All Behind You, Winston: Churchill's Great Coalition 1940-45
Product ID: 62282124
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On 14 May 1940, the Evening Standard published a cartoon with the caption "All Behind You, Winston". It showed Churchill, the freshly installed prime minister, rolling up his sleeves to confront the oncoming menace of Nazi Germany. In his wake, leading the endless ranks of the British people, marched the most prominent figures of his new coalition government. It was a potent expression of a moment when Britons of every class were truly all in it together. It also contained a truth that Churchill's titanic historical reputation has since eclipsed: that neither he nor the country would have prevailed but for the joint effort of this remarkable "ministry of all the talents". Indeed, without the vital support of the Labour Party, and its leader Clement Attlee, Churchill might never have become prime minister at all. Now Roger Hermiston tells the story of the men ― and women ― who steered Britain through its darkest hour, showing how they helped to win the Second World War, and how they laid the foundations of the "New Jerusalem" that followed. Along the way, he explores the roles played by characters as diverse as the mercurial newspaper magnate Lord Beaverbrook, who supplied the planes that won the Battle of Britain; the pugnacious trade union baron Ernest Bevin, who kept the nation working; Lord Woolton, the minister for food ― a man so widely loved he was dubbed "Uncle Fred"; and Sir John Anderson, one of the first people to contemplate the awful power of the atom bomb. Hermiston also considers the achievements of more junior ministers, including the only two women in Churchill's government: the left-wing firebrand Ellen Wilkinson, and the Conservative Florence Horsbrugh, who played a pivotal role alleviating the suffering inflicted by the Blitz. Five years after that cartoon, Churchill predicted that history would shine a light on "every helmet" of his"great coalition". As it was, many were forgotten. This book seeks to recover their memory, and to celebrate a generation of politicians who rose above party to put their country first. Review: One of my favourite books about world war two - An entertaining and informative account of the most crucial period in modern British History. Quite how the men and women of this generation coped with the stress and enormity of the events is beyond me. I thoroughly recommend this book Review: An excellent book - This an excellent book which combines WW2 events with the substantial UK politics going on at the time. It's full of interesting detail and maintained its pace throughout Would very strongly recommend.
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| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 102 Reviews |
V**Y
One of my favourite books about world war two
An entertaining and informative account of the most crucial period in modern British History. Quite how the men and women of this generation coped with the stress and enormity of the events is beyond me. I thoroughly recommend this book
B**R
An excellent book
This an excellent book which combines WW2 events with the substantial UK politics going on at the time. It's full of interesting detail and maintained its pace throughout Would very strongly recommend.
A**E
Four Stars
Churchill was more of a team player than you think
A**R
Excellent book
I though I will read propaganda on great achievements but actually very good book on War Cabinet relations/wealthy members/influence/decisions. I recommend this not only to people interested in ww2 but also to understand British society and political decisions.
A**R
Brilliant read
Well written and informative - very enjoyable read with good insight
K**N
Well researched book.
I expected this book to be a bit jingoistic, but it is far from that. Due to having lived through WW2, I thought I knew a fair bit of the history. Wrong. I had my eyes opened. A coalition government well led and properly supported by bright men and women from all parties. A revelation as to what CAN happen when parties put aside their differences. Regrettably politics is too polarised for that to happen today.
H**H
A Very Good Overview Telling the Story of Britain's Wartime Coalition
All Behind You, Winston by Roger Hermiston is a very good book chronicling the life of the cross-party coalition that not only oversaw Britain's eventual triumph in the Second World War, but also laid the groundwork for much of what was later called the post-war consensus. It is a well-written and informative book which tells the story of the governance of Britain in the context of conflict. While the major players such as Churchill and Attlee and the significant events of the time are important features in the book, the author also introduces the reader to half-forgotten figures such as Lord Woolton, the Minister for Food , and the debates and disagreements surrounding planning for Britain's future after the war. Overall, a very good book.
J**N
Interesting objective account
This account of the real behind-the-scenes challenges and the resolution of so many serious issues that faced the Coalition and the War Cabinet, really brings a lifelike reality to the stark historical events we know so well. After reading this, we can only wonder at the resolve and tenacity of the men and women who worked together for so long to win the war and lay the foundations of the peace.
A**R
The churchill's team of rivals
Wonderful account, very insightful. Absolutely recommended for whoever is interested in wsc and what it takes to lead rivalring personalities to the greatest achievements
L**R
Excellent read
Of the several feet of books I have on Churchill, this is the only one that delves into the men and women behind the man; those who kept the country running, kept the country together, fighting as best they could while preparing for greater conflicts to come. In that, it's a long-needed book for anyone interested in more than just battles. For instance, sheltering the British people from German bombers was a huge undertaking in itself, and the arguments over designs of shelters - while bombs were falling and killing hundreds on a single night - shine a spotlight on as yet untold stories. To an old Englishman many of the names are, no doubt, already familiar, but to others the names will have been forgotten to history. These people should not be forgotten. They did the great work behind the great man, and Churchill did well persuading them to stay with their cause no matter the rivalries. Marshall, equally, is heralded for corralling many conflicting personalities, many prima donnas, to forge a winning U.S. team. Churchill had already done it on his side of the pond. We can all be grateful that he did, and had such a diverse, strong-minded team behind him. "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main" - John Donne
D**G
points out the foibles of the Great man.
A MUST read on the most famous man of the 20th Century. Also, points out the foibles of the Great man.
A**R
Five Stars
Book arrived in excellent condition. An interesting text for filling in details of a well know story. AWM
P**L
he enjoyed the
Sent as a present to my history prof son, he enjoyed the book
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