Churchill Factor

Ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson takes on Winston Churchill - a biography like no other.Brexit, pandemic, economic crisis: Boris Johnson's leadership was an extraordinary period in recent British history, and his inspiration has always been Winston Churchill.In this book, he 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 healthcare, education and social welfare, though he remained incorrigibly politically incorrect.Published in association with Churchill Heritage, The Churchill Factor is essential reading for anyone who wants to know what makes a great leader in a time of crisis.
Review
The must-read biography of the year. ― Evening StandardGenuinely clever... this book sizzles. ― The TimesChurchill's own energy - his indefatigable pursuit of excitement, glory, place and power - demands a writer of fizz and passion to do history justice. Johnson is that writer. ― Mail on SundayA bravura performance...Johnson has not only celebrated Churchill in this book: he has emulated him with comparable panache. ― Financial TimesA 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. ― TelegraphReadable, engaging and often funny. ― Evening StandardAn engagingly written romp through the elder statesman's greatest achievements. ― ObserverRiveting...Boris is a superb, accessible writer, with an easy, good-humoured touch. ― IndependentThe book's style is often chatty, enthusiastic and as funny as you would expect. ― The SpectatorSplendidly enjoyable... It is rare to find a serious study of a politician that's this entertaining. ― Daily Express
About the Author
Boris Johnson was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 2019 to 2022. He previously served as Foreign Secretary (2016-18), and was Mayor of London (2008-16) for two terms, most notably during the London Olympics. He was also MP for Henley-on-Thames (2001-2008). Johnson was born in 1964 and has had a long and colourful career as a journalist, most recently as a columnist for the Daily Mail. He was the editor of The Spectator (1999-2005).He is the author of many books, including the international bestseller The Churchill Factor, which was published in more than twenty-five countries. His memoir Unleashed was a Top Ten Bestseller in 2024