Tuesday, January 23, 2007
The Second World War: The Gathering Storm
Winston Churchill
1948
How the English-speaking peoples through their unwisdom, carelessness, and good nature allowed the wicked to rearm.
Churchill says that working on a substantial and lengthily book is like having a companion to turn to when an escape is needed. He certainly endured many experiences from which an escape would have seen most desirable. Though he is one of the most revered authors of the English language - often compared to Shakespeare and Johnson, writing was absolutely secondary to his main role as statesman. I know of no one else who could execute their governing duties so fully, and write about it better than any biographer. These memoirs serve as both a personal account of the struggle, and a recording of events for official record. Largely, the books are a compendium of Churchill's various correspondence to other officials throughout the war, commented on an added to by lengthy chronological descriptions and events. The focus is overwhelmingly on Churchill's role in the action, and on the action involving Britain directly. Like Paris 1919, the author assumes that the reader knows the story. He doesn't explain any of the infighting in the United States, nor does he describe much about Hitler's actions or decision. Nevertheless, the story comes through. He soberly dissects and outlines Britain's involvement, event by event, decision by decision. Obviously, the detail can get a little tedious sometimes, but the richness and depth of the picture he paints is worth enduring some tedium.
The first book focuses on the march towards conflict, and Churchill's vain attempts to both prevent and prepare for it. He comes out as a perceptive realist, fearing for the battle, but not shying from meeting it head on. He is repeatedly rebuffed when he attempts to sound the alarm - over a course of four or five years - about the need to match Germany's level of rearmament. Despite his warning, Germany is allowed to breach several conditions of the Versailles Treaty, and allowed to blatantly prepare for war. The British are so determined to avoid more war that they refuse to acknowledge the extent of Hitler's ambition. In retrospect, the signs are clear. But, during, it is clear to see how many (who easily recall the war 20 years earlier) want to avoid war at all costs. Churchill is looked upon as a war monger, and if he had succeeded in having Britain rearm and perhaps even invade Germany, history could possibly see him, not Hitler as the aggressor.
Winston Churchill
1948
How the English-speaking peoples through their unwisdom, carelessness, and good nature allowed the wicked to rearm.
Churchill says that working on a substantial and lengthily book is like having a companion to turn to when an escape is needed. He certainly endured many experiences from which an escape would have seen most desirable. Though he is one of the most revered authors of the English language - often compared to Shakespeare and Johnson, writing was absolutely secondary to his main role as statesman. I know of no one else who could execute their governing duties so fully, and write about it better than any biographer. These memoirs serve as both a personal account of the struggle, and a recording of events for official record. Largely, the books are a compendium of Churchill's various correspondence to other officials throughout the war, commented on an added to by lengthy chronological descriptions and events. The focus is overwhelmingly on Churchill's role in the action, and on the action involving Britain directly. Like Paris 1919, the author assumes that the reader knows the story. He doesn't explain any of the infighting in the United States, nor does he describe much about Hitler's actions or decision. Nevertheless, the story comes through. He soberly dissects and outlines Britain's involvement, event by event, decision by decision. Obviously, the detail can get a little tedious sometimes, but the richness and depth of the picture he paints is worth enduring some tedium.
The first book focuses on the march towards conflict, and Churchill's vain attempts to both prevent and prepare for it. He comes out as a perceptive realist, fearing for the battle, but not shying from meeting it head on. He is repeatedly rebuffed when he attempts to sound the alarm - over a course of four or five years - about the need to match Germany's level of rearmament. Despite his warning, Germany is allowed to breach several conditions of the Versailles Treaty, and allowed to blatantly prepare for war. The British are so determined to avoid more war that they refuse to acknowledge the extent of Hitler's ambition. In retrospect, the signs are clear. But, during, it is clear to see how many (who easily recall the war 20 years earlier) want to avoid war at all costs. Churchill is looked upon as a war monger, and if he had succeeded in having Britain rearm and perhaps even invade Germany, history could possibly see him, not Hitler as the aggressor.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Memoirs
Pierre Trudeau
1992
Really informal. It seems that it was transcribed from conversations where Trudeau simply spoke at length about his time in office. It could have been written by himself, though it was written quickly with an attempt to maintain a conversational tone. As with many memoirs, there is an assumption that the reader knows the history well enough already. Trudeau essentially makes commentary on the major issues that cam up during his time. Not being completely familiar with the events of his tenure, I was lost at a few moments. Nevertheless, I was made aware of much more than I knew before. He tries to remove some of the mythology surrounding his life and accomplishments by admitting mistakes, confusions, and weaknesses. At the same time he is as combative and firm as ever when defending the policies and actions that he believed in. It was an interesting time to be in charge, and his insights were not only on politics, but on the times in general. Particular moments of interest are his comments the development of his life social philosophy at school, his stories of his travels, his take on Trudeaumania, and his firm unwavering ferocity in the fight against seperatism.
Pierre Trudeau
1992
Really informal. It seems that it was transcribed from conversations where Trudeau simply spoke at length about his time in office. It could have been written by himself, though it was written quickly with an attempt to maintain a conversational tone. As with many memoirs, there is an assumption that the reader knows the history well enough already. Trudeau essentially makes commentary on the major issues that cam up during his time. Not being completely familiar with the events of his tenure, I was lost at a few moments. Nevertheless, I was made aware of much more than I knew before. He tries to remove some of the mythology surrounding his life and accomplishments by admitting mistakes, confusions, and weaknesses. At the same time he is as combative and firm as ever when defending the policies and actions that he believed in. It was an interesting time to be in charge, and his insights were not only on politics, but on the times in general. Particular moments of interest are his comments the development of his life social philosophy at school, his stories of his travels, his take on Trudeaumania, and his firm unwavering ferocity in the fight against seperatism.
