- Paperback: 272 pages
- Publisher: Phoenix; New Ed edition (10 Jun 2010)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0753817780
- ISBN-13: 978-0753817780
- Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 12.7 x 19.7 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
376,229 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #31 in Books > History > Other Historical Subjects > Historians > Roberts, Andrew
- #49 in Books > History > World History > World War II 1939-1945 > Historical Figures > Winston Churchill
Hitler and Churchill: Secrets of Leadership
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Amazon.co.uk Review
To what extent did the outcome of the Second World War turn on the two very different personalities who led the two major combatant nations? This intriguing question is the subject of Andrew Roberts' Hitler and Churchill: Secrets of Leadership, published to tie in with the television series of the same name. Roberts, the author of the prize-winning Salisbury: Victorian Titan and, more recently, the highly acclaimed Napoleon and Wellington, sets out to identify the ingredients of successful leadership in peacetime and wartime.
The first half of the book takes us through the lives of the two men up to 1939, showing how both men had a strong sense of destiny and mission--indeed both put out a sort of mission statement (Churchill in his 1900 novel Savrola; Hitler in his Mein Kampf). Both men also had compelling powers of oratory and a carefully contrived political persona built around props (Churchill's cigar and homburg hat, Hitler's plain uniform), hideaway homes (Chartwell and the Berghof) and careful public relations. The second half of the book brings out their major differences during the war. Inevitably, Churchill's people-management skills and ability to listen to advice won out over Hitler's control-freakery and over-reliance on sycophants.
This is not one of Andrew Roberts' better books. It is not a particularly sophisticated analysis of the dynamics of leadership, and the story of the clash of these two titans has been told so often--most recently by John Lukacs--that there is not a lot more to be added. Roberts does provide some new information on Churchill's use of secret intelligence, but otherwise this is familiar fare--a tale certainly worth being told again, but perhaps not deserving the great puff on the dust jacket. --Miles Taylor --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
'Writing with his customary verve and wit -- Christopher Hirst THE INDEPENDENT 'he presents his material impressively... the relaxed, lucid prose is accessible to anyone with an interest in the topic.' OBSERVER 'it is an illuminating essay on the two behemoths written in an accessbile and often witty style -- Martin Tierney THE HERALD 'this superb book.' SUNDAY TIMES
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
An intruguing review of two of the world's most fascinating war leaders. Roberts makes valid points about the leaders and comes to a profound conclusion. The book is littered with evidence that's used to back up his argument, which he successfully puts forward, implying thorough research has gone into the book. I particularly liked this book due to the relevant and sometimes startling revelations that it makes. Roberts succeeds in making the book readable as well as not too simple. What the author has managed to do best is bring up very relevant points that have not been recognized to a great extent yet. The whole works is backed by hard evidence.
Overall a very revealing and thought-provoking book. Definitely a brilliant bit of work.
3 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A slightly odd book, not based on massive original research, and not even that strong on the modern literature of leadership. Also it is Churchill-biased. But taken as a series of essays and interpretations, it is thoroughly interesting and entertaining. He is good on the revisionism which tries to de-bunk Churchill, on Churchill as a historian and his use of history in his rhetoric. There is one really powerful insight, into why people commit atrocities; not fear, not propaganda, not fanaticism, just the peer pressure of those around you. Exactly also why soldiers risk their lives; not for their commanders, or the nation, but for their mates and colleagues. This is an important insight, not just for historians; comradeship creates both heroes and devils. He is also excellent on the many reasons why Hitler's leadership deteriorated and Churchill's improved. This goes beyond his main verdict, that Hitler's charismatic leadership was inherently inferior to Churchill's inspirational leadership.
Particularly excellent is how Churchill in 1940 was the master of spin, controlling the narrative Alaistar Campbell-style, curiously inspiring the British people by telling them in masterly language how appalling it was going to be, what huge failures they would have to endure, and what a bloody awful, dire struggle we were in for. Curiously, it worked. Apparently, then, it's relentlessly positive spin we can't take.
