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Q & A
Constant Revision: How Churchill Polished and Improved his Writing
29
Nov
2019
By MICHAEL RICHARDS
Whether the product was profound or simple, like his vast correspondence, even his first iteration was close to the mark. Grace Hamblin, a longtime secretary, recalled: “His dictation wasn't difficult because it was very, very slow and he weighed his words. As one knows he had a tremendous command of the English language, but he didn't use it loosely. He considered very carefully what he was going to say.”
Churchill’s Memorable Allusions to William Shakespeare’s Richard II
23
Nov
2019
1
By RICHARD M. LANGWORTH
Churchill knew his Shakespeare and had a near-photographic memory. Darrell Holley’s Churchill’s Literary Allusions tells us he alludes to Shakespeare more than any other English author. King John, Richard III and Hamlet are his most frequent references. Henry V also moved and inspired him. He also closely read Richard II, generally accepting Shakespeare’s portrayal of his cruelty and vindictiveness.
Churchill’s Debt to Harry Scherman and the Book-of-the-Month Club
20
Nov
2019
By RONALD I. COHEN
No counterpart of the Cassell limited presentation edition was produced by either the U.S. trade publisher, Houghton Mifflin, or the Book of the Month Club. Thus, either Mr. Scherman or the BOMC must have had this set specially bound. But your question is fascinating, since it raises several bibliographic questions and the BOMC’s important publishing role.
How Many Assassination Attempts on Churchill? Ask Walter Thompson.
18
Sep
2019
1
By RICHARD M. LANGWORTH
Thompson’s eighteen perilous years are really the key. His accounts tend to suggest that he saved Churchill’s life at every juncture. Undoubtedly, many potential threats did exist, and to his credit, he disregarded no possibility. We are left however with six particular episodes, only three of which involve known assassination plots.
How did Churchill Cope with Stress and Anxiety? A Primer.
20
Mar
2019
3
The Biographers: William Manchester and Martin Gilbert
28
Jan
2019
Did Churchill Ever Make Public Criticism of Americans or America?
24
Jul
2018
Who tried to silence Churchill’s 1930s Warnings about Nazi Germany?
05
Jun
2018
3
What was the reason for Roosevelt’s antipathy toward de Gaulle?
23
Apr
2018
3
How many times did Churchill say, “Let us go forward together”?
17
Nov
2017
By RICHARD M. LANGWORTH
At Bradford, Yorkshire on 14 March 1912, Churchill made a contentious speech defending Irish Home Rule. Defying his Unionist opponents, he concluded: “If the Government and the Parliament of this great country and greater Empire is to be exposed to menace and brutality [for any] sinister and revolutionary purpose—then, gentlemen, I can only say to you let us go forward together and put these grave matters to the proof.”
Thoughts on National Churchill Day, 9 April 2017
23
Apr
2017
What was Churchill’s best seller?
14
Apr
2017
1