Reviews (1)

The Thatcher Legacy
"One of Us" is a very readable and entertaining biography of Margaret Thatcher, ncecessarily concentrating on her time as Prime Minister (1979-1990). However, Young does not fail to chart Thatcher's childhood, which was dominated by her father, her rise through the Conservative Party and her role in the ousting of Edward Heath in 1975.

This was an important time in late-twentieth century British politics, with the rise of what became known as the "New Right", with its challenge to the political consensus which had endured from 1945. A reaffirmation of capitalism based on the individual, rather than the corporatist version which had held sway, gave rise to the "rolling back of the state", and to the "denationalisation" carried out by the Thatcher governments, both of which were continued after her fall by both the Major and Blair administrations.

Young's account breaks the myth that all of this was pursued in a systematic, rational manner by a political party united in its sense of purpose. The New Right philosophy was by no means accepted by the party as a whole: throughout her years as Prime Minister, Young recalls the strains and rivalries that resulted from the policy direction in which she took her governments. Indeed, Young sees Thatcher herself as far more prone to muddy thinking and prevarication than some commentators (or indeed the lady herself) would have us believe. No doubt she was helped by the parlous state of the political opposition she faced, and by the fact that Britain won a war under her leadership (although Young does a good job in reminding the reader of the government's negligence leading up to the Falklands War).

The only quibbles I'd have with the book are that Young becomes over-obsessed with Thatcher's gender from time to time, hence:

"...there were moments when [Cecil] Parkinson, seeing the fraughtness in her face, felt that what he really ought to do was put a manly arm around her."

Also, perhaps Young underdoes his analysis of the privatisation programme. This was a massive sea change for the British people and something we've had to live with ever since. How different life was before then - whether it was better is open to debate (perhaps better in parts? nostalgia can blind). Still, it's an important part of the legacy of the Thatcher years, which, along with the obsession with the individual as a consumer rather than with the common good, still dominates political rhetoric, albeit increasingly uneasily.

G Rodgers ... Read more

Book Description

Much is known about Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill's close relationship: they had similar backgrounds, education, and tastes, and shared world enemies. What David Stafford adds is an exploration of the touchstone of their mutual trust: an extraordinary and far-reaching sharing of military intelligence and a fascination for clandestine operations. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The secrets behind the secrets
I really enjoyed this book, not because I enjoy reading about FDR all that much, but because it gives so much new information about how he prosecuted the war -- and because it does the same for Churchill, one of my most favorite flawed heroes. The author makes many points about what each knew, but would not tell the other, how at times both men knew that the other knew, but withheld, information, etc., and how they played their parts (and one another) in the delicate diplomatic dance in light of these things.

While admiring much about FDR's service to America and the world in WW2, I have a general antipathy to FDR's character and the way he did some things; but I do give him credit for having known how to move the American people by degrees, almost imperceptibly when that was necessary, into position to crush the Nazis, and this book reveals more about how he accomplished this. His foresight, diplomacy, and preparations surely shortened the war and saved untold lives. Having Churchill woven in as an equal on the world stage and in relation to FDR gave it a very savory counterpoise.

Very interesting
In the beginning of the war, Roosevelt sensed that Churchill even before he became Prime Minister would be important to the war effort. As time went on these men united by a fear of Hitler these men became friends as well as comrades in arms. This book explores there relationship though a rather unique perspective their intelligence departments. It explores how they got their intelligence and what they did with the knowledge that they gained from it. Despite their friendship the used it to advance the agenda of what they wanted for their own countries. At times their intelligence departments actually came into conflict as they both had different hopes and ambitions. As the war progressed these difference became more important.

I found the book very easy to read. Full of information that although I am a WW2 fanatic I have never seen before. I can recommend this book if you want to learn about the relationship of between these two men.

Enjoyable account
An enjoyable account of the circumstances that brought the two men together, and the relationship that they forged.

Often political friendships form out of necessity and mutual self interest. And that is obvious in this case.

