Historian Candice Millard has a way of mining gold from what are often footnotes in great biographies or eras of history.

In “The River of Doubt,” she wrote a compelling, well-researched narrative of Theodore Roosevelt’s post-presidential exploration of a South American river.

A trip which nearly cost Roosevelt his life and arguably dimmed his energies in his last years.

In “Destiny of the Republic,” Millard delved into the assassination of President James Garfield, who more than likely died because of infection caused by the inept treatment of his physicians rather than the assassin’s bullet that struck him.

In “Hero of the Realm,” Millard chronicles “The Boer War, a Daring Escape and the Making of Winston Churchill,” according to the subtitle.

She does not disappoint.

Millard is not telling the story of Churchill as the Wilderness Years outcast, or the British prime minister standing solidly and alone against Adolf Hitler and the threat of Nazi invasion. No, she focuses on a young Churchill. One still trying to find his way into the world.

Though he already felt destined for greatness as early as 1899, Churchill was taken as a prisoner of war during the Boer War in South Africa.

He had often placed himself in danger in hot spots throughout the British Empire believing his destiny kept him safe and heroic exploits would garner him fame and position.

Churchill was a journalist in the war who acted as if he were an officer. He was taken prisoner after an attack on an armored train.

A short time later, Churchill escaped from the prisoner camp and made his way to freedom through enemy territory. In the process, press coverage of Churchill’s escape and his continued ability to avoid recapture made him a celebrity and hero at home.

His success in making it to a British outpost secured his heroic status.

Prior to the war, Churchill had lost an election to Parliament.

After his escape and the war, Churchill won a Parliament seat, beginning his illustrious political career. Millard researches the details, revealing the storyline, the reasons for the Boer War, and the quirks of Churchill’s domineering personality.

“Hero of the Empire” is another brilliant effort by Millard, who is making a fine career for herself.