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The Churchill Factor
- How One Man Made History
- Narrated by: Simon Shepherd
- Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins
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Summary
*THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER*
'A stunning tour de force' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
'Genuinely clever... this book sizzles.' THE TIMES
Former 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.
Written by Boris Johnson in 2014 and published in association with Churchill Heritage, The Churchill Factor is essential listening for anyone who wants to know what makes a great leader in a time of crisis.
Editor reviews
What listeners say about The Churchill Factor
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- Emily Gray
- 30-07-19
Fascinating!
Easy to take-in, amusing, beautifully written biography that is full of fascinating facts, humour and anecdotes. Delivery is easy on the ear. Clearly written with huge admiration and warmth for Churchill but without remotely veering-off on the sycophantic route. Fabulous book and a pleasure to listen to!
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- Mrs Pat McKnight
- 02-02-20
Superb
I really didn’t think I would like this book after the first chapter but I persevered. It was fascinating, really well written and superbly well read. I would have loved it even better had Boris read it himself. You knew just how much he admired Churchill.
I learned so much from him I didn’t previously know. What a fascinating man Churchill was. I was sorry when it ended.
I will be listening to this book many times. Highly recommend.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Christina H
- 03-10-15
Wonderfully partisan take on the great man
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
By one true eccentric about another - fascinating insights - makes you proud to be English
What did you like best about this story?
Confirmed one's admiration of the man - and added to it.
Have you listened to any of Simon Shepherd’s other performances? How does this one compare?
No - would LOVE to have it read by Boris.
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Both - a lot!
Any additional comments?
Narrator got a few pronunciations wrong! A BIT careless!
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1 person found this helpful
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- Smeg
- 04-08-19
Wonderfully written, amazing subject.
I was astounded by just how good an author Mr Johnson is, precise and detailed.
This narrative flows beautifully, the pace of the story and language keeping the reader/listener engaged throughout.
The subject is fascinating, what a life just how much do we owe today to this amazing man. Thanks Boris. Oh, and three cheers for Mr Shepherd, well narrated.
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- Duncan Deane
- 17-04-20
Brilliant Read
i was drawn into this book. Brilliant writing style and thoroughly thought through. This boom highlights the amazing man Churchill was
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- tvonmove
- 04-08-15
Glorious
Where does The Churchill Factor rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
The best by far. It was thorough yet fast moving and Churchill's qualities, good and bad expressed lucidly
Who was your favorite character and why?
Churchill. Because he was the subject of the biography, and despite his human foibles was shown to be a giant in a world of Lilleputians
What about Simon Shepherd’s performance did you like?
His voice is mellifluous but not syrupy.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
History's greatest leader
Any additional comments?
well done to all involved in producing this book
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- Laura
- 13-07-15
Brilliant content and narration!
Excellent narration, which enabled a large amount of history and information to be shared in an enjoyable and interesting way. Great look back at Churchill's life and contribution with many references to our challenges today.
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- Batey929
- 07-04-16
Superb
Excellent book. Thoroughly recommend this book to anyone interested in WSC.
Brilliantly narrated
Value for money
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- ST
- 14-01-16
Boris is brilliant- he's done Winston proud
The book is written in a modern form that appealed to me as a child of the 1960s. I have learnt so much regarding 20th century history and would highly recommend listening/reading this book. I'm off to Chartwell, the war rooms
and Blenheim at the first opportunity!
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- G. Rance
- 12-03-16
Good to learn more about Winston Churchill
A friend recommended this book to me and as I'm planning to visit his home Chartwell sometime I felt I should learn more about him other than what I've picked up over the years. An interesting book and I found out lots of facts I didn't know before about work history. I like the narration and am glad I've listened to this one.
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