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The Churchill Factor

How One Man Made History

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The Churchill Factor

By: Boris Johnson
Narrated by: Simon Shepherd
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About this listen

 THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER, BY THE AUTHOR OF UNLEASHED

'A stunning tour de force' - Sunday Telegraph
'Genuinely clever... this book sizzles.' - The Times

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.©2014 Boris Johnson, Published in association with Churchill Heritage Ltd. (P)2014 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Historical Leadership Management & Leadership Politicians Politics & Activism World Winston Churchill War United Kingdom Imperialism Royalty Africa

Editorial reviews

One of the most revered leaders in modern history, Winston Churchill’s life is revisited in this extraordinary feat of historical literature. Boris Johnson – politician, historian, journalist and author of The Churchill Factor has written the most thorough and engaging Churchill biographies available today. In this full and unabridged audiobook, narrated by well-known British actor Simon Shepherd, listen to the makings of this incredible man whose achievements and decisions paved the way for modern Britain. An absolutely necessary addition to any library. It is truly inspirational and informative listening. Available now from Audible.
All stars
Most relevant  
Fantastic insight into the world of brilliant man.
Very well read, highly recommend to everyone.

Brilliant

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Johnson looks at a much underrated aspect of Churchill's capacities and character. His premonitionary foresight and dogged determination.

A stunning surprise.

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I have not previously read much on Churchill. Johnson's biography has great narrative passion while retaining a steady and clear argument. It is well researched and covers a great deal of I suspect undisputed fact, while being quite clear and partisan in its central premise: that Winston Churchill was a character almost unique in history and the only person who could have navigated Britain and the world at large to its post-WWII state.

Excellent exposition and enthusiastically read

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Very good explanation of the life and success of the great man. Interpretation of the events of history are so important. Very good book

History comes to life

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A good combination of history and character analysis. I expected more focus on leadership but it was a easy to listen to review of his process, courage, self belief and thinking.

Quite interesting.

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What an outstanding memoir of a great man. Boris Johnston has done Winston Churchill proud.

An Amazing Man

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I've seen a lot of reviews on amazon stating the author of this book is comparing himself to Churchill. I don't think this is an accurate assessment of the author, or the book. If anything The Churchill Factor is a love-letter from the author, to Churchill, posthumously. The author even says there is no man, in his opinion, who can measure up to Churchill and his accomplishments, let alone himself.
The only criticism I would have is in the way the author defends certain aspects of Churchill's character. To me it went into the realm of idealising a divine entity, ie it went too far. But even that criticism is blunted somewhat by very real aspects to Churchill that clearly paint him to be a typical Englishman, one who was very far ahead of his time, and a man who saw the shape of the world more accurately than most politicians of his day.
This book goes into the major blunders and accomplishments of Churchill and clearly illustrate the important role he played in guiding western civilisation. It is a character piece on one of, if not the central historical figures to maintain western values and freedoms. At the very least, it is a fantastic introductory book on Winston Churchill, one you can entangle yourself in before embarking on lengthier biographies.
But in summation if you live in any western country today, regardless of race or creed, then read this book.

Worthy of a read, and then a re-read

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Like most people I had a general understanding of Churchill's achievements. This book has helped me gain a good appreciation of the great man!

I love it!

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A fabulous book, well researched and written with passion for the subject. I recommend it.

awesome

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A great story, well written and pleasantly narrated. It went so fast I wish there was more! I've read books about Churchill before, but Boris Johnson has managed to capture the spirit of the man, and not just the historical facts. Well done all.

Churchill Factor is Worth the Time

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