Churchill and Secret Service Audiobook By David Stafford cover art

Churchill and Secret Service

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Churchill and Secret Service

By: David Stafford
Narrated by: Frederick Davidson
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Winston Churchill believed passionately in the value of secret intelligence, in times of war as well as peace. Historian David Stafford makes the compelling case that one cannot understand Churchill's astounding success as a modern day statesman without reference to his deep involvement in the world of espionage.

With absorbing detail about the secret world of agents and double-agents, this groundbreaking work traces Churchill's connections with that world, from his days as a member of the Cabinet that established the Secret Service to the war years, when his extensive intelligence network provided him with superior information. What results is a major contribution to the study of modern and military history and a crucial missing key to understanding Churchill himself.

©1997 David Stafford (P)1998 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Europe Freedom & Security Great Britain Intelligence & Espionage Politics & Government Espionage England War Military Winston Churchill Royalty Imperialism Interwar Period United Kingdom Russia Self-Determination British Empire

Critic reviews

"A first-rate and, what is more remarkable, an original contribution to Churchilliana, of sure interest to students of Churchill, modern history, or military intelligence." (Kirkus Reviews)
"Starting off as the standard BBC announcer, narrator Frederick Davidson cranks up for the stirring speeches and dips the pithy observations in venom or bile. This reading is superb." (AudioFile)
"Stafford's narrative is concise, easy to follow, and often exciting. Lovers of spy novels should get particular enjoyment from the fine examination of the genuine article." (Booklist)
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I have two general comments to make about this book. First of all, although I am Churchill devotee and the owner of many books by and about him, this book fills in many gaps in his life, from the war in Cuba (1898) all the way up to the Cold War. It introduces the reader (or in this case, the listener) to the many fascinating individuals that Churchill met and often employed in his intelligence tasks, particularly in the First and Second World War. It has also directed my attention to many other books and subjects I would otherwise have missed.
I must say something about Frederick Davidson, the narrator. He is simply superb. He can handle the most difficult and complicated texts with ease, and seems familiar with German and French, both of which he pronounces with stunning accuracy. This is no small matter, because some narrators hired by audible have put me off of titles altogether.

Indispensable for any Churchill fan

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Frederick Davidson is a GREAT narrator...I seek him out. It is a shameful, narrow provincial 'Americanism' which I think motivates the complaints...how absurd! But by all means, listen to the preview!!

Complaints about reader are entirely misplaced!

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War buffs, intrigue addicts and Churchill admirers will enjoy this book. Well written, well researched and the material is mainly new.

I shall check to see if the reader, David Stafford, has been employed BEFORE I buy next time. Once again, this readers style is totally off putting. His lingering final syllables and over pronounced vowels become tiresome within a few sentences. I wish Audible would pay more attention to this facet of customer enjoyment.

Fascinating History

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I am truly sorry I did not read a previous review BEFORE I bought this. What good is a book you cannot underestand the narrator?

Unintelligible reader

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