Other editions of book The Story of my Early Life, A Roving Commission

As a visionary, statesman, historian, and the most eloquent spokesman against Nazi Germany, Winston Churchill was one of the greatest figures of the twentieth century. This is the story of the first thirty years of his life, up to the point where his unique parliamentary career was just beginning. From childhood and his apprentice days at Harrow and Sandhurst we follow him on active service to Cuba, the northwest frontier, Omdurman and the Boer War--including the historic story of his escape from captivity--whilst in the background are his early adventures in politics and literature. "I have tried, in each part of the quarter-century in which this tale lies, to show the point of view appropriate to my years, whether as a child, a schoolboy, a cadet, a subaltern, a war-correspondent or a youthful politician...When I survey this work as a whole I find I have drawn a picture of a vanished age."--from the author's preface My Early Life gives listeners insights into the shaping of a great leader.

When we think of Churchill, a picture comes to mind of a defiant bulldog, well along in years, cigar firmly clenched, brandy at hand, the famous "V for Victory" salute. At the height of his powers in WW II, Churchill was in his sixties. But once upon a time he was young and in this immensely absorbing story, written when he was barely 30, we learn first hand what it means to be driven by destiny. His actions were always a little larger than life and his escapades, mainly fighting, were wild and reckless. He loved the glory of war, and after every campaign wrote a book. The result was that by the time he was 25 he was rich and famous. He was also filled with purpose (politics) and ambition (the top). This is the story of how he began.

As a visionary, statesman, historian, and the most eloquent spokesman against Nazi Germany, Winston Churchill was one of the greatest figures of the twentieth century. This is the story of the first thirty years of his life, up to the point where his unique parliamentary career was just beginning. From childhood and his apprentice days at Harrow and Sandhurst we follow him on active service to Cuba, the northwest frontier, Omdurman and the Boer War-including the historic story of his escape from captivity-whilst in the background are his early adventures in politics and literature. I have tried, in each part of the quarter-century in which this tale lies, to show the point of view appropriate to my years, whether as a child, a schoolboy, a cadet, a subaltern, a war-correspondent or a youthful politician...When I survey this work as a whole I find I have drawn a picture of a vanished age.-from the author's preface My Early Life gives listeners insights into the shaping of a great leader.

Originally published 1930. First issued by Fontana Books, 1959. Columbia Pictures now released the film as Young Winston based on this book. Churchill writes in his Preface: I have thought that it might be of interest to the new generation to read a story of youthful endeavor, and I have set down candidly and with as much simplicity as possible my personal fortunes.