Tony's Ten Years: Memories of the Blair Administration

The writer and his wife seemed to me a little too close to the subject to be completely objective, therefore, I found nothing new and felt somewhat disappointed in this book.

Oh dear! The best thing about this book is whats not in it. (2/2 people found this helpful)

I admire Adam Boulton's television reporting. He is always professional, even-handed and never seems to fall victim to self-regard. His interviews typically consist of short questions, and he maintains his appearance of respect for the interviewer. I am also aware that his second wife was a key player in Tony Blair's inner circle, though this didn't ever seem to affect his reporting. For all the above reasons, I was happy to pick up this book which I thought might give a measured review of the Blair years from a close observer.
Oh dear! The book has the usual journalistic gripes - endless waits following politicians around; no food, no sleep, poor communications etc; it has the usual views of Blair - too photogenic, obsessed with spin, overly impressed with his own abilities, happy to allow his associates to do the dirty work and/or suffer their own fates.
It explicitly follows Blairs last days from 1/May/2007 to the end of June the same year - it seems so long ago now!. Blair's farewell tours, the leaks and dissimulation about his attempts to set up a lucrative career and his attempts to stay on the World stage are balefully described. Even the title of the book - named after a John Updike's novel - is threadbare and second hand. The only good point I can see about this book is that Boulton's wife refused to participate in it, and he had enough sense not to use any material that may have been attributable to her. The fact that whats not in the book is its highlight says it all. A real disappointment.

A great read by Adam Boulton (5/5 people found this helpful)

This book is much better than political diaries, which merely document the diarists thoughts. Boulton gives a well thought-out commentary alongside some fabulous gossipy titbits on Tony Blair and the characters who surrounded him. The fact that the author was an impartial observer makes it a more believable and honest account.

Great political gossip (6/6 people found this helpful)

Adam Boulton's book is the best sort of political gossip - accurate but entertaining. I thought it was the most open and revealing commentary on UK politics since Alan Clark's diaries. It's a must for anyone wanting an unbiased insight into Blair's premiership. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

ADAM BOULTON'S BOOK ON BLAIR (1/2 people found this helpful)

At last - a book written by someone who had a ringside seat throughout the rise and fall of Blair and, unlike Alastair Campbell, Cherie and the rest of the them, does not have an axe to grind. Just as he does on Sky News, Adam tells it like it is. The fact that Alastair Campbell has subsequently slagged Adam off should tell you just how accurate this account is. Loved it. Put it on your Christmas wish list today.

Tony's Ten Years: Memories of the Blair Administration

Adam Boulton

Reader Reviews:

Blair - Tony,s ten years (0/0 people found this helpful)

Oh dear! The best thing about this book is whats not in it. (2/2 people found this helpful)

A great read by Adam Boulton (5/5 people found this helpful)

Great political gossip (6/6 people found this helpful)

ADAM BOULTON'S BOOK ON BLAIR (1/2 people found this helpful)

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