The dictator's appetite grows with every inch given over. Churchill presents a valuable lesson that dictators and bullies can not be tamed by appeasement. In fact, the bulk of the book tells primarily of the failure of the Allies to prevent war. Churchill turned his very life over to the country and to the world in order that good would win out over the evil of Nazi Germany and Hitler.Churchill does not just tell of the things that were done right. History is so easily forgotten but fills such an enormous void in society. Churchill describes how people served with honor and respect without regard to their own needs. It was easy to feel as if you were in the story.Secondly, Churchill tells an incredible story of suffering, perserverance, sacrifice and honor.

His words draw you in and paint pictures in your mind. Churchill's writing is very understandable even though he uses very proper or 'High' English. Winston Churchill shows himself to be not only a great statesman, but also an increadibly articulate writer.First, the story captured me by his tremendous grasp and use of the English language. I have read other books about World War II including, A Man Called Intrepid. I just finished reading The Gathering Storm. And the farther World War II recedes into the past, the more monumental they become. Only the most hard at heart could be against this monumental work. I would recommend these six volumes without any hesitation to one and all. No matter what else one reads, I feel this set of books to be requisite to anyone's study and enjoyment of those war years. I'm so prejudiced that it would seem remiss for any World War II library to be without these volumes. He was happy to share his enjoyment in these books with me, as many thousands of other readers down through the years have also shared in that enjoyment.

I still recall one older gent telling me in a book store years ago that to read these six volumes he needed continuously both a dictionary and Bible by his side. His weak speaking voice, sometimes with lisp, may not have always equalled these abilities, but many of his speeches and writings yet give evidence of this talent. From his earliest, youthful days in office at the turn of the 20th century, he always had a gift for both good writing and good speech. He always said if Arthur did not exist, he should have. He always believed too in the myth that King Arthur would return during England's hour of greatest need, and his romantic side must have seen himself somewhat filling that role.

Taking comfort that he almost alone, gave both voice and backbone to England during their darkest hour. Revisiting his firm convicitions that right would eventually triumph over wrong, good over evil. For to us that action directed him to write these volumes of war memories, and in my mind's eye can see him standing, for he always stood to do his later writings, with both cigar and whisky and soda firmly in hand. I've always felt the good side of Britain turning their collective backs to this great man after World War II, not returning him to office, was the greatest blessing of all. I have not only the hardcover edition, but picked up this paperback set also. I started reading these six volumes during my military service in the 1960s, and have not been without them since.

Winston churchill lost masterpiece