And the Making of Winston Churchill - a Daring Escape

Another engaging historical tale told by this amazing author of non-fiction. After reading about Churchill's early years I was left wanting to know more about this vastly interesting and amazingly flawed individual who goes on to accomplish his perceived destiny after the exploits so well described in this book. I am fan of this author who hit another home run with this book.

I really enjoyed this book. I did not know anything about Churchill's part in the Boer War (I actually knew little about the Boer War). I found the book to be illuminating on Churchill's personality and attitude. It was also great to learn about the Boer War. As always, Candice Millard wrote a great book. Her books are very informative yet easy reading. I really enjoy and appreciate that.

Winston Churchill went to South Africa in 1900 to cover the Boer War as a reporter. He returned a war hero. The rest is history. In "Hero of the Empire", Candice Millard retells this well-known coming of age story with insight and verve. Read more at bookmanreader.blogspot.com .

This book showed me a side to Churchill's personality that I had not fully realized before.I'm not sure if I admire him more or less because of that.Having said that,I thoroughly enjoyed the book.Well written and fast moving.Very good read.

Candice Millard's book about the intrepid, impetuous young Winston Churchill and his experiences during the Boer War is a corking good read. This book is history at it's best: the story of individual exploits set against a wider dramatic canvass, all brilliantly described. Millard tells a tale that is better than fiction. Who knew that Churchill was such a marvelous and engaging character at so young an age?

Millard never disappoints. I have read all of her books, and this effort is as fascinating as her others. She not only illuminates the character of a youthful Winston Churchill -- she also adds a new perspective to a war almost lost to memory.

Excellent captivating account of WSC's ambitious tenacity and courage marking his youthful journalistic and military exploits in India and during the Boer War. Self promotion through first securing then overwhelming many challenging assignments was his personal road toward acheiving predestined political success.

Beautifully written, historically accurate and a joy to read. The author did an outstanding job of telling an exciting story while accurately representing the strengths & weaknesses of all parties involved.

This short book reads like a thriller. I was completely engrossed in the story, amazed by the charmed life Churchill seemed to lead, when all about him were falling. Millard has done it again with an excellent tale of a less-known aspect of a familiar historical figure.

Churchill at age 25 went as a newspaper reporter to cover the Boer war in South Africa in 1899. He was audacious, brave and resourceful in dealing with the war, his capture and escape. This greatly added to his celebrity and political career in England. Reads almost like a novel.

Another excellent book by Candice Millard. Well researched and thought out. This book keeps the reader's interest. This was the October-November selection for the Wayne County Men's Book and Whiskey Club and along with a bottle of Johnnie Walker Green provided for a great and lively discussion about Winston Churchill.

Another excellent book by Candice Millard. Well researched and thought out. This book keeps the reader's interest. This was the October-November selection for the Wayne County Men's Book and Whiskey Club and along with a bottle of Johnnie Walker Green provided for a great and lively discussion about Winston Churchill.

A quick but detailed account of Churchill s involvement in the Boer war his capture and escape
This book gives you a real. sense of his personality and how those around him reacted to him
I enjoyed this introduction to the life of one of the most famous Englishmen ever

This is a fascinating look at the early Churchill. The author does not try to hide the negative aspects of Churchill's personality but also reflects on why these made him successful. A good history of the war in Africa and it's consequences.

Using the early life of Churchill as a vehicle for a swashbuckling tale of the Boer War and life in cololnial Africa in the early 1900's. The Boers are treated with respect and sympathy in this book, which often times they are not in comparison to the British in South Africa. It shows a part of Churchill that many are unaware of because his World War 2 exploits overshadow his early life. A very interesting adn informative read, especially for history buffs. Could not put it down and was sorry to reach the end.

Another hugely entertaining history brought to life success for Millard. Not only do we get an insight into what drove Churchill but the amazing cast of characters from Doyle to Gandhi was astounding. Superbly researched book. Thank You, Candice Millard.

A very informative book on a portion of Churchill's life with which I was unfamiliar. Millard's writing is excellent. If you want to know more about Churchill and his time before ascending to the country's leadership, this will be very helpful. Excellent read.

I consider Winston Churchill one of the most important leaders of the 20th century. Candice Millard offers a well detailed and researched snapshot of a period in Churchill's life where he was attempting to establish his credentials for a political career. Millard's insight into Churchill's ambition, courage, and character sets the stage for the understanding of his leadership style. The book also offers a comprehensive analysis of a little known, yet important war in British history.

Much information about Churchill , fascinating tale about the demise of the British Empire. Amazing look into the character of the Man who was one of those responsible for saving the free world. Helped me understand more of Britain's attitude about their Colonies.

I read Parkenham's excellent book on the Boor War several years back, but there wasn't much about Churchill in it. I read Manchester's book on Churchill, but something was missing. This book tied up all the loose ends. It was hard to put down. I highly recommend this book.

This was my third book written by Ms Millard. Each one a vibrant look into the personal life of a world leader. A true joy to read and full of historical fact. A close-up look into the very real life of young Churchill. Sign me up for the next one!

