Lecture | New Discoveries about Winston Churchill’s Autobiography

Dr. Gary L. Stiles, collector and Grolier member, will discuss his latest book, A Prelude to Immortality: Winston Churchill’s ‘My Early Life' (Unicorn Publishing), which sheds light on why and how Churchill came to write an autobiography that has had global impact. The book has been continuously in print for more than 95 years in English editions and printed in 31 non-English speaking countries in 27 languages. Dr. Stiles has uncovered 62 previously unknown non-English versions. His book analyses Churchill’s unusual and effective writing approach, use of contemporary first-person narrative, and lyric poetry style that vividly portrays dramatic events. Churchill wrote the book to reinvigorate his persona in the public eye, challenge a new generation to become involved in society and politics, paint an image of a bygone era, and tell his own full educational and military saga, while generating needed income.

Dr. Gary L. Stiles is a widely published writer, physician, medical researcher, corporate executive, and student of history and art with a 40-year interest in Winston Churchill and his writings. He was the Ursula Geller Distinguished Professor of Cardiovascular Research at Duke University. His previous book subjects include the 19th-century painter William Hart and Punch magazine's depictions of Churchill.

Dr. Stiles' book will be available for sale and signing.

Registration

If you are a Grolier Club member, please register yourself and your guests via the Club website. Do not register via Eventbrite.

Support

We appreciate your interest in the Grolier Club’s programming on the art and history of the book. For over 130 years we have offered our exhibitions and lectures to the public, free of charge. If you have enjoyed these offerings, and would like to support that tradition, and help ensure that it continues, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Grolier Club.

Accessibility

An ADA-compliant lift from street level to the lobby is available to anyone with mobility issues. All desk staff should be ready and able to assist you in operating the lift, with or without advance notice.

A “T-Coil” assisted listening system is available to anyone attending a lecture in the Exhibition Hall. Visitors with hearing aids should turn their devices to the “T” setting in order to access the system; visitors without hearing aids may request a “loop receiver” with earphones.

Environment

The temperature and humidity in the exhibition hall are tightly controlled for the sake of the valuable items on display, and this may cause the room to feel chilly, particularly in warmer weather, to those coming in from outside. Members and visitors are advised to bring a light wrap when visiting an exhibition, or attending an event in the hall.

Also check out other Arts events in New York, Exhibitions in New York, Literary Art events in New York.