The eighth and final volume of the Official Churchill Biography, NEVER DESPAIR (1945-1965),’ by Sir Martin Gilbert, was published in 1988, a culminating event that we celebrated with the author in a publishing party at the store. Begun by Churchill’s son Randolph (Volumes I and II), The Official Biography was completed (Volumes III-VIII) by Sir Martin Gilbert, whose great achievement it remains; the ultimate source work about Winston Churchill, and the longest biography ever published (the actual Guinness record holder). 

We sadly lost Sir Martin, one of Chartwell Booksellers’ greatest friends and an inspiration to the store always, in 2015.

We are honored to have his widow, ESTHER, LADY GILBERT, as our guest reader for NEVER DESPAIR.