The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History

Description

'He writes with gusto... the result is a book that is never boring, genuinely clever ... this book sizzles.' The Times 'The point of the Churchill Factor is that one man can make all the difference.' Marking the fiftieth anniversary of Winston Churchill's death, 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 pioneered aerial 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.

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.

Genuinely clever... this book sizzles. - The Times Churchill'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 Sunday A bravura performance...Johnson has not only celebrated Churchill in this book: he has emulated him with comparable panache. - Financial Times An engagingly written romp through the elder statesman's greatest achievements. - Observer Readable, engaging and often funny. - Evening Standard 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 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