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The Chief
- The Life of Lord Northcliffe Britain's Greatest Press Baron
- Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
- Length: 16 hrs and 42 mins
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The Chief
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Summary
'Scholarly and very readable' Andrew Lycett, Spectator
'Energetic and hugely entertaining' A.N.Wilson, TLS
The definitive biography of Alfred Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Northcliffe, the first and greatest press magnate in history and the genius who invented modern popular journalism.
The turn of the century was a period when the world was opening up in new and exciting ways – radio, telegrams, the advent of flight. With literacy and the right to vote extending across an ever-expanding populace, politics and journalism were embarking on a power struggle that continues unabated to this day. Lord Northcliffe rose to the challenges of this new world by employing cutting-edge technology, upending the outdated mores of traditional journalism and radically reshaping the very concept of ‘news’.
He was a tough and uncompromising businessman, frequently levelled with charges of megalomania, but in The Chief Andrew Roberts puts Northcliffe’s ruthlessness in the context of a life of visionary business skill, journalistic brilliance, distinguished wartime public service and heartfelt patriotism. The man was, undoubtedly, a genius – albeit a flawed one. From a modest background, growing up on the outskirts of Dublin, by twenty-seven he presided over a magazine empire with the largest circulation in the world. By the time of his tragically early death in 1922, Northcliffe had founded the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror, and had also owned The Times and the Observer. At one point he owned two thirds of all the titles on Fleet Street.
Based on exclusive access to the Harmsworth family archive, The Chief charts Lord Northcliffe’s rise to power and his highly controversial influence in a politically critical period. His influence still resonates today both through his remarkable business innovations and in the way we consume our news and politics.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- DJP OKeeffe
- 17-11-23
A name salvaged
And a reputation largely and plausibly restored. One of the giants of his period, who has suffered more than most from both neglect and distorted testimony. Northcliffe's world is gone, and he can only be recognised and judged in that world - which is convincingly brought to life by the author.
The book is also extremely well read by the narrator.
I thank them both,
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Alec Sharples
- 12-10-22
A must read for all Daily Mail readers
A wonderfully researched book that details the man behind the facade. Warts and all.
Andrew Roberts provides a commendably balanced view of Northcliffe and allows readers to form their own opinion without having it forced upon them.
As a lifelong Daily Mail reader, this was a hugely enjoyable book and widened my understanding of human nature and what sets such great men apart.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Antoine Vanner
- 08-01-23
A superb biography
l found "The Chief" enthralling from first page to last,. It not only provides a biography of Northcliffe but a picture of his times, of the development of the popular press in Britain - and its empire - and the role that he. and it. played in the years before, after and during WW1. Northcliffe was a complex, indeed contradictory, character but it is caught here in what may be in future the definitive biography. The hundred years since his death adds to the virtues of perspective and balance. It is beautifully read. hIn summary: Very highly recommended.
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