But the fact that the two most remarkable and influential men (in a positive sense) were to forge such an important relationship makes for great reading. ... Read more

Book Description

The eight uneasy, dangerous months from May to December 1940, as Britain stands isolated and Germany follows its war path. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The Finest of the Series
After reading this book, you truly begin to see how narrow minded the average American perception of World War II really is. Not to discount the magnificant American battles such as the landing at Normandy or the Battle for Midway, but the Battle for Britain was absolutely the finest display of honor and courage throughout the entire war. This tiny island and it's courageous people stood alone and stood tall against not only the behemoth Nazi-German menace, but at the same time fought the Mussolini in northern Africa and awaited the Japanese onslaught in their Australasian colonies. It's an absolutely inspiring work, and it's an absolute sin that American schools don't teach the story of how the British people shined so brightly during their darkest hour.

The best of the series
"Their Finest Hour" is in my opinion the apex of Churchill's 6-volume series on World War II. It tells the tale of the perilous Battle of Britain. At this stage in the war, victory was anything but certain for the United Kingdom, which struggled against the Nazi menace alone.

Like the rest of "The Second World War," the tale is told from the vantage point of Great Britain's indefatigable Prime Minister and War Minister, Winston S. Churchill. Few historical works that I have seen have the authority of being written by a principal player in the narrative.

Churchill makes liberal use of offical and personal documents from the period, including his ongoing correspondence with President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

As a piece of literature, the series shines. Forgetting the importance of the series as an historical document, Churchill's mastery of the English language makes for worthwhile reading.

As someone who writes for a living, I find that the quality of my own writing goes up a notch when I read Churchill.

"Their Finest Hour," Indeed!
In this second-of-six volume series on Great Britain's role in World War II (WWII) British Prime Minister Winston Churchill details his nation's involvement in the conflict beginning with France's unexpected capitulation in May, 1940, to the defeat of Italian forces at Sidi Barrani in Africa in January, 1941. At a time when Britain stood alone, only an iron will to persevere and the English Channel prevented a Nazi takeover. In Churchill's words, this may very well have been, "Their Finest Hour."

Churchill narrates an almost daily account of activities worldwide that affected Great Britain and the British Empire. He recounts the Battle of Britain and analyzes the reasons for Germany's defeat. It was here, he made his famous statement regarding the Royal Air Force, "Never has so much, been owed by so many, to so few." He also goes into great detail on his on-going negotiations with Franklin D. Roosevelt for American aid. This early correspondence would develop into the alliance that ultimately proved fatal to the Nazis.

This first-person account of some of the most momentous events of the 20th century is essential reading for any serious student of the war. Churchill provides numerous insights, that are largely unknown to American readers schooled only in the, "we hit the beach at D-Day and Germany surrendered," mentality. Written in simple, yet elegant prose, Churchill explains exactly what happened and why from the British perspective. , Detailed, readable and authoritative, "Their Finest Hour," has inspired me to read all six volumes of this important work. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking insights into this tragic and exciting period of world history.

Epic Tale - 5 Stars
In this second of six, this epic tale is wonderfully told by Winston Churchill. It is the stuff of bravery, valor and everything that stands in its way. More than anything, Winston Churchill's writing style is exemplified, to me anyway, by his daring to speak of great deeds, but also of cowardice.

Winston speaks of his countrymen and our own President with the highest regards in being able to deal with the terror that was forced upon the world. He also goes so far as to tell the reader which Generals of the French Army had given up long before they ever should have. He speaks of the leaders of Italy waiting hungrily until only at the precise moment when it was at their utmost advantage to strike.

He points out in his communicaitons with friend and foe the great things people said, as well as the mistakes people made, including his own from time to time. It is fascinating to see the first hand accounts of this great man in a desparate position doing his best to keep himself and his country held together.

He delves into Britain, France, South America, Germany, Italy, Greece, the Americas and all other nations which at the time which may have had a hand in the war (some did, some didn't).

I found this book to be a far more enjoyable read than the first as it covers all aspects of the war rather than focusing primarily on the Naval situation. As you will see in the first 100 pages at the battle near Dunkirk, this book covers all aspects from ammunitions to fighting forces.

