As one can surmise from the title, <Winston Churchill in 100 Objectsexplores his life through a museum like exhibition. Each object is featured through one or more large photos with a short essay linking the object to life of Churchill.

Winston Churchill is a well known and easily recognizable figure of history, perhaps best known for his leading the United Kingdom through the Second World War. His accomplishments both political and literary are not without controversy. This is of course discussed in the essays, showing Churchill both as he sought to be received publicly, and how he actually came off in person. One with a great appetite for the finer things his aristocratic background prepared him for, a pushy nature prone to throw out many ideas regardless of quality, and a strong capability with words showcased in speeches and his prolific writings. The book also makes sure to celebrate those that made Churchill's success possible, be it funding his lavish lifestyle, being an on call specialist or making sure maps were readily available for considerations of strategy.

By the nature of its structure, it moves through Churchill's life follows the standard path of biography. Birth to success, to midlife, decline and remembrance. However, it is also somewhat fluid in its narrative foreshadowing and hinging at latter accomplishments or repeating a particularly key or choice event several times. I wish the book had had an additional section on how the items were selected, including the debates or rankings, perhaps listing some items that did not make the cut.

Recommended to readers of British Empire, World War II or important (and complicated) political figures.

Since I get books like this sent to my Kindle as an ARC, I expect to find errors that I hope will be corrected by the time of publication. Often they are minor but I was so disappointed in this one. Sections were so out of order. I am used to missing certain letters so that it becomes a game to figure out the word. By the “fi” are two letters that are always missing. This time I had to go back and try to puzzle the text because it was so jumbled.

Which is a shame. I like the idea of telling of Churchill’s life and legacy with 100 items that have survived in posterity.. The chatty commentary that described how the item fit in his life and where the item now resides was very interesting. I would love to give this book a glowing review. Alas, I cannot. The errors were just to frequent that is detracted from any enjoyment I might have had reading it.

Three purrs and one paw up.

Winston Churchill in 100 Objects by Phil Reed, Anthony Richards is a great book especially if you love history. He is one of the most recognisable public figures of the twentieth century, Sir Winston Churchill.
This book is featuring one hundred objects accompanied by fascinating descriptions and captivating photographs. Readers are taken back to Churchill’s infancy and shows his baby rattle and his christening robe; to his life as a young boy with his tin soldiers and a school report, to his time as a young man in military service with his 4th Hussars service uniform, right through to his many years in public office with letters from kings, queens and presidents; his chair in the Churchill War Rooms cabinet room; and, of course, his iconic bowler hat and so many more objects are shown and talked about within this book.

A wonderful book and compiled by experienced archivists and Churchill experts Phil Reed and Anthony Richards, this unique collection shows the personal and professional sides of Churchill in a new and fascinating light.
It is a compelling, educational and revelatory book that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Big Thank you to Netgalley and especially Pen & Sword for the digital ARC of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the digital ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Even though I've got quite a bit of WWII fatigue in terms of my reading, I couldn't resist requesting this book. Included in its pages are 100 items, either that Churchill owned or ephemera like newspapers or posters that related to the man. I found the book quite interesting as I've read quite a few biographies on Churchill and plan to tackle some of his written work. It was enlightening to see things like Chartwell and a whole church moved from Great Britain to the United States, as well as the final resting place of Churchill's nanny, and where he proposed to Clementine.

Controversial or not these days, Churchill did save the western world and was probably the greatest influence upon the 20th century.

Perfect for anyone interested in Churchill, and his times. A wide variety of objects from HMS Belfast to cigars to Chartwell, and beyond - some big and some tiny. A very enjoyable read, and easy to dip in and out of.

Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Greenhill Books for an ARC.

A must-read for Churchill fans, who will be intrigued by the 100 Winnie-related items and their history that shed unique light on the iconic statesman.