These six volumes should be, in my opinion, MANDATORY reading for anyone interested in (a) WW II (b) HISTORY (c)increasing their knowledge of the English language. Having read the entire set over 50-60 times, I am still fascinated by new material I discover with each re-reading. It comes as no surprise that Sir Winston was awarded the NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE for this masterpiece.

Because of his immense output, Winston Churchill may be described as an old-fashioned writer. Fortunately for us he does not read as such. There is very little archaic about the expressions he uses or the grammar he employs, in volume after volume after volume. It remains immensely readable, and this is the strength of a good writer, it seems to me. As a boy, Churchill was held up to me as an example of a person with a very full command of English. I was told, although I have never been able to verify it, that Churchill employed one of the largest vocabularies of any individual writing in English. It is ironic to think that, although the use of English is becoming ever more widespread, it is not generally being put to anything like the kind of use a man like Churchill made of it.

"The Grand Alliance" takes us to the point in the Second World War when the Americans finally declared their intentions. In a sense, it announced the end to hesitation, the end to British doubts about whether they could possibly win out against Hitler alone. Of course, America had participated in the war to a very large extent already, having agreed to set up the famous "Lend-Lease" program, whereby first Britain, and later Russia, were given material support in a way which satisfied the neutral and isolationist U.S. congress. It was also something of a victory for Churchill at the same time, since he had worked doggedly at bringing the Americans around, and although Pearl harbour did tip the balance, it was partly due to Churchill having prepared the ground.

Churchill himself states that, from the moment of the U.S. entry into the conflict, no matter how long it might take, he was certain of victory. From his point of view at the top, he could see that the sheer weight of numbers (tonnage, armament production etc.,), added to the geographical reality of Germany, meant they could never hope to win against the combined industrial might of Britain and the U.S. It was this absolute faith which sustained him during the reverses of 1941 and 1942.

I'v read this book not so long ago and I was stunned. It was like looking at painting being slowly painted in front of you. It's also one of those rare books you just HAVE to read more yhan once. I think it's one of the few rare wonderfull books I've read.

The successful day...as we will never find him. The question is: could we stand it?

...as is the second volume "Alone". How can anyone allow these books to be out of print? Manchester captures the sense and spirit of a bygone era better than any other historian I've ever read, with the possible exception of Barbara Tuchmann - and even then I'd say he's her equal. This volume speaks volumes about Winston Churchill and how he came to be what he was.

Manchesters biography of WSC is one of the greatest examples of historical biography I have ever read. This first volume effectively captures the age of WSCs upbringing in a way that cannot fail to illuminate and entertain.

This book is very informative and insightful. The pictures offer children a comprehensive look into life on a cattle farm. They go very well with the text, and therefore allow kids to picture what they are reading. A great gift for children of all ages!

Living on a farm all my life, I found this book to be quite insiteful myself. It would be a great book for young readers, who are not that well informed about farm life to become better adequated with the terminology and the processes that transpire on a farm from day to day. A correction to a previous review, where it stated that straw is used for bedding rather than hay. This is very true, but some farmers use hay as bedding because it is a more economic practice. I especially found the pictures to be very well taken. The pictures are very clear and go well with the text so young readers can identify with what is in the text. I highly recommend this book to anyone young or old who wants to see and learn more about life on a cattle farm.

Winston has a nicely flowing style that is easy to read. But not shallow. Both Marco and Sophie are great characters. They are deep and both wounded. Marco is especially compelling in his pain and desire for Sophie. Their relationship builds slowly. But it is not boring.You really want them to get together, and its great when they manage it. Very sexy moments between them. Enjoyable read.

This book blew me away. I'd never heard of the author, and the title (let's face it) leaves a little to be desired, but like they say, don't judge a book by its cover (or title). This book turned out to be about two adults who've been knocked around by life, and who want (and deserve) to come together...but first they have to learn to trust each other (and themselves). We're not talking movie stars, either. This romance breaks away from those tired old plot twists. These people have normal, believable jobs, and behave in normal, believable ways. Nobody gets stalked or killed. There is no "other woman." All of the characters are realistic and sympathetic, and by the end, I geuninely cared for them--especially the hero and heroine. An immensely satisfying read that I know I'm going to keep for a long time. And I'll be looking for books by this author in the future.

This is a book to enjoy over weeks, getting sucked into a recreation of an entire historical period and living and thinking with Marlborough himself through his own correspondence. The scale is vast - the whole of Europe up to the borders of the emerging power of Russia, as well as early exploits in the Mediterranean and North Africa. Marlborough's lifetime spans enormous change - from the Three Musketeers to an age of all-but modern warfare, diplomacy and party politics that we can easily identify with. The young Marlborough is literally at the side of the historical d'Artagnan as he is killed at the siege of Maastriccht and yet goes on to manage the logistics and strategies of vast campaigns with organisational abilities that would have been equally relevant in the Gulf War. Whether dealing with politics on the home front or warfare overseas, of the Glorious Revolution and conflicting loyalties to the Stuarts, of major campaigns or minor skirmishes, of Machievellian plots or of personal relations, Churchill's touch is perfect, and his prose majestic. John and Sarah Churchill come across over three centuries as living, fallible, admirable and vibrant personalities and at times one is almost embarrassed at the detail their correspondence allows us to share of their intimacy. This is also a book to return to again and again, to dip into favourite passages and to read them aloud in the family circle, savouring the richness of Churchill's prose and the splendour of his subject matter. Though not easy to get hold of, the effort is worth it. My wife sought a copy for months as a present to surprise me - I have never received a better gift. It also prompted a very memorable visit to Blenheim Castle when we were last in Britain - it's not just one of Europe's great wonders, but a must for all Churchill and Marlborough admirers.

