The First Churchill: Marlborough Soldier and Statesman

An outstanding book, with the centre-piece being the decisive Battle of Blenheim which changed the course of History in that the subsequent collapse of Louis XIV's imperial ambitions were eventually to lead France to the Revolution of 1789, and were also to establish Great Britain as an Imperial and Colonial Power.Many biographies of famous people start from birth through to the final end: this one actually doesn't follow those (unwritten) rules. Instead, it starts in 1702 and propels us straight into the formation of the Grand Alliance which was to destroy France's long ascendancy in Europe. We then travel back in time to when James II was thrown out of England, then to William III, who had a chequered relationship with Churchill - even consigning him to the Tower of London for a short period, but then coming to realise that his military successor had to be John Churchill who could surely achieve what he himself could not do: William III was not a particularly good general and suffered a number of reverses in his encounters with the French in the field.This may make you think that the book is somewhat fragmented, but it works. We are looking a Great Captain from the outset, not just progressing from childhood - some biographies do suffer in that we take a while to "get there" so to speak. I find Corelli Barnett's approach completely convincing: he writes brilliantly and concisely, never talking down to his readers. He drives us resolutely forward: we can easily follow how Marlborough's talent for deception was crucial in the lead-up to Blenheim and how his tactics heralded a new style of warfare - indeed his famous march to the Danube is, in itself, a major achievement, and Mr. Barnett lets us know just how this audacious move was necessary and why it succeeded.After the Blenheim chapters, the book becomes chronological and we see Marlborough's genius again at work at Ramillies and Oudenarde: they are logical outcomes of what we have seen him achieve at Blenheim and they continue to display his talent for deception and organisation. The final battle of the famous BROM four, namely Malplaquet, was a different matter: a Pyrrhic victory and one where he was not at his best, with the continual frontal assaults, causing the Allies nearly twice the casualties the French suffered . However he continued to serve his country right up to 1711: there is much more to Marlborough than the "famous four" battles, as you will see and experience when you read the book.The partnership of John and Sarah Churchill is very moving: we have many examples in the book of letters expressing John's tenderness for Sarah; he was never unfaithful to her in all the years of their marriage. Sarah was not an easy person, and must bear blame or her overbearing attitude to Queen Anne which eventually caused hers and John's overthrow. The chapters leading to this finale are just as exciting and well written as are the Military Campaigns. Politics interfere with events (as is still the case today) and we must not fail to note the entrance of Abigail Masham (who usurped Sarah's position, and used it ruthlessly).Corelli Barnett is a supreme writer: he knows his man, and is one of those few Historical writers who is so compelling that you may find yourself reading into the Small Hours. Highly recommended book. Title: The First Churchill: Marlborough Soldier and Statesman Author Name: Barnett, Correlli Location Published: G P Putnam's Sons: 1972 Binding: hardcover Book Condition: Excellent Pages: 288 Categories: European Wars 1700s, Commanders & Leaders Seller ID: 1424