Description
Book Synopsis'Entertaining...essential...peppered with brilliant observations' Tim Shipman, Sunday Times
Andrew Gimson, whose previous book Boris is the essential read on Johnson's earlier career, returns with a penetrating and entertaining new account of Boris Johnson's turbulent time as prime minister, from the highs of a landslide election victory to the lows of his car-crash resignation. In
Boris Johnson: The Rise and Fall of a Troublemaker at Number 10, Gimson sets out to discover how a man dismissed as a liar, charlatan and tasteless joke was able, despite being written off more frequently than any other British politician of the twenty-first century, to become prime minister. During his ascent, Johnson benefited from being regarded as a clown, for this meant his opponents failed to take him seriously, while his supporters delighted in his ability to shock and enrage the Establishment. He even changed the language of politics
Trade Review'
Engaging,
perceptive and
often funny. Gimson, a former parliamentary sketch writer for the
Daily Telegraph, has an eye for detail and a sense of the absurd...littered with
entertaining and revealing vignettes' -- Rachel Sylvester * The Times *
'
Entertaining...this is an
essential book for anyone who seeks to understand [Johnson]. Gimson has a profound understanding of the character and urges of his subject... peppered with
brilliant observations...A book that is
elegant, wise and full of waspish delight...much to entertain, amuse and provoke thought.' -- Tim Shipman * Sunday Times *
'Thought-provoking,
exceptionally well written and informed by a deep knowledge of political history.' -- Andrew Sparrow * Guardian *
'Understanding how someone like Johnson became prime minister is both interesting and important... Gimson's tone is that of a witty and cynical dinner companion providing an insight into a famous friend... Johnson's attributes are reflected in this biography. It is
entertaining and often funny.' -- David Gauke * New Statesman *
'
Well-written, with a discerning eye for detail, Andrew Gimson’s biography sets out to understand the electoral appeal of a man so frequently dismissed as a charlatan and a clown.'. -- Keith Simpson * The House *