One thing I found interesting was that most nations did not choose to join WWII. They were forced into it by the Germans. Russia, France, Britain, Belgium, and yes, even the U.S. chose to fight only when the other alternative was devestation and slavery into the German hands. This is something our history books neglect to mention but which Winston is very gracios to point out.

France's Craven Surrender! Britain's Lonely Stand!
In six remarkable volumes, the incomparable Winston Churchill sets forth the Second World War in enormous detail and largely from his own personal perspective as Great Britain's Prime Minister. In this, the second volume, Churchill sets forth the events of the year 1940, the momentous period when France fell to the Nazi tyrants and Britain stood alone against Hitler's onslaught. The book is divided into two parts. In the first part, Churchill explains just how and why France was defeated and how she came to capitulate to the Nazis in defiance of her pledge to Britain to keep fighting. I have never seen such a detailed description of the political arguments and considerations that went into this decision. The book is invaluable for this reason alone. Also detailed are the military setbacks that led to the French surrender and necessitated the British evacuation at Dunkirk. Churchill reprints many of his communications with other world leaders, such as President Roosevelt, his own ministers and military leaders and his communications with Parliament and the British public.

After the French removal from the war, Great Britain stood alone in defiance of Hitler. Churchill makes it clear, however, that as British home defense became stronger and stronger, he remained confident that his country could repel any invasion. This did not save the nation from the horrors of the German blitz and this is described in detail, including Churchill's own experience in a bomb shelter. The specifics of the Battle of Britain, the first major air battle in history and the growing war at sea are also explored as is the growing relationship between the United States and Britain.

The year 1940 is the year Britain survived on her own and was the only year in which invasion was a genuine possibility. Yet from the American stand point it is one of the most neglected periods of the war. Churchill's writing is elegant and accessible at the same time. This is true of all his works. The book and Churchill's memos and other internal communications reveals that even in this difficult and trying year, he always had a strategic vision of victory. Much of what Churchill predicted came to pass after many hard and deadly years. But in the year 1940, ultimate victory seemed impossible. Indeed subjugation seemed a realistic possibility. Without the leadership of Churchill, it is doubtful Britain would have stood defiant. After 1941, Britain's role in the war was diminished and then eclipsed by that of the United States and the Soviet Union. Churchill recognized and indeed welcomed this inevitable development and covers it in the subsequent volumes. But without question, 1940 was Britain's "finest hour." Read all six books in this series. ... Read more

Book Description

Tony Blair was America's closest ally in the war against Saddam Hussein. It was a powerful yet precarious position for the British Prime Minister, as he fought for his own future in backing George W. Bush and sending Britain's forces into Iraq. In this gripping day-by-day chronicle, Peter Stothard takes us behind the scenes as no one has before to reveal a unique portrait of a political leader under fire at the center of the world stage.

Over a period of four weeks in March and April of 2003, Tony Blair risked his status as the United Kingdom's most successful Labour Prime Minister for the chance of an unknowable place in history. Before Britain could help the United States, Blair faced a battle against his own voters, his own party, and his own allies in Europe. These were among the most tense and tumultuous weeks the world had seen since the fall of the Berlin Wall. In thirty days, Blair took on his opponents and won.

Through it all, Peter Stothard had unprecedented access to Blair, from Ten Downing Street and the House of Commons through the war summits in the Azores, Brussels, Belfast, and Camp David. No writer has ever been so close to a world head of state for so long at such a critical moment. Stothard brings us inside the corridors of power during this extraordinary time, offering a vivid, up-close view of an enormously popular leader facingthe challenge of his life. How Blair spent those thirty days, how he fought for his own future as well as his vision of the civilized world, how he changed, and why he survived are at the heart of this riveting inside account.

Reviews (6)

Snapshot of a critical month
Though they are very different in style, this book shares some important similarities with Bob Woodward's "Bush at War" (2002), in that both provide insider looks at political leaders in the weeks before they lead (or send) their nations into battle. But while the ubiquitous Woodward writes big, portentous books that themselves often end up affecting the debate, "Thirty Days" is a quick, journalistic snapshot that doesn't pretend to be a lot more than that. That made this a refreshing and sometimes enlightening read.

