I learned a lot about both the Boer War as well as Churchill's drive and determination. Very good! ( )

Winston Churchill is deservedly famous for rallying the English in the darkest days of World War II to keep them fighting on all alone against the Germans after the Fall of France. However, this shining hour should not negate his many faults: his over-weaning vanity, his love of Empire, his glorification of war, and his dismal record in military strategy (see the Battle of Gallipoli in World War I and the Norwegian invasion in World War II). In Candice Millard’s book of his exploits in the Boer War, which arguably launched him on his long political career, we see all these attributes in their nascent form.

The son of the second son of the Duke of Marlborough and his beautiful American heiress wife, Winston was seemingly born striving. His father, who rose to Chancellor of the Exchequer before succumbing to the ravages of syphilis, was a cold and distant man to his son who hero worshiped him and endlessly strived for his approval. His mother was a society beauty who was frequently more involved in her own domestic problems and intrigues than with her children.

An indifferent student, he only made it into Sandhurst by strenuous tutoring, and his mother’s cajoling of members of the General staff. At age 24, having lost his first attempt at a seat in Parliament, he decides that he must do something spectacular on the battlefield to launch himself into politics. During his time in the colonial wars in India and the Sudan he deliberately puts himself (and others) in extreme danger hoping for glory. When fame eludes him, he leaves the army to become a journalist, aiming again for glory covering the Spanish-American War in Cuba. When fame again eludes him, he turns his eye to South Africa and the uprising of the Boers against the British.

Ever a member of his class, Churchill arrives in Cape Town with his valet and cases of vintage wine. Almost immediately he is taken prisoner by the Boers when the armored train he is traveling on is attacked. He manages to escape (no one ever said he wasn’t daring) and relying solely on his wits (and also dumb luck) manages to trek hundreds of miles to freedom in Portuguese territory. He then rejoins the British army, fights in several battles, frees the men he was imprisoned with, and returns home covered in glory.

It's a grand story, straight out of “Boy’s Own” and Millard tells it well. Still, the more I read about this great man, the more I understand how he was summarily dismissed by the voters after the war. ( )

I really enjoy Millard's story telling abilities. I had read Manchester's 3 tomes on Churchill and was a bit reluctant to read even more, but as the topic of this book was one of the most interesting to me parts of Manchester's biography, and the fact that I really enjoyed Millard's other two books I went ahead and read this. It was well done, conveyed Churchill's character as a young man well, and gave interesting insight into South Africa's history. ( )

Another great book from my brother, Geza, thank you so much. And thanks to Denise, also. Hero of the Empire by Candice Millard is exciting and informative. As in her book River of Doubt, she teaches us history by telling a riveting, true story about great adventures in history. Events often overlooked, while important in creating events that followed and the people who determined the outcome of these events. Well written and well researched it is an easy lesson in history and, I think well worth anyone's time. ( )

I loved this book. It was fascinating and I learned a lot about the Boer War. Is was one of those wars I had heard about but really did not know why it happened. Everyone knows Churchill but this book introduces you to a younger, adventurous man. For me, it shed a lot of light on the man he would become 40 years later. Fast reading as it is so interesing. Highly recommend. ( )