Book: The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History

Billed as “essential reading for anyone who wants to know what makes a great leader”, this study of the great leader will do nothing to stem the belief that London’s mayor sees himself as a future prime minister.

The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History

Boris Johnson

Hodder & Stoughton, £25; ebook, £8.99

Review: Alex Sarll

You can understand Johnson’s fascination with another journalist/politician/writer criticised for inappropriate levity, who had a fractious relationship to his own party core — but this comes across much more as the work of a disciple than a self-proclaimed peer.

Johnson engagingly summarises Churchill’s character and career, and debunks some myths (especially regarding a few legendary quips and the Tonypandy miners’ strike) while remaining suitably awed by the oft-implausible truth.

He is thoughtful, suggesting sound explanations without seeming speculative, and just about avoiding hagiography (always tricky with a subject of this stature).

Occasionally he seems a little hazy on historical details not directly Winston-related, but at the very least this is a fine introduction.