I recently finished another title on the British PM ("Tony Blair: The Making of a World Leader" by Philip Stephens [2004]), so I felt relatively familiar with the central players in this book. Peter Stothard's quick, journalistic style introduces names and titles quickly, and while the players become clearer to us in the course of the narrative, Americans who don't have much contextual familiarity with British politicians may find themselves playing a bit of catch-up here.

Since 9/11, of course, Tony Blair himself has become more familiar to American news-watchers than any British politician since Churchill -- with the possible exception of Baroness Thatcher. Therefore, even Americans who may not be up-to-date on the Who's Who of Whitehall will probably find a lot of interest and instruction here. Not least, they will see the influence -- for good or ill -- that American politics and political pressures have in the counsels of our allies.

Peter Stothard's book isn't a biography of Blair or a political analysis of his policies and his decisions. Instead, it's a look inside the highest reaches of British politics during one of the more eventful months in recent British history. American as well as British readers can gain a lot from the unique access Stothard enjoyed, and the useful work that came out of those thirty days.

Its About The Man's Activities - Not What He Thinks
This is a short 200 plus page book and it is a one evening read. Once you start it is hard to put the book down. I just read until I was finished. The cast of characters include Blair (mainly), his son Leo Blair and Cherie Blair (only briefly), his staff Campbell, Morgan and Powell, fellow politicians Jack Straw, Clare Short, Robin Cook, John Reid of the Labour Party and other British politicians and civil servants, George Bush, Colin Powel, and Condoleezza Rice. Chirac, Aznar, and Schroeder are at meetings or involved. Miller the Polish Prime Minister and Arafat make telephone appearances. The press is lurking in the background.

My quick view of the book is that the author and former Times editor Peter Stothard acts like he is not in the room but rather he is a quiet observer just recording the events without comments and editorial comments. A "fly on the wall" so to speak for 30 days. The book starts on Monday March 10 and ends Wednesday April 9. The war starts March 20 2003.

At the beginning or near the beginning of the book Blair acknowledges that Bush will proceed with or without Britain. The war seems set and there will be no consensus at the UN.

What I found odd about the book is that there is very little mention of the WMD's, or the other reasons for going to war. There is no mention of intelligence briefings, or satellite pictures or similar. By March 10 his mind has been made up. It is more about damage control, politics, speeches, and not having ministers resigning and similar. His image in the press and on TV share a high priority along with with diplomacy. By March 10 the decision has been made.

The question on everyone's mind is why does Blair back George Bush - the "poodle principle". Blair is almost alone, and the other leaders in the "coalition" do so with great reluctance. They make a minimal contribution to the Iraqi war effort and they seem poised to not want to cooperate or back out at any moment. So why does Blair do it? The only strong point we learn or hear is that by that date (March 10) Blair is determined to proceed seemingly at any cost to maintain US ties with Europe. He has decided to let "history" judge him for how the situation ends rather than trying to further explain his actions privately. He thinks that the UN should be involved, but barring no UN consensus his main point (among his 6 talking points to parliament) is that he does not want the US to become more isolated than it already is through complete 100% unilateral action. So at least Britain will help.

We get a feel for his compressed and overstressed life, a political juggling act, his lack of sleep, his battle to survive as the Labour leader in a parliamentary system where he must face his opposition daily in question period and his caucus weekly. They all seem to be after his job and Iraq is as good as an excuse as any to oppose Blair. Unlike Bush he can be voted out by his own party on a whim - like Thatcher - so he is not secure for the term elected in parliament (5 years).

One thing that comes out is that Blair acts like a lightening rod for many parties that no longer have access to Bush. This includes various Muslim messengers and diplomats visiting him and his talks with Arafat and others by telephone.

