Books On Board
author Reading Order

Boris Johnson Books in Order

10 Books
4 Series & collections
2001 – 2022 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Starting Points

For readers approaching Boris Johnson's bibliography, the best entry point depends entirely on what you want to experience. Because his bibliography spans satirical fiction, classical history, political essays, and contemporary memoirs, there is no single narrative thread to follow. Instead, readers should choose their starting point based on these key recommendations:

  • For History and Biography Fans: Start with The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History (2014). This is widely considered his most accessible and popular work of non-fiction, exploring the life of Winston Churchill while reflecting Johnson's own rhetorical style and views on leadership.
  • For Political Memoir Enthusiasts: Begin with Unleashed (2024). This book offers a detailed look at his political career, his time as the Mayor of London, the Brexit campaign, and his tenure as Prime Minister.
  • For Fiction and Satire Lovers: Read Seventy-Two Virgins (2004). This is his sole standalone novel, offering a fast-paced, satirical take on British politics and media during a security crisis in Westminster.
  • For Ancient History Buffs: Start with The Dream of Rome (2006), where he examines the Roman Empire and draws parallels to modern European integration.

Complete Bibliography by Publication Order

Standalone Fiction

  • Seventy-Two Virgins (2004) - A satirical, political thriller focusing on a terrorist plot targetting the House of Commons during a state visit.

Short Stories and Novellas

  • The Perils of the Pushy Parents: A Cautionary Tale (2007) - A darkly humorous cautionary tale illustrated by Peter Brookes.

Non-Fiction and Essay Collections

  • Friends, Voters, Countrymen: Jottings on the Stump (2001) - An account of his campaign to be elected as the Member of Parliament for Henley-on-Thames.
  • Lend Me Your Ears (2003) - A collection of his early journalism, essays, and newspaper columns.
  • Have I Got Views For You (2004) - Another compilation of political columns and observational essays.
  • The Dream of Rome (2006) - A historical essay comparing the administrative and cultural success of the Roman Empire with the modern European Union.
  • Life In The Fast Lane: The Johnson Guide to Cars (2007) - A collection of his motoring columns written for GQ magazine.
  • The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History (2014) - An examination of the life and political legacy of Winston Churchill.
  • Economic Benefits of Brexit (2022) - A government publication outlining post-Brexit policy directions, written during his tenure as Prime Minister.
  • Unleashed (2024) - His comprehensive political memoir covering his time in Downing Street and beyond.

Anthologies and Contributions

  • The Prime Ministers: 55 Leaders, 55 Authors, 300 Years of History (2020) - An anthology featuring essays on British Prime Ministers, containing contributions from Johnson and other writers.

What to Know Before You Start

Boris Johnson's books are highly reflective of his public persona, combining classical allusions, journalistic flair, and dry British wit. Readers should keep in mind that much of his non-fiction is partisan or highly personal. His historical biographies, particularly The Churchill Factor, have been described by critics as telling the reader as much about Johnson's own political philosophy as they do about the historical figures themselves. His journalism collections, such as Lend Me Your Ears and Have I Got Views For You, capture the late-1990s and early-2000s political landscape, making them excellent time capsules for readers interested in the build-up to modern British political shifts.

Chronological vs. Publication Order

Because these books are standalone works rather than a serialized narrative, a strict reading order is not required. However, for readers who want to trace the development of his political career and changing public roles, reading his non-fiction chronologically by publication date is highly recommended. Starting with his campaign diaries in Friends, Voters, Countrymen (2001), moving through his journalism collections, and finishing with his major memoir Unleashed (2024) offers a clear view of his trajectory from columnist to Prime Minister.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is Boris Johnson's only novel?

Boris Johnson's only novel is Seventy-Two Virgins, published in 2004. It is a political satire involving a terrorist plot in London.

QWhich Boris Johnson book should I read first?

If you want political history and biography, start with The Churchill Factor (2014). If you want an autobiography covering his time in office, start with his memoir Unleashed (2024).

QWhat is the subject of The Dream of Rome?

In The Dream of Rome (2006), Boris Johnson compares the Roman Empire's ability to unite Europe under a shared identity with the modern efforts of the European Union.

QAre Boris Johnson's books connected?

No, his books are not connected in a fiction series. They are standalone works consisting of essay collections, historical analyses, a novel, and a memoir.

QWhat is Unleashed about?

Unleashed (2024) is Boris Johnson's official political memoir, sharing his perspective on Downing Street, Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and his overall career.