Well written meticulously researched book which tells the story of Churchill's escape from a Boer prison. As a side benefit the book provides a primer about the origins and outcome of that war and gives a good picture of British society in that period as well. Well worth reading.

Fascinating account of Winston Churchill's early years as a wannabe hero of the English Empire. Well researched and written in a fast-moving and free-flowing style. Provided me a great insight into historical events I knew little about. Much recommended.

Wonderful and well researched book. This is the second book I have read written by Candice Millard. Both books have been very interesting and I have learned so much. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history.

The best part about this read is learning how the character of a young Churchill was developed on the battlefields of the British Empire. He truly thought of himself as invincible. You will make this book one of your favorites.

A fast-paced story of adventure, history, and sheer guts and glory, about the young Winston Churchill. The book incorporates key insights into the character of Gandhi, British militarism, and the Boer fixation on apartheid. An excellent read about an area of the world unknown to Americans, south Africa. I recommend the book to readers both young and old, women or men.

Loved this nok so much that I bought another book on the Boer War after this book because I could t get enough. Talented author and I’ll definitely buy more of her books. Truly loved it. Made me realize how fated Winston was to lead the UK in WWII. He deserved to die for his foolhardy escape but God obviously had other plans.

"All Winston's faults are revealed in the instant of meeting him. Then you spend a lifetime uncovering his virtues." This lovely book reveals the faults and virtues of a great man before the world knew he was great.

Having read Candice Millard 's work "The River of Doubt", I looked forward to reading about Winston Churchill. I certainly was not disappointed. Her pen makes history flow smoothly and without the usual lethargy it can produce.
I highly recommend this book to all Churchill buffs and those who want a great read about a little known period of history.

I enjoyed "Hero of the Empire" on both Kindle and hardback. However, for me Churchill's original despatch describing his escape from Staats
Middle School in particular was a much more exciting "read". ( "Induna", 21-23 December, 1899)

Candace Millard is a first rate historian and story teller. Here she brings alive a part of Winston Churchill's young life that is important to understanding both the man himself and the current state of affairs in South Africa. A good read, well worth one's time.

Really enjoyed this biography of Churchill in the Boer War. I felt like I was there with him in the battles and harrowing escape. I learned much about this forgotten war and the Boer people. I may read it again.

While mostly a story of Winston Churchill's capture and escape in what has been termed "The Boer War".(1899-1902) It is a also the fascinating story of young Churchill's rise to political prominence in Great Britain.

The author tells the capture and escape story in great detail and suspense. In the process the author introduces the reader to the Boer War, which is largely unknown today. Termed Britain's Vietnam It tested world power Britain fighting these farmer guerrillas.

Britain's powerful army was defeated in battle after battle with the Boers. It was only with massive effort including Britain's first introduction of concentration camps causing death of Boer women and children that the Boers were defeated.

Boer War impacts---Prior to the Boer War. Britain's soldiers wore the famous redcoats in its European wars. It was quickly learned those redcoats were great targets for the Boers so Britain reluctantly adopted kaki uniforms it would later use in World War I and beyond.

Also Lord Baden Powell was the commander of British troops there. On his return to Great Britain after that war he started the International Boy Scouts and in doing so he put the scouts in look a like uniforms adopted from British army field uniform from the Boer war which the Scouts continue to use today around the world.

Finally there is one of the best movies ever made which came from the Boer War. It is "Breaker Morant". Available on Netflex etc. A true story of an Australian unit looked down on as colonists, the British army decides to court martial and execute Breaker and two others for shooting Boer prisoners despite being authorized by field orders. The secret British motive was to placate Germany and keep it out the war. It was a scandal that outraged Australia.

Breaker tells the unusual story of a country sending men to kill the enemy in a war only to try them later for murder when they do so. Not evident in World War II or Korea that really started in Vietnam where I had privilege of defending one or more such cases. There have been more cases in the recent Gulf Wars with many soldiers accused of violating the politically correct rules of engagement. The common reason given is to win the hearts and minds of the locals or other parties. It didn't work too well in Vietnam. Unfortunately not given much publicity.

Fascinating read and if I could invite one person to dinner it would definitely would be Sir Winston. Very well written story; impressive author.. I had no real knowledge of the Boers in South Africa, but admirable people in most respects. Definitely recommend

Candice Millard is a terrific story teller. She is also an excellent historian. I have read several books about Churchill but somehow I had not realized how driven he was to be a hero while he was in South Africa. Like other Millard books this one gallops along with compelling story telling but also manages to slip in great background information and observations as you roar along.

This book gives the reader a clear picture of the events and personal lives in the Boar War. This is a real page turner for any reader interested in history. It reveals much of the character of Winston Churchill.

I hesitated to purchase this book because I was not particularly interested in Churchill or the history is So Africa. I purchased it because Candace Millard wrote it. It was both I interesting and informative as were her other books.

I love to read about Winston Churchill. My husband recommended this book and i went through it quickly on holiday. Well written. Full of tension. Historically revealing the craziness of war, the British Empire and the challenges for South Africa.

This was a great read. Author did an excellent job connecting unexpected, ancillary information such as Ghandi's role in the Boer War. Caused me to wonder how the world would be changed if Churchill had been killed.