Boris

by Andrew Gimson

A brilliant and definitive biography of Boris Johnson, the politician who risked his career to lead the Brexit campaign, won the referendum, lost the chance to become Prime Minister and ended up as Foreign Secretary. In Andrew Gimson's acclaimed biography of the most colourful British politician of modern times. Despite tabloid controversies which led to him being dismissed from Michael Howard's shadow cabinet, Boris bounced back to win two terms as London mayor. It was a remarkable tribute to his huge personal popularity, and he was at the heart of things when London showcased itself during the 2012 Olympics. This updated edition of the book is the first comprehensive insight into the dramatic political events of 2016. After Boris decided to join the Brexit campaign, which he led with Michael Gove, against all the predictions he secured a historic vote to leave the EU. Within a few tumultuous and unprecedented days, David Cameron resigned as prime minister, Boris was installed as favourite to succeed him - only for Gove to torpedo his challenge, and seemingly end his career. Yet when Theresa May took charge, she surprised many by appointing Boris as Foreign Secretary. Gimson's superb account not only takes the reader behind the scenes, it vividly brings to life one of the most extraordinary periods in our history.

Genres: Politics, Biography, Nonfiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2006

Reviews

[Gustavo Pizarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

One can perceive the author knows Boris Johnson very well. The book is full of funny stories about him, and we can bet there are all true.
In the end, true or just rubbish, on Boris own words its “well-written rubbish”.

[Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

This biography was generally quite average, easy enough to read but not quite the cutting analysis one would expect. The writing for the most part is sound, or as sound as it can be when relying on interviews from journalists and word of mouth. However there is a clear right wing bias and a level of dithering and repetitiveness. I believe a book 20-50 pages shorter would have yielded more favourable results.

If you're interested in the early life and career of Boris Johnson then it is a good book to read, but I would take the information presented with a grain of salt.

[Ralph Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breathtaking account of the prime minister and how he got to where he is. Johnson was very nervous about what this book would reveal, though Andrew Gimson is a friend and a sympathetic biographer. He doesn't skirt over the embarrassing or controversial in Johnson's life, including his marriages, affairs and gaffes, but always has an excuse on hand to explain away this behaviour. It's a decent charting of what seems like an inexorable rise to the pinnacle of public, elected life.

[Michael Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful biography

Andrew Gimson captures the chaotic and charming essence of Boris Johnson in a ramble through the life of a most unlikely Prime Minister. An affectionate and witty dissection of an unique character it shows how Boris Johnson has captured the imagination of many voters prepared to forgive his obvious fkaws.

[Max Toone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good in that you really see what a terrible person he is.

[shaynna ;)]

kinda boring, didn’t finish

[Brian Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Boris himself wrote regarding the book: "It is all rubbish from start to finish - but well written rubbish."

[Alex Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of essential given what’s about to happen. Pro-Boris but easy to come to your own conclusions

[Bybecks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insight to our current PM from an author who knows him moderately well. I can understand why Johnson would rather the book had not been published. Depending on your political perspective - a depressing read!

[Conor McWade · Rating 4 out of 5]

The version I read had been updated to reflect the aftermath of the Brexit referendum. Great insight and information. An excellent insider's book.

[Ian Callagy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book caught my eye on account of the Subject's rise in prominence over the course of the last few years. Written before the former Mayor of London was appointed by Theresa May as Foreign Secretary, BJ was a much more interesting character at the time I bought this book. His subsequent disastrous tenure as FS has made me - and no doubt many others - recalibrate his credibility. I never thought he was a particularly interesting politician and this has been borne out over the last couple of years. However, I would strongly argue that he is an interesting person. He may not be to everyone's liking - and most assuredly not my political cup of tea - but as an individual he possesses a certain level of colour that is worthy of investigation. Gimson has written a decent, if slightly sycophantic in places, account of BJ. Yet the writer fails to hide his political tendencies here and his fondness for the Conservatives is clear. Worth a read but nothing spectacular. I'm going to try and sell my copy before the Tory leadership election so I can get the best price for it. I suspect there'll have to be another update to this biography in a very short time - whether he reaches the top or not!

[Nigel Street]

An interesting account of the Boris phenomena which portrays him as a driven, amusing and relatively human character despite all the furore. The biographer ends the analysis and portrayal more strongly than it starts clearly having more insightful access amongst his current day peers than he managed to garner for his early years. While this helps the reader get a better understanding of Boris the man it does read at times like a review from a mate, a rather jealous one at that on occasion, instead of an objective account but perhaps I've been spoilt by the superb, highly objective, account of Mr Jobs' life by Walter Isaacson which in my opinion was in a totally different class.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard not to like Boris. I mean, amidst the bores and panty-waists that line the front and back benches Boris stands out as human. All too human, sometimes. Refreshingly non-PC and free from the sickening polish of a team of PR consultants.

Gimson is a friend of Boris (or was) but he succeeds in being critical as well as sympathetic. This is a good view of the man, highlighting his intelligence and warts.

Liked it.

[Clare Coffey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Difficult one to say that I liked it, more that I found it interesting. I was very much interested in the father/son dynamics of Boris and Stanley. I cannot say that I understand Boris but I get some inkling into how he thinks and wants out of life.

[Jean Harlow · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s quite superficial and very biased, I was hoping for a more penetrating analysis. It’s not helped by the author becoming increasingly desperate, as Boris’ personality failings and wrong choices add up, to present everything he has ever done in a positive light.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable biography to read but very kind to the subject.