Since we already knew most of that - the book seems a bit anti-climatic and deals a lot with the logistics of his day-to-day life, the trivial details, his meals, his assistants, and travel. It gives us an intimate feel for the life of the PM in the confined space of 10 Downing. It covers his meetings with other leaders, and various other dignitaries, his telephone calls to Bush etc. The logistics do not tell us a lot new, although there are some details on Robin Cook's resignation and similar tidbits. He comes across as an energetic and very focused man, with a strong inner compass and lots of self confidence, and a strong determined leader with an ability to take and absorb a lot of domestic criticism.

So the book is all very very interesting but short on any new insights. But still a great book.

Jack in Toronto.

British politics in all its fun and seriousness
Here Peter Stothard outlines how Tony Blair worked hard ("all out" is a constantly recurring phrase) to create a world-or at least the conditions for a world-in which the "UN frees itself from helpless torpor, [in which the Allies send] a lesson to extremist nations that terrorism will be met by massive force, [and to Israelis and Palestinians and the Irish] that America will not tolerate conditions of permanent instability."

And it tells of the many frustrations Tony Blair met while trying to achieve that objective. For example, after George Bush published the roadmap for peace (something Tony Blair worked very hard to achieve) the Prime Minister received a call from Yasser Arafat. He spent a bit of time on the phone with him (and got a chance to say a brief hello and congratulations to Abu Mazen before Arafat snatched the phone away) and when he replaced the receiver, he looked up at a television screen to see "a Palestinian representative damning Bush's motives."

He says nothing but his aid says it for him, "They've got to be told [that] this is their chance. If they don't use it, they'll lose it."

And then there is the never-ending frustration with the BBC which John Reid may or may not have called the Baghdad Broadcasting Corporation. But "even if he didn't say it," Peter Stothard assures us, "it's ___ well true." The Secretary of Defense (and his porcelain cup which nearly suffered a terrible fate thanks to the BBC) would most likely agree.

And then there are the conspiracy theories out on the street, just outside No. 10. Conspiracy theories propagated not by the "ignorant masses" but by elderly Arab professors, sipping coffee at the Churchill café and assuring their students that "oil companies and Israeli spies and Russians whose names have not been heard since the Communist days" are all working together to manipulate current events.

But above all, this is about the British political culture. Where else would talk of football/soccer dominate even at the height of the war? In what other country would the French President's comment that the British had "made a deformation of his view on the veto" be met with "Does he mean we got the translation wrong?" And in what other country would a three-year old pick up a telephone call from the President of the United States and pass the phone to the Prime Minister with the cry, "Dad, pick up the phone."

This is a book about Tony Blair vision and of how he tries to educate his American counterparts on what it takes to "get to where they all eventually want to go." (You want peace in the Middle East, great; but it will be neither fast nor easy. Here, look how hard it is to achieve peace in Northern Ireland-and compared to the Middle East this is a walk in the park.) It is about the vagaries of British political culture. It is about how one man acquires an unshakeable certainty that what he is doing is the right thing.

But perhaps more than all that, it is a beautifully written book (not something one can often say of books on current events) that is filled with humor and irony and is, quite simply, a very good read. I highly recommend it.

Big Let Down
I found this book very disappointing. Prior to the Iraqi crisis I was not a very big fan of Tony Blair. But since then I have developed a true respect for his strength and courage for sticking by America. Having lived in England during the 90's I knew the atmosphere and attitude that most English hold against the USA, so I could understand the pressure that the Prime Minister must have been under during these times.

When I saw this book, I had to get it. I thought this would show what really happened within the Blair administration and the UK government leading up to the Iraqi war. Evidently, Peter Stothard was not at Tony's side throughout these 30 days, as the book depicks. He was out in the hallway. For instead of reading about what went on within the meetings and press conferences, and reading the historic speeches that Tony made to the Parliment and House of Commons, we get what happened in the hallways with the people going into and coming out of the sessions. All we get is the one liners that the Blair administration made on the side. There's no insight what Tony Blair actually went through, the pressures that he and his family had to endure, and the arguements he had with his staff and the rest of the government. Peter was definiely kept at arms length. In fact, he wasn't even with the Prime Minister through several of the weekends during these 30 days.

In summary, I was left with no greater insight into Tony Blair than when I first started to read the book. Oh, there is one thing, Tony likes green apples.

