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Q & A
Winston Churchill and the Etymology of “Iron Curtain”
19
Jan
2023
1
By RICHARD M. LANGWORTH
The evidence suggests that Churchill had a most prosaic source for phrase that quickly became his, © Fulton, 1946. But his many references to “iron curtain” make for an interesting line of enquiry. It shows (to our surprise) that Churchill used the term at least six times before he arrived to stun the world in Missouri.
Churchill and the European Court of Human Rights
29
Dec
2022
By RICHARD M. LANGWORTH
“German peoples. Within the wider framework of the UNO [United Nations Organization] a Council of Europe has been set up…. I have long believed in the idea of a United Europe. In the turbulent year 1943 I said… ‘We must try to make this Council of Europe into a really effective league with a High Court to adjust disputes and with armed forces, national or international or both, held ready to enforce its decisions and to prevent renewed aggression. This Council must eventually embrace the whole of Europe.’” —WSC
Dudgeon or Duty? Churchill’s Absence from the Roosevelt Funeral
30
Oct
2022
By RICHARD M. LANGWORTH
Churchill is not here to recall in his thoughts. There is no doubt he was faced with one of the statesman’s painful decisions. There was, after all, a World War going on, but the Allies were closing on Berlin. The end might come any day. Yet there is no doubt about his bereavement.
“Superstitious Blood-poisoning”? Churchill on Smallpox Vaccination
08
Jul
2022
Churchill Today: A Life Worth Understanding in the Digital Age
11
Jun
2022
Churchill, Henry Ford and Sidney Reilly: Anti-Bolshevik Collaborators?
02
Jun
2022
By RICHARD M. LANGWORTH
“Reilly considered Churchill the only useful British politician in the anti-Bolshevik cause. Shortly before his death he told a friend: ‘Only one man is really important, and that is the irrepressible Marlborough [WSC]. I have always remained on good terms with him….His ear would always be open to something sound.’”
Whatever Happened to Sir Winston’s Chartwell Library?
28
Apr
2022
By RICHARD M. LANGWORTH
Thirty years ago, we made a day-long visit to the Chartwell library. We were booksellers, and had encountered copies of the books Sir Winston’s son had removed. Invariably they contained a small oval label reading: “From the Library of Sir Winston Churchill.” We were anxious to know their origins, and how they fitted into the original scheme of things at Chartwell’s library.
Whom Did Churchill Regard as History’s Greatest Law-Giver?
25
Mar
2022
By RICHARD M. LANGWORTH
“Moses was the national hero who led the Chosen People out of the land of bondage, through the perils of the wilderness, and brought them to the very threshold of the Promised Land; he was the supreme Law-Giver, who received from God that remarkable code upon which the religious, moral, and social life of the nation was so securely founded.”
Churchill’s Animal Analogies: Enemy Crocodiles, 1907-1945
11
Mar
2022
By RICHARD M. LANGWORTH
The hard-used crocodile did have one favorable reference from Churchill. Britain developed a devastating, tank-like flame-thrower, which blasted flammable liquid with a range of 150 yards. “I am very glad that the Churchill Crocodile Flame Thrower has justified your hopes,” wrote Churchill in 1944. Here at least was one crocodile which earned his approval.
Would the Royal Family and Churchill Evacuate if the Germans Invaded?
01
Feb
2022
1
Literary Flourishes: “Take the Enemy into Consideration”
30
Dec
2021
Clementine Churchill’s Only Book: “My Visit to Russia,” 1945
23
Dec
2021