The Prime Ministers: Reflections on Leadership from Wilson to May

Steve Richards' excellent portraits of Prime Ministers are both penetrating and sympathetic. Written from his expert perspective as a broadcaster and political journalist, this book is deeply insightful about the people who have tried to govern us. * Adam Boulton * Smart and incisive, from a fine scribe and a wise watcher. Steve Richards is a joy. * James Naughtie * Steve Richards offers a real treat to readers. Covering no fewer than nine Prime Ministers, he displays his talents to the full: an unsurpassed grasp of the context of leadership, empathetic yet properly critical assessment of records and a communication style that can reach out to anyone interested in politics and power. * John Bercow * There has been no better time to absorb oneself in some modern political history, and there is no better person to guide you through it than Steve Richards. The great thing about Steve's book is that it helps us understand how our last nine prime ministers viewed things themselves and why they took the decisions they did... His book is entertaining, informative and timely. * Evan Davis * Entertaining and readable... Richards is a seasoned raconteur. * The Herald * Steve Richards' ability to get inside the heads of our modern Prime Ministers is extraordinary - some of them might even look at themselves with a new acuity. * Kirsty Wark * A fascinating and balanced review of the leadership strengths and weaknesses in the last nine British Prime Ministers from a journalist who has known them all. * Jon Snow, Channel Four News * A pure pleasure to read. In Richards' bright, sharp portraits of nine prime ministers, all our modern history springs to life. An enlightening retrospective. * Polly Toynbee * A fascinating read... Steve's writing is revealing and entertaining. * John Humphrys * A thoughtful and compelling book... the chapters on Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are the jewels in the crown, but the entire set glitter. * Stephen Bush, Observer *