Churchill & Son

By: Josh Ireland

Narrated by: Jonathan Cowley

The intimate, untold story of Winston Churchill's enduring yet volatile bond with his only son, Randolph

“Ireland draws unforgettable sketches of life in the Churchill circle, much like Erik Larson did in The Splendid and the Vile.” (Kirkus)

“Fascinating...well-researched and well-written.” (Andrew Roberts)

“Beautifully written.... A triumph.” (Damien Lewis)

“Fascinating, acute and touching.” (Simon Sebag Montefiore)

We think we know Winston Churchill: the bulldog grimace, the ever-present cigar, the wit and wisdom that led Great Britain through the Second World War. Yet away from the House of Commons and the Cabinet War Rooms, Churchill was a loving family man who doted on his children, none more so than Randolph, his only boy and Winston's anointed heir to the Churchill legacy.

Randolph may have been born in his father's shadow, but his father, who had been neglected by his own parents, was determined to see him go far. For decades, throughout Winston's climb to greatness, father and son were inseparable - dining with Britain's elite, gossiping and swilling Champagne at high society parties, holidaying on the French Riviera, touring Prohibition-era America. Captivated by Winston's power, bravery, and charisma, Randolph worshipped his father, and Winston obsessed over his son's future. But their love was complex and combustible, complicated by money, class, and privilege, shaded with ambition, outsize expectations, resentments, and failures.

Deeply researched and magnificently written, Churchill & Son is a revealing and surprising portrait of one of history's most celebrated figures.

©2021 Josh Ireland (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Robustly researched, eminently readable...a gloriously entertaining family soap opera set against the sweep of history.” (The American Conservative)

“Josh Ireland has produced the most objective and balanced biography of Randolph Churchill to date.” (International Churchill Society)

“Churchill & Son is a thoughtful study of a father-son relationship during the storms that rocked the 20th century...adding fresh insights and thoughtful appraisals to our understanding of the great man and his offspring.” (The American Spectator)

Try not to have famous parents

Winston Churchill’s son was both inspired and tormented by his father’s fame and international standing. This seems to be a great burden for a son to carry and probably contributed to Randolph’s numerous failed marriages and early death.

Wow, I Believe It

Life in the shadow! I thought Randolph’s challenges were overlooked, however in chapter 20, I learned you, the author, & the family were aware. Why is this necessary: that a son follows his father? I think we, cognitive thinkers, got it wrong. So many lives lost. He was only 57. Excellent listen, now to buy the hardcopy. Peace!

Couldn't go on after the first hour.....

I had to stop listening as the narrator was so weak. It is a very monotonous reading and the narrator has an awkward cadence.

I like the story, and may buy the physical book.

After listing to "Truman" and "The Splendid and the Vile" , where the narrators were outstanding, this performance was not a bearable listen,