His rather petulant paragraph decrying (the Marxist) Hobsawm's claim as our greatest living historian by listing other great (Tory) ones is amusing. And Kershaw's insight of "working towards the Fuhrer" has moved things along at bit since this was published. But this is a very good read. He has a good eye for the telling but less familiar Churchill quote; none better than this one on the Second World War: if we win, noone will care; if we lose, there'll be noone left to care. Wow.
Particularly excellent is how Churchill in 1940 was the master of spin, controlling the narrative Alaistar Campbell-style, curiously inspiring the British people by telling them in masterly language how appalling it was going to be, what huge failures they would have to endure, and what a bloody awful, dire struggle we were in for. Curiously, it worked. Apparently, then, it's relentlessly positive spin we can't take.
His rather petulant paragraph decrying (the Marxist) Hobsawm's claim as our greatest living historian by listing other great (Tory) ones is amusing. And Kershaw's insight of "working towards the Fuhrer" has moved things along at bit since this was published. But this is a very good read. He has a good eye for the telling but less familiar Churchill quote; none better than this one on the Second World War: if we win, noone will care; if we lose, there'll be noone left to care. Wow.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
9 reviews
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Delightful Essay Contrasting Leadership Styles
23 Nov 2007
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I found the book fascinating and read most of it in one sitting. The author's intent is to provide a comparison of two massively competent leaders pitted against one another, with the implied idea that Churchill's was better because he was on the right side. In fact, the author stumbles over himself sometimes to remind us several times that Hitler was evil (which, of course, he was). But after reading, I came away with the two both being geniuses and both being spellbinding leaders who brought out the best in their subordinates. Both had severe limitations as well. And the two leadership styles were complete contrasts. So what are the lessons here? Both leaders did many things right. Both did many things wrong. I think the case can be made that Hitler's style finally proved his undoing--he held the reigns too tightly and surrounded himself with sycophants. But remember that WWII was a very near thing. The author makes the point that after the Americans entered the war in a serious way, Churchill's supreme leadership was gradually eclipsed by Roosevelt and Eisenhower. But Churchill ultimately comes out a hero, which I like because I greatly admire him. Fascinating book? Yes. Worth reading? Absolutely.
12 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Truely the secrets of leadership
4 Sep 2005
Format:Paperback
For people out there who enjoy a reading an excellent novel, or know someone who enjoys reading this is a must have, or a wonderful gift. In this novel they compare the differences and at the same time their similarities of leadership between the two men, how they were both very committed to lead their country to victory, and would do anything in their power to do so. "Secrets of Leadership" has points or facts that you would have never known about both Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler, how Hitler wasn't mean and tough all the time, and at time's actually showed affection ( that's all I have to say on the subject), also they have three very interesting sections of illustrations, and explains how they used the media or the press to inspire and motivate their followers and soldiers. All in all this is a great book for anyone who is interested and even for those who are not into the whole war thing.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Similarities and differences
6 April 2011
Format:Paperback
Roberts presents a detailed comparison of two political men of power, Adolf Hitler in Germany and Winston Churchill in England, in two parts: the period prior to World War II and wartime.
He provides commentary on their strengths and weaknesses, the people who made them great leaders, and their own leadership characteristics throughout their rise to Fuhrer and Prime Minister respectively. At first glance, the two men appear to be total opposites, but with a skilful expose of their backgrounds, aspirations, decision-making, leadership styles, attitudes, and beliefs, Roberts reveals their similarities.
Their differences were legendary. While Hitler was charismatic, Churchill was not. Many attest to the "weirdly compelling effect" that Hitler's eyes had upon people, and that he was adored by his staff. Churchill, on the other hand, was a tough, rude, and sarcastic boss. Hitler delegated and Churchill micro-managed. Yet, while Hitler was an anti-smoking, teetotal vegetarian, devoid of humour, Churchill was a witty, magnificent hedonist. And while Hitler was devoid of emotions, "pretty much anything could induce tears in Churchill."
