In Command of History: Churchill Fighting and Writing the Second World War by David Reynolds. Penguin: Allen Lane (http://www.penguin.co.uk), 80 Strand, London, WC2R ORL, 2004, 672 pages, £30.00 (hardcover).
David Reynolds has done it again. In Command of History is a book about the writing of six books—Winston Churchill’s multivolume memoirs about his experiences in World War II, to be exact. In this carefully researched and nuanced study, Reynolds shows that this once and future prime minister wrote his account with three different considerations in mind. First, like any author, he wanted to make money. Churchill was fully aware that fame is a fickle thing and that he needed to strike quickly if he wanted to maximize his profits. Second, like any major political figure, he wanted to defend decisions he had made. Finally, and unlike most political memoirists, he wrote with an eye to his political future. He was still an active member of the House of Commons and often molded his writings to service his political interests as he saw them in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The author’s detailed account shows that Churchill made a small fortune from these memoirs that ranged—depending on inflation and currency exchange rates—between 18 and 50 million dollars. Although this account is highly informative, the book is more impressive in its breadth than in its depth. His central argument that the writings of Churchill the historian shape our understanding of Churchill the politician seems rather obvious. Reynolds offers a number of careful discussions of the controversies that involved Churchill during his time at 10 Downing Street and the way that these volumes influence public understanding of those incidents. As summaries of current knowledge, the passages are quite good, but little in them will strike specialists as particularly new.
Still, In Command of History is an entertaining read that military professionals can profitably consult. It shows how history is “made” and influenced. Few readers of this journal will ever have the influence of Churchill, but some might have some interesting stories to tell. This book would serve as a good training manual for people considering a writing project after they leave active duty.
Dr. Nicholas Evan Sarantakes
Maxwell AFB, Alabama
Disclaimer
The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University.
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