John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, found the perfect biographer in his descendent, Sir Winston Churchill. During the 1930's, while out of power and in his usual scramble for cash to support his generous lifestyle, Winston Churchill researched and wrote his great six-volume biography. He was the first biographer to have access to the family archives at Blenheim Palace, and he combined his documentary research with personal visits to the battlefields and sites of the major events of Marlborough's life. Even though it published during the Great Depression, the expensive set, full of colored maps of the battles and sieges, became England's best seller with over 100,000 copies sold. It restored Churchill's finances, at least for a while. Later, less expensive editions were published, and the book remained in print for many years. Prices for the original edition have climbed, but good libraries will still have it shelved. If the original edition can be read, or better still, borrowed, this is the version that will give the greatest enjoyment. Most of the historical figures we call "great" achieved their greatness by doing one great thing that changed the course of their country or the world. John Churchill did two great things. He was the key figure in England's "Glorious Revolution" of 1688 who saw that it happened bloodlessly. And he was the supreme commander of the English army and of the alliance that shattered Louis XIV's dream of dominating Europe. Unlike any previous struggle over the throne, the invaders (William and Mary) arrived in the west, and because of Marlborough's actions, the king fled in the east. The revolution, which settled the religious strife in England and also confirmed parliament's permanent acendancy over the crown, set the course of England for the next century and beyond. As Queen Anne's commanding general, John Churchill achieved one of history's great records as a field commander. He never fought a battle that he did not win, and he never laid siege to a city that he did not conquer. To achieve this, he was his own ambassador, traveling by horse or carriage across all of Europe to confirm alliances and secure troops and supplies. He led his army into battle, often side by side with the Austrian general Eugene, and defeated the French and their allies over and over again. His tactical brilliancies are still models studied in the world's military schools. Churchill brings his ancestor to life. The anecdotes of John Churchill's youth -- leaping from the bed of Barbara Villiers just before the king arrived at his mistress' door, and, later, his wife's letter of how the young officer returned from an absence and "pleasured me twice, with his boots on." After his death, the same Sarah rejected a proposal of marriage in a letter that to this day makes the reader break down with weeping. The maps drawn for Churchill's book are a pleasure. Virtually every battle and seige is laid out clearly, and colored with red in the original edition for quick comprehension. But it is, of course, Churchill's marvelous prose that makes the book so memorable. He tells the story of Marlborough, his wife Sasrah, the Kings and Queens, the generals and the soldiers, and the whole tumultuous, clashing world of Marlborough's times. It is a very great book.

I found this to be both an interesting and unique book. It brings together a number of metaphysical concepts in a way that is easy to understand. The book presentation, with the large removable cards, is beautifully executed and slick. However, the style of writing is very unassuming and as straightforward as the subject matter will allow. Best of all (as far as I'm concerned) it's interactive. It doesn't just tell you what to do, it actually gives you something physical to work with. I have found that I can work with the glyphs, put them down for awhile, then pick them up later and discover whole new layers. It is also a bit like the runes or I-ching, something to pick up in those moments of indecision. I'm not that great a fan of channeled material, however there is nothing "airy fairy" about this book. It is about energy and frequency, I found it very cutting edge, yet relatable to perhaps Eastern ways of thought

This book is well written and easy to follow. I was really looking for a classic meditation book, but the cover caught my eye. This book is much more. I am fascinated by the glyphs (and concepts) I feel like they are having a strong effect on me... opening up new levels of insight/perception!

In this pioneering book, soldiers write in their own words, no-holds-barred, about their true sexual experiences. These are men who are (or were) serving in the military and who often, because of fear of persecution, have to use pen-names. Contains about 20 in-depth stories on what really goes on behind barracks walls and inside ships when the military brass isn't snooping.

As a gay man who suffered through two years in an extremely homophobic military in the 1960's, I could easily sympathize with the authors of these stories. Once, in a savage shipboard ceremony, I even had to endure mock castration! How long will this barbarism continue?!?

the colorful illustrations and fun story make it a story a child wants to hear again and again, all the while imparting a powerful message that empowers and comforts.

This book wonderfully deals with the issues of fears, prejudice and understanding that we often have more in common than we have differences, written at a level appropriate for children. The beautiful artwork makes this book truly enjoyable for all readers.

This book is a must read for families who love baseball but can't always afford trips to the majors. Not to mention the small town feel of baseball as it should be -- these are the memories I want to share with my children. Now whenever we take a summer vacation, we'll be taking the Minor League Baseball Book with us.

The Minor League Baseball Book is a comprehensive directory of information on minor league teams, including the short-season A and Rookie leagues. It provides a wide variety of information on each team, including team history, ballpark information and directions, and special features. It also provides local lodging and restaurant suggestions, and non-baseball attractions as well. No photos or team schedules are included. The Minor League Baseball Book is filled with facts about the teams and their locales. When I was in Binghamton watching the minor league Mets, noted an unusual flying insect that was fluttering about (a real insect, not a mascot). When I later checked the Baseball Book I learned from it that they were mayflies