for shaping public opinion. The biography highlights how his writing often served as a bridge between his intellectual musings and his public pronouncements, demonstrating a remarkable ability to synthesize complex ideas into accessible and compelling prose. The post-war years are also given substantial attention, charting Churchill’s continued influence on the global stage. His warnings about the Iron Curtain and his vision for a united Europe are presented not as retrospective analyses but as crucial insights that shaped the geopolitical landscape of the Cold War. The biography explores his continued engagement with political life, his role as an elder statesman, and his enduring legacy as a defender of democracy and freedom. It examines how his pronouncements during this era, though sometimes met with skepticism, laid the groundwork for many of the alliances and understandings that would define the latter half of the 20th century. The Great Churchill is characterized by its rigorous research, drawing upon a wealth of primary sources, personal correspondence, and contemporary accounts. The narrative is brought to life through vivid prose, immersing the reader in the era and allowing them to witness pivotal moments through Churchill’s eyes. The biography aims to transcend a mere chronological account, offering deep analysis of his motivations, his decision-making processes, and the profound impact of his actions on the course of history. It seeks to understand the man behind the myth, to unravel the intricate threads that made him the towering figure he became. The book’s exploration of his rhetorical strategies, for instance, goes beyond simply quoting his famous speeches; it dissects the linguistic and psychological techniques that made him such a compelling communicator, a master of shaping public sentiment and bolstering national morale. Ultimately, The Great Churchill is more than just a biography; it is an exploration of leadership, of resilience, and of the enduring power of conviction. It is a testament to a life lived with an extraordinary intensity, a life that left an indelible mark on the world. The biography invites readers to contemplate the challenges of leadership in times of crisis, the importance of courage in the face of adversity, and the profound responsibility that comes with shaping the destiny of nations. It offers a compelling case for understanding Churchill not just as a product of his time, but as a force that actively shaped it, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate in the political and social structures of today. The book’s narrative arc, mirroring the dramatic swings of fortune in Churchill’s own life, ensures that the reader is not merely an observer but an engaged participant in the unfolding drama of his remarkable journey. The detailed examination of his diplomatic endeavors, particularly during the war, reveals a pragmatic and often audacious approach to international relations, where personal relationships were as crucial as strategic calculations. The biography also emphasizes Churchill’s unique ability to adapt and evolve throughout his long career, demonstrating that his unwavering principles were often applied with remarkable flexibility in response to changing circumstances. This adaptability, coupled with his profound understanding of human nature and historical precedent, allowed him to navigate complex political landscapes and emerge as a dominant force. The author’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that even seemingly minor events are contextualized within the broader sweep of Churchill’s life and the historical period, providing a rich and layered understanding of his character and his impact. The narrative’s commitment to presenting a balanced view, acknowledging both his strengths and his weaknesses, further enhances its credibility and its ability to offer a truly comprehensive portrait of this monumental figure.