In Churchill: The Unexpected Hero, Paul Addison describes Winston Churchill's path to historical greatness. He traces Churchill's personal development and political career and explores how a "politician who had a one time or another offended every party and faction became the embodiment of national unity, an uncrowned king whose charisma threatened to eclipse the monarchy. " (4) Addison develops the theme of "the epic struggle between Churchill and his critics " (1) over the years, declaring that "Churchill won two great victories in the Second World War. The first was a victory over Nazi Germany. The second was a victory over the many sceptics who, for decades, had derided his judgement, denied his claims to greatness and excluded him from 10 Downing Street on the grounds that he was sure to be a danger to King and Country. " (1).
Churchill was the son of Lord Randolph Churchill, statesman and politician, and Jenny Churchill, an American heiress. Born into the Marlborough family with its history of government leadership, Churchill believed from a young age that he had a supreme destiny. He idolized his hard-to-please father despite his constant criticism. In school Winston was seen as unruly, temperamental and not a great student. Eventually he was sent to the Army class that prepared boys for Sandhurst and a career in the military, where he did well. Winston fought in Africa and spend time in India and Cuba. He became known as a great war correspondent, and was seen as a good strategist who had proven himself in battle. His reputation was strengthened when he was taken prisoner in South Africa and escaped. Churchill was not particularly popular, due to his egotistical nature and his perhaps overly direct and frank expression. Churchill was self-conscious about not attending university and read extensively, reviewing old Parliamentary debates. He was elected as a Member of Parliament in 1900.
