Harold Wilson: Twentieth Century Man: The Prime Ministers Series

by Alan Johnson

The ex-politician and bestselling author Alan Johnson, who was a Labour cabinet minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, takes on the life and premierships of Harold Wilson.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Politics

145 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2024

Reviews

[Patrick Notchtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teenager I met Harold Wilson. He was interesting then and Alan Johnson's book is no less so. In a very readable, almost conversational way, he recounted Wilson's career augmenting his personal knowledge as an insider with detailed research.
Despite Wilson's renowned intellectual capacity, a true prodigy, he was nevertheless human and made mistakes and errors of judgement. It is a fascinating insight into the man, his government and the period with its paranoia and politics. Very much recommended to anyone wanting a clear, concise biography of one the UK's most successful Prime Ministers.

[Gail Darwent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent potted history and extremely illuminating

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good, concise and interesting account of the life and impact of Harold Wilson.

[Logan Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this short and concise overview of Harold Wilsons early life and political career. The author strikes the perfect balance on detail.

Swift Press are publishing a short book on the lives of each Prime Minister. Winston Churchills is put woth others planned for 2025 so I will certainly be purchasing.

I hope Alan writes another one of them.

[Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, short, enjoyable biography of Harold Wilson. Not enough new info or detail for it to be 5 stars for me, but clearly interesting as it’s pointed me towards a much more in depth look at the same time period for my next audiobook. (I’ve been encouraged to be more discerning in my ratings now that I have such a substantial following)

[Andy Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a very good shortish overview of Harold's life and achievements.

So often with longer biographies one gets bogged down with the details of meetings etc and of in Wilson's case issues such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs which seemed to take forever and got nowhere. Whereas this shorter biography looks at Wilsons many achievements and the key issues in his successful life.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid enough, short biography of Wilson, laying out the key facts of his rise to, and exercise of, power. At times it feels more like a hagiography, with challenge or controversial viewpoints carefully avoided. That said, a useful primer - but where are the other books in what was supposedly a series? Still to come, or has the idea been dropped?

[Tansy Hepton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars really. It's well written and covers a lot of ground for such a short book. There are interesting snippets as well as all the major events.
I am more impressed with Harold Wilson's achievements than before I read it, which is the biggest tribute for the book.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview.

[Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alan Johnson ought to write the whole history, terrific work!

[Seannll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened as an audiobook just walking to uni etc and a great and detailed, but concise, history of the life of the first “20th century” prime minister.

[Aidan McCaffery · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brief introduction to an interesting character, but it does feel hagiographic by way of its party political viewpoint.

[Vincent Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

An affectionate concise biography, written clearly and entertainingly. I read it in a day and now feel I have a much better grasp of the man.

[martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concise!

[Oscar Crowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice concise biography. Liked the focus on his earlier life.

[Annette Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very potted biography of Harold Wilson and politics at the time. A nice and easy read that's also interesting and informative

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read. Brief overview of Harold Wilson written by former Labour minister Alan Johnson. Highly recommend!