A close-up, brilliant look...at Alastair Campbell
Peter Stothard's task (or prize) is to tail Tony Blair for the 30 most crucial days of his prime ministership. But I feel like he never connects with Blair during that time. Either TB is holding back during this period or Stothard never gets the total access he touts. Either way, Blair seems like he's simply part of the woodwork in the story.

But not that the book is totally without merit or interest. Where it does excel is in depicting Blair's inner circle. Stothard points out that Blair's governing model - to an upprecedented extent in British history - more resembles an American presidency than a typical Prime Ministry. "Unelected advisors" dominate the space closest to Blair. We're used to that here. But in the UK, TB's total absorbtion of his role model Bill Clinton's approach to governing is seen as an alarming trend.

Dominating the scene is media advisor Alastair Campbell. Perhaps that's because as an ex-journalist, he connects best with Stothard. Or maybe it's because Campbell is undoubtedly Stothard's patron in this endeavour. [Like Blair would suggest that a journalist tag along with him for 30 days?] But, it's more than that. Campbell dominates the book because Stothard has got it right. Campbell is *the* dominating presence in Blair inner circle. In the whole aftermath of the Iraqi conflict - the WMD debate, the row with the BBC, the suicide of Dr. Kelly - Campbell's fingerprints are everywhere.

He's a constant presence here on almost every page. He has the best jokes (Blair asks him for help in drafting the start of a speech...Campbell suggests "My fellow Americans..."), is connected to the best information (all via text messaging it seems), sees around all the corners. All while training for the London Marathon (which the 43-year-old finished in 3:53 shortly after the 30 Days were up...a great achievement considering all he was going through during training).

It's tough to imagine how the Prime Minister is going to survive without this guy by his side everyday. ... Read more

Book Description

Revealing personal memoir of the young Winston Churchill by the daughter of Liberal Prime Minister Asquith. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Decent Memoir
This was a decent read, though I think that Lady Thatcher hastily wrote it as a prequel to the more celebrated "Downing Street Years." That being said, it was interesting to read about her rise from backbencher to Conservative Party leader. In grabbing the reigns of Tory leadership, she toppled a mindset that accepted Britain's economic decline as being part of "the natural order of things." She also offers insights on the European and international scene during the middle to late 1970s. On this, she criticized the idea of detente as being a recipe for disaster. The memoir ends with Britain's so-called Winter of Discontent, which propelled her into Downing Street.

Fascinating tale from a remarkable woman
How did a young woman from nowhere (Thatcher describes her childhood background in the kindest way possible but it was the last place you'd expect to find greatness) rise to become a politician and then Prime Minister of Great Britain? Baroness Thatcher tells the story of her life with humor and restraint. She never uses being a woman as a crutch or excuse and although she obviously loved her husband and children the main focus of the book is what was going on in her head. Tough, stubborn and bold she slowly pushes forward through school, through a legal career, through the back benches and finally when the chance for the highest office in the land comes her way she pounces on it.

Path to Power is excellent reading for those who find Parliment to be incomprehensible, for those who wonder if an American woman can ever be another Thatcher and for those who simply like a Horatio Alger story. Now, is it a bit dry? Yep, it certainly is but you didn't really expect gooey girl talk from Margaret Thatcher, did you?

Review of Path to Power: One view
Thatcher formulates political policy with precision, and her account of the pre-Downing street years is an interesting one. One is compelled to reckon ultimately with her abilities to communicate conservative policies with persuation and vigor during a time of sinking socalism in Britain. She marries subjective personal insights with cold, hard economic fact. Trade unions, the Heath government, the press, her fellow MP's are the all the subject of clear thinking analysis for the most part, some exceptions aside. She had her detractors, just has she does now, and she writes concisely about her efforts to frame issues in their ultimate consequences. Leading the movement to privitize nationalised industry was one of her strong points. She lets the reader in on how she herself was moved by events, admitting small misteps and regrets. I find very interesting the accounts of UK press reactions to her early speaches against Soviet subterfuge. She had her confidence tested leading up to the PM election, but with Labour government policies looking absurd to most Britains by 1978, she prevailed. It is a bit sad to read of her Tory MP confidants falling out of her favor. All and all a good personnalized account of UK Tory politics of the 1970's. Of most interest to this reader is her various accountings of the policy battles within the Heath government.

