Winston Churchill: A beginner's guide
When he died at the age of 90 in 1965, Sir Winston Churchill had achieved almost legendary status. Indeed, 37 years later, in 2002, hundreds of thousands of people voted him history's 'Greatest Briton' after he was championed by former Labour minister Mo Mowlam.
Yet, until World War II, Churchill had had what might be charitably described as an erratic career and the 'whiff of failure' surrounded him. Even during the conflict, while he performed his role of popular leader magnificently, his actual conduct of the war was fraught with criticism, and his time as a peacetime prime minister is generally considered negatively.
Today, a search for 'Winston Churchill' on the internet reveals more than 2 million items, and the online Amazon bookshop lists some 1,600 books about him. We've examined the majority of the websites and have sorted through the books to give those with a new interest in Churchill a headstart.
- The big ones
The major sites, containing a vast amount of information - Learning about Churchill
Educational sites for students in Scotland and in England and Wales - Different viewpoints
A range of views about Churchill, from the favourable to the sharply critical, plus a look at his lasting influence - Words of wisdom
Churchill's speeches to read and hear, plus some pithy quotations - Churchill places
Where Churchill trod around the world, plus a ship that sails in his name - Weird Winston
What you can find out about Churchill via astrology, numerology and chiastic phrases - Bits and pieces
A miscellany - Read on ...
The books that the experts recommend
