In 1953, the citation for the Nobel Prize in Literature noted its conferral for “mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values.” The Laureate was Winston Spencer Churchill and the literary work proximate to the conferral of the Prize was Churchill’s six-volume history, The Second World War.

The first volume of The Second World War, titled The Gathering Storm, covers European and world events from the end of the First World War in 1918 up until the beginning of Churchill’s time as Prime Minister in May of 1940, covering Churchill’s narrative description of the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, the League of Nations, the Great Depression, and the rise of Hitler in Germany and the rise of imperial Japan, as well as Churchill’s account (and critique) of British and American foreign policy in the inter-war period.

Beyond the historical insights, Churchill’s lucid narrative and vivid voice conveys his incomparable perspective as both a close observer and an effective agent in this critical time. Over five sessions, this seminar will grapple with concrete instances where good intentions prove disastrous, a desire for justice proves dangerous, and hope proves deadly. On the other hand, the conversation will also reflect on moments of moral clarity, prudential consideration, and profound conviction.

Image: Winston Churchill, then Home Secretary, 1911

Prof. Zeitlin on Arendt v. Schmitt

Faculty

Samuel Garrett Zeitlin

Samuel Zeitlin is Lecturer in Modern Intellectual History at University College London, specializing in political thought, international relations, and the history of philosophy.

Preview the Syllabus by Week/Session

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