A road less travelled...
In this book, the prequel to her more successful (and essentially more interesting) volume entitled 'The Downing Street Years', Margaret Thatcher gives us a glimpse into her life, and the events and people who shaped her, basically, who made her who she is.

You'll learn about her time at university, her early days in politics from a personal standpoint (for instance, she used to do her own ironing to press dresses immediately before going out, as she couldn't afford to have them pressed, and other small details like this abound), early days in the government and then leading up to the time in opposition prior to the elections of 1979.

Thatcher also adds a postscript to this book, completed after the account of her time as Prime Minister, in which she gives her prescriptions for a better Britain and Europe (in some ways, she might agree that her stance on the Eurocurrency is a la Nancy Reagan, i.e., 'Just say No!'). She has a few swipes at John Major, the man she helped into power, perhaps hoping to be able to be an active and effective agent from behind the scenes. Major retaliates a bit in his own autobiography.

In all, unless you're REALLY into British politics or Thatcher personally, this book could be easily missed. Read 'The Downing Street Years', and, as I've seen you can often pick this book up for some bargain-bin price, buy it so as to have the set. And you might peruse a chapter here and there.

It does have a good style of writing, but goes on quite a bit. Historians will appreciate it, but I often wonder if politicians think that most will actually read through all this material, considering they are invariably written when the author is off the centre stage?

Marvelous insights to the life of a marvelous lady
Sure, I have a personally inscribed copy, and consider this book one of the greatest treasures of my library, held along with the cherished memory of meeting Lady Thatcher. But, as you know by now, I can remain completely objective. This is a wonderful book.

If you are at all interested in Torys, conservatives, or strong female leadership, this is a must read. I found the discussion fascinating, although, yes, as an attention span challenged American, a tad tedious in spots. However, it's well worth the effort.

Also look for "Downing Street Years", for additional writings by Lady Thatcher. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Cream of The Crop
The life and career of Eric Clapton has been extensively covered in various other books, but there are a precious few about the definitive power trio he was apart of in the 1960's. Cream is one of the best rock bands from the 60's and Disraeli Gears is their best album. John Platt not only gives a crisp and insightful look into the making of the album, but to the origins of the band itself. Mr. Platt supplies us with liberal doses of the bassist and lead vocalist Jack Bruce's thoughts as well as commentary from drummer Ginger Baker and Mr. Clapton. The book also details their live work which is the band is renowned for. Mr. Platt has written a superb book that is another great volume in the Classic Rock Series.

A must for any Cream fan!
For you Cream fans waiting for the "reunion", this will make you long all the more. John Platt does a very good job on retracing the history of the band's recordings, with the emphasis on the Disraeli Gears album. The book does spend too much time on the subject of exact dates and many of the inconsistent accounts leave you with a feeling of; "so what was the real version"? But, all aside, the best documented account I have found on one of the most talented bands in rock/blues history.

As a big Jack Bruce fan, I found myself reinforced with what I always believed: Jack was THE driving force behind the band and had more of his influence been allowed to develop, their survival may have been prolonged. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Winston; Family, friends and his unique sence of self
This extensive read is a broad brush stroke for the reader who is looking for a landscape portrait about the man as if it were written by him personally. The book begins coverage tracing his pre-history origin shedding light on the beginnings of his psycological make up then on thru his living influences leaving the reader with a good understanding of Winston and his personality as Winston lived it. Suffering thee, as he puts it "The Black Dog" for most of his life it becomes clear to the reader that he did live his role in life beyond just satisfying his personal ego (unlike most politicians), though his ego was not anything small it did gain it's personal satisfactions and it's blows.

