MY DEAR MR. CHURCHILL

Admittedly a limited view of the great man, this modest little collection of personal reminiscences nonetheless has the freshness more coordinated, destiny-ridden profiles might lack. Mr. Graebner, former chief of the London Bureau of Time & Life was gleefully received by Mr. Churchill on several occasions involving purchase of publication rights for both paintings and writings, and spent a good deal of time with him during the writing and revising of his memoirs. Since work with Churchill meant being swept up into the infinity of interests of this gargantuan personality, the temptation to match fire with literary sparklers is great, and fortunately Mr. Graebner avoids it. Always aware of Churchill's greatness, the author contributes some affectionate candids -- Churchill majestic at table with brandy and cigar (""the greatest bliss of the day""); beaming when quoted by an admiring guest; doggedly painting at picnics while companions frolicked and onlookers stared in awe; crushed by the death of a beloved black swan; touched to tears by his own recitations of poetry he cherished. Inevitably more pretentious reminiscences will follow, but this is a loving and revealing tribute.