The General

Jonathan Fenby's 2010 biography traces Charles de Gaulle's transformation from military officer to the pivotal leader who shaped modern France. The book spans his early military career through both World Wars and into his years as president of the Fifth Republic. The narrative follows de Gaulle's evolution as both wartime commander and political figure, highlighting his role in the French Resistance during WWII and his complex relationship with Allied leaders. His vision for France's place in the post-war world and his handling of the Algerian crisis receive particular focus. Fenby draws from extensive research and contemporary accounts to construct a portrait of a leader driven by an unwavering belief in his destiny to restore French greatness. The biography explores the paradox of a man who was both France's savior and a deeply polarizing figure who often stood alone in his convictions. The work stands as an examination of how individual will and national identity intersect during times of crisis, and raises questions about the nature of leadership in modern democracy.

Readers describe this biography of Charles de Gaulle as thorough and well-researched, though some note it can be dense and academic in tone. Many appreciate Fenby's detailed coverage of de Gaulle's military career and political leadership during WWII. Readers liked: - In-depth research and primary sources - Balanced perspective on de Gaulle's strengths and flaws - Clear chronological organization Readers disliked: - Heavy focus on political minutiae that can slow the narrative - Limited personal insights into de Gaulle's character - Some repetitive passages Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (41 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Provides context missing from other de Gaulle biographies" - Goodreads "Too much emphasis on political dealings, not enough on the man" - Amazon "Dry at times but rewards patient reading" - LibraryThing

Churchill: A Life by Martin Gilbert Chronicles Winston Churchill's journey from soldier to wartime leader with parallel themes of national destiny and individual determination during the same era as de Gaulle.

Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts Follows another transformative French leader who reshaped the nation through force of will and military prowess, offering context for de Gaulle's vision of French greatness.

Patton: A Genius for War by Carlo D'Este Examines the career of a fellow military commander turned influential WWII leader who shared de Gaulle's complex personality and unwavering self-belief.

Clemenceau by David Watson Details the life of France's WWI leader who, like de Gaulle, guided the nation through crisis and worked to maintain French power on the world stage.

The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill by William Manchester Presents Churchill's transformation from military officer to national leader during WWII, offering a British perspective on the same historical period and leadership challenges that de Gaulle faced.

🔹 Charles de Gaulle was so tall (6'5") that Winston Churchill once remarked he carried the Cross of Lorraine like it was a personal telephone pole - referencing both his height and stubborn nature. 🔹 Author Jonathan Fenby worked as editor of The Observer and South China Morning Post before becoming one of the leading Western experts on French and Chinese history. 🔹 During his leadership of the Free French Forces, de Gaulle was sentenced to death in absentia by the Vichy government for treason against France. 🔹 De Gaulle resigned as French president in 1969 after losing a referendum, having predicted the exact percentage by which he would lose (52.4%) months before the vote. 🔹 The original manuscript of this biography took four years to complete and drew from over 300 interviews and previously unreleased documents from French national archives.