Much like his life the book is long and never boring. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

official assassin by peter mason
As a former soldier from the British army who had a lot to do with the S A S between 1980 and 1993 , as well as studying military history , I have to say that at least 75% of the information would poserble be correct ,
A sargent peter mason served with the paras , transfeared to the S A S and belonged to the S I S hunter killer teams that tracked doen the germans who killed S A S and S O E operatives that were captured in operations during the secound world war ,
He was promoted to officer rank and worked for both M I 5 and our M I 6 conducting Intelligence operations in Europe .
accourding to my friends still serving in our security Intelligence services the large part of the book, 75% could very well be true ,
I suspect that if I was to go and ask a certain friend who has access to all ex S A S operatives who have ever served in the S A S over the years , he would be able to give me chapter and verse on this gentleman , I like to keep my friends as friends

I would say that this book is a good insight to the covert world of special forces activitys , and poserble the closes a none member of the regiment would get to the information ,
I look forward to reading his next book called official assassin 2 when it's released as well as viewing the film that is ear marked for production .
Ex Soldier of the British army

Something isn't right here
Having had the opportunity to serve in a number of U.S. Army and Air Force Special Operations Forces(SOF) units during my dual-service career--and therefore having some sensitivity to security concerns in this field--I approach with skepticism anyone making such flashy "I had a license to kill" claims. Beyond the outright wannabes, there is another group that has learned enough of the SOF lingo and lore to give their tales a seeming touch of reality when delivered to those who have never served in the clannish & closed Special Operations community. And as an author myself of three non-fiction SOF books, I find it unsettling when an author claims "writer's license" (Foreword, p. vii) with such apparent ease in writing what he himself admits is a composite picture of his adventures. Who can know what anecdotes actually happened? For all I know Peter Mason is everything he claims and more. But unfortunately what comes across in this book is someone needing to make some money after his military pension was "impounded" as the author reports.

I'm sure the author could have done better
While I don't doubt the author's credentials as a special forces operator and small arms expert, it seems to me that he has taken too many fictional liberties in an attempt to make the book more readable. In the book he tells one (not quite believeable) story of how he killed the nazi war criminal Ortgies, while on the tv documentary about his exploits a completely different version is told. This could have been a major exposé in the tradition of "Spycatcher" and "By Way of Deception", but unfortunately the book is written like a cheap spy novel. However, if the author had found a good ghost writer, I'm sure the book would have been an international bestseller like the two above mentioned books.

Where's the beef?
I found this book - a few interesting bits heavily padded with material intended to provide color but which failed to engage my interest - to be the literary equivalent of a hamburger sandwich that is long of bun and short of beef. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Tall on the Outside - Tall on the Inside!
The folks in Earl Gladstone Hunts early life helped shape this East Tennessee leviathan - a giant, a bridge builder, a preacher in the Methodist itinerant ministry - one who occupied the episcopal office for twenty-four years. He is also an educator - college president, and evangelist - President of the Foundation for Evangelism. Throughout his ministry his central theme was telling the message of Jesus Christ, His birth, life and teachings, sacrificial death and resurrection, to an anxious, disoriented world.

In the "Bridge Builder" chapter, Hunt is likened to a bridge with tensile strength allowing traffic in both directions. The biographer relates a number of areas that seemed almost impossible to bridge. Yet with respect for those with whom he worked, he diplomatically built those bridges.

While driving on icy roads, if one overcorrects in any direction, it could bring disaster. Bishop Hunt has steered with a strong, steady hand through many treacherous roads. Racism was addressed all across his tenure but he names the homosexual issue as the one that stimulated the most mail response. Hunger, the Bomb, disintegration of family life, drugs, poverty, housing, struggle for freedom, excesses of affluence, and he even addressed the process of episcopal elections. He considered the most important assignment of his career the task of working with a committee and preparing a statement that would reflect the needs of Wesleyan tradition in the contemporary world.

His experience as a College President, his commitment to evangelism and his visibility within the church was providential for the Foundation for Evangelism. The chairs of evangelism in the seminaries will insure that his contribution will live in the lives of seminarians for decades to come.

Dr. James Logan has done a masterful job of reporting on one of the heros in the faith. Bishop Hunt is not only tall on the outside - he is tall on the inside. Would that there were hundreds more like him! ... Read more