The Churchill Factor

How One Man Made History

Boris Johnson

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Paperback

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English

Hodder & Stoughton
08 September 2015

Biography: historical, political & military; History; British & Irish history; 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000; Political leaders & leadership

On the eve of the fiftieth anniversary of Winston Churchill's death, and written in conjunction with the Churchill Estate, Boris Johnson explores what makes up the 'Churchill Factor' - the singular brilliance of one of the most important leaders of the twentieth century.

Taking on the myths and misconceptions along with the outsized reality, he portrays - with characteristic wit and passion - a man of multiple contradictions, contagious bravery, breath-taking eloquence, matchless strategizing, and deep humanity. Fearless on the battlefield, Churchill had to be ordered by the King to stay out of action on D-Day; he embraced large-scale strategic bombing, yet hated the destruction of war and scorned politicians who had not experienced its horrors. He was a celebrated journalist, a great orator and won the Nobel Prize for Literature.

He was famous for his ability to combine wining and dining with many late nights of crucial wartime decision-making. His open-mindedness made him a pioneer in health care, education, and social welfare, though he remained incorrigibly politically incorrect. Most of all, as Boris Johnson says, 'Churchill is the resounding human rebuttal to all who think history is the story of vast and impersonal economic forces'.

The Churchill Factor is a book to be enjoyed not only by anyone interested in history: it is essential reading for anyone who wants to know what makes a great leader.

By: Boris Johnson
Imprint: Hodder & Stoughton
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 128mm, Spine: 38mm
Weight: 325g
ISBN: 9781444783056
ISBN 10: 144478305X
Pages: 432
Publication Date: 08 September 2015
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Boris Johnson was elected Mayor of London in May 2008. Before this he was the Editor of the Spectator, Member of Parliament for Henley on Thames, Shadow Minister for the Arts and Shadow Minister for Higher Education. He is the author of many books, notably Johnson's Life of London (re-issued as The Spirit of London), Have I Got Views for You and Dream of Rome.

Reviews for The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History

Johnson's history of Churchill is well crafted, amply researched, and a pleasure to read. It can serve as a change of pace from more plodding accounts. Library Journal Reading about Churchill is always a delight, and Johnson is an accomplished, accessible writer. Kirkus Reviews This is a rollicking tale of a political maverick. Radio Times An engagingly written romp through the elder statesman's greatest achievements. Observer Riveting...Boris is a superb, accessible writer, with an easy, good-humoured touch. Independent The book's style is often chatty, enthusiastic and as funny as you would expect. The Spectator Manages to be scholarly but not pedantic, pacy but not lightweight... the book wears its research lightly. Daily Express Johnson is a superb writer... Despite the heavy subject matter, The Churchill Factor is a light and quick read. The Globe and Mail A characteristically breathless romp through the life and times of our greatest wartime leader...high on entertainment as it is on providing an appraisal of the great man's achievements. Telegraph Readable, engaging and often funny. Evening Standard