Their similarities were outstanding. Both had a tenacity of purpose, despite early failures and setbacks; both were self-educated; both were intensely nationalistic; both were egocentric; and both were overwhelming orators and natural actors. Yet more interesting was that both had a driving sense of destiny: that each was destined to lead their country, and that they both "knew" this at an early age. Churchill had faith in his own star, a `guiding hand' towards his destiny. If anything, Hitler had a more unshakeable faith in his own star, that `Divine Providence' had protected him in the trenches, that he was infallible: "When I look back upon the five years that lie behind, I can say, this was not the work of human hands alone."
In a time when Britain made war decisions by committee, and Germany was a dictatorship, England's cumbersome governmental structure delayed wartime operations. Hitler's dictatorial powers made it easier to keep secrets and spearhead timely attacks, such as the Blitzkrieg victory. Yet the method behind Hitler's initial successes as a war leader was, in time, to become his greatest weakness, and Churchill capitalized on it. What were Hitler's fatal flaws of leadership? How did Churchill defeat Hitler's superior power of will? It is said that one key rule of management is that a good leader selects the right people for the right job. What is just as important is that leaders sack the right people at the right time for the right reason. Roberts takes a critical look at the staffing decisions of both Hitler and Churchill before and during crucial times of the war, and the ramifications these decisions had in the ultimate downfall of Hitler and the rise of Churchill.
This is a well-structured book that does more than ask searching questions about leadership styles and decisions. It also compels readers to re-examine the way they look at those who make decisions for them, and their nation.
Martina Nicolls, Author of "The Sudan Curse" and "Kashmir on a Knife-Edge"
He provides commentary on their strengths and weaknesses, the people who made them great leaders, and their own leadership characteristics throughout their rise to Fuhrer and Prime Minister respectively. At first glance, the two men appear to be total opposites, but with a skilful expose of their backgrounds, aspirations, decision-making, leadership styles, attitudes, and beliefs, Roberts reveals their similarities.
Their differences were legendary. While Hitler was charismatic, Churchill was not. Many attest to the "weirdly compelling effect" that Hitler's eyes had upon people, and that he was adored by his staff. Churchill, on the other hand, was a tough, rude, and sarcastic boss. Hitler delegated and Churchill micro-managed. Yet, while Hitler was an anti-smoking, teetotal vegetarian, devoid of humour, Churchill was a witty, magnificent hedonist. And while Hitler was devoid of emotions, "pretty much anything could induce tears in Churchill."
Their similarities were outstanding. Both had a tenacity of purpose, despite early failures and setbacks; both were self-educated; both were intensely nationalistic; both were egocentric; and both were overwhelming orators and natural actors. Yet more interesting was that both had a driving sense of destiny: that each was destined to lead their country, and that they both "knew" this at an early age. Churchill had faith in his own star, a `guiding hand' towards his destiny. If anything, Hitler had a more unshakeable faith in his own star, that `Divine Providence' had protected him in the trenches, that he was infallible: "When I look back upon the five years that lie behind, I can say, this was not the work of human hands alone."
In a time when Britain made war decisions by committee, and Germany was a dictatorship, England's cumbersome governmental structure delayed wartime operations. Hitler's dictatorial powers made it easier to keep secrets and spearhead timely attacks, such as the Blitzkrieg victory. Yet the method behind Hitler's initial successes as a war leader was, in time, to become his greatest weakness, and Churchill capitalized on it. What were Hitler's fatal flaws of leadership? How did Churchill defeat Hitler's superior power of will? It is said that one key rule of management is that a good leader selects the right people for the right job. What is just as important is that leaders sack the right people at the right time for the right reason. Roberts takes a critical look at the staffing decisions of both Hitler and Churchill before and during crucial times of the war, and the ramifications these decisions had in the ultimate downfall of Hitler and the rise of Churchill.
This is a well-structured book that does more than ask searching questions about leadership styles and decisions. It also compels readers to re-examine the way they look at those who make decisions for them, and their nation.
Martina Nicolls, Author of "The Sudan Curse" and "Kashmir on a Knife-Edge"
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