The Rivals - The Intimate Story of a Political Marriage

No Prime Minister and Chancellor this century have been bound so closely together, each depending on the other''s strengths to repair weaknesses that might otherwise be politically fatal; yet theirs is a bond that crackles with suspicion and misunderstanding, lovers'' tiffs that send tremors through the government . The story of the current era can only properly be told through the prism of this strange union, and it has never been told before. James Naughtie is a unique insider. A hugely respected political commentator, he has equal access to both men, to their key courtiers, to the party malcontents and everyone who has ever sat in Cabinet with them. Not since Alan Clark''s Diaries has there been such a vivid, human portrait of the agonies and ecstasies of power in action. Even the supporting players are wildly dramatic: the saturnine plotting of Peter Mandelson, the muscled protection of Alistair Campbell, the Scots traditionalists facing down the Number 10 policy wonks. But the real drama is compressed into the central relationship. Here are Othello and Iago, Caesar and Brutus. This is a classic power play of our time, brilliantly, vividly and intimately staged by James Naughtie.

Product details

• Authors: James Naughtie
• Publisher: Fourth Estate
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback
• Released: 05.06.2002
• EAN: 9781841154749
• ISBN: 978-1-84115-474-9
• Dimensions: 129 mm x 198 mm x 27 mm
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > History > Biographies, autobiographies; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; Political Parties, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Political, Biography: historical, political & military, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Process / Political Parties, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Public Affairs & Administration, POLITICAL SCIENCE / World / European, United Kingdom, Great Britain, Biography: historical, political and military, Central / national / federal government, Political parties and party platforms, Central government