The Splendid and the Vile Summary

Summary of The Splendid and the Vile Book by Erik Larson

Name: The Splendid and the Vile
Rating: 4.7 (31524 reviews)
Author: Erik Larson

4.7 . 31524 reviews

Short summary

Erik Larson is an American journalist and author of nonfiction books, six of which became New York Times Best Sellers. His most recent books, The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz, hit #1 on the list soon after launch. The Splendid and the Vile is a masterpiece written by Erik Larson around the life and times of one of Britain's most revered statesmen, Winston Churchill. He was able to do the unthinkable: rally the English ally with the U.S. and defeat the Nazi army. It is a story of courage, leadership, and dogged diplomacy. Go through this summary carefully, keeping an open heart because there is so much to learn from Winston Churchill. “It would be foolish to disguise the gravity of the hour,” he said. “It would be still more foolish to lose heart and courage.” ~ Erik Larson

12 min

7 key points

17 insights

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Table of content

Summary of The Splendid and the Vile
About the author
What is The Splendid and the Vile about?
Who should read The Splendid and the Vile
Topics in The Splendid and the Vile

first key point

One needs to display courage in the times of adversity

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In times of conflict, there are two kinds of people: the brave and the coward. The coward runs to hide and accepts whatever fate they are dealt with, while the courageous face adversity head-on regardless of the threat to their life. Significant accomplishments are almost always the product of bravery.

A coward accepts fate, while a brave person challenges and bends it to do their bidding.

This truth is also for the man, the myth, the legend—Winston Churchill. When he assumed office as the Prime Minister of England, war was raging, and Hitler was sweeping through Europe unchallenged. Day after day, attack after attack, he edged ever closer to conquering every blade of grass his boot stepped on. This dawning reality would be intimidating and scary for any ordinary man, especially if it is his job to protect a country against it.

Without courage, one cannot conquer the obstacles one must face.

Churchill, however, wasn't a man to be intimidated or deterred by the presumed might of the Nazi army. Instead, Churchill would turn out to be the force that would first unite the U.K. and the U.S. then bring an end to the reign of the Hitler campaign.

While others were too afraid to fight, Churchill created a desire in the English to rally together.

His leadership and tactics were geared towards undoing the myth around German weaponry and military might. Churchill was adamant and unyielding, although he barely had spent a year in office. His resolve and courage were so palpable that they infected the mind and hearts of the English people and soldiers. Churchill’s speeches urged them to victory, erased cowardice, and instilled only a sense of courage and bravery.

In the following chapters, you will learn more about Churchill's life, his conquests, and triumphs. You will see the efforts he made to avoid war and how you can apply his tactics to life and business.

Did you know? Winston Churchill was an accomplished artist. In his 40's, he began to officially and actively take up painting and became quite a prolific artist, creating more than 500 paintings over 48 years.

second key point

Leadership starts with a lot of responsibilities

When it comes to leadership, there is a default level of expectations and responsibility that comes with it. It is only natural to judge one's performance off of these expectations and their execution. The year was 1940, and the Prime Minister of England, Neville Chamberlain, had lost the confidence of parliament and the English people.

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third key point

Diplomacy is a better substitute for war

fourth key point

There is a lot of politics in war

fifth key point

Amid life’s difficulties, hope is a vital ally to rely on

sixth key point

There is strength in unity, and victory is easily achievable when there is a common goal

seventh key point

Conclusion

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What is The Splendid and the Vile about?

"The Splendid and the Vile" by Erik Larson is a captivating historical account that delves into the life of Winston Churchill and his family during the tumultuous period of the Blitz in World War II. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Larson paints a vivid picture of Churchill's leadership, the resilience of the British people, and the personal sacrifices made by the Churchill family in their unwavering defiance against Nazi Germany.

Who should read The Splendid and the Vile

History enthusiasts seeking a gripping account of Churchill's leadership during WWII.
Fans of biographies interested in the personal life of Winston Churchill.
Those fascinated by stories of resilience and defiance in the face of adversity.

Topics in The Splendid and the Vile

World History Leadership British History War the Great Depression Politics the Middle Ages the Industrial Revolution European History the Cold War the American Revolution Historical Nonfiction

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