30 DAYS: A Month at the Heart of Blair’s War - Softcover

Stothard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007173210 ISBN 13: 9780007173211

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2010

Synopsis

A unique, unprecedented eyewitness account of the thirty most critical days of Tony Blair’s political career as Prime Minister, from 10 March 2003 to the end of the second Gulf War, written by the former editor of The Times.

For thirty extraordinary days, in March and April 2003, Tony Blair defied street protests, party revolts, allied anger and government resignations in order to send British troops to Iraq to oust Saddam Hussein.
What was it like inside Downing Street during that time? What was it like while the Prime Minister risked his job for such an unpopular cause? Why did he do it? Peter Stothard, who for a month was given unprecedented access to shadow almost every move the Prime Minister made, gives a unique view from the inside.
From the 'den' of Ten Downing Street to the back corridors of the House of Commons, through councils of war in the Azores, recriminations in Brussels, personal diplomacy in Belfast and Camp David, this book takes us backstage. 30 Days throws an intimate – and frequently humorous – light on the domestic and political life of Number Ten at a time of crisis; it shows the Prime Minister's relationships not only with the President of the United States but with the writers, strategists, make-up artists and other members of the close-knit Number Ten team. It illuminates his frankest dealings with the world leaders who both backed and opposed him.
Peter Stothard's fast-paced and compelling narrative is supported by Nick Danziger's remarkable photographs. The result is a groundbreaking record of history in the making, and a gripping day-to-day chronicle of four tense and tempestuous weeks.

About this title

Review:

30 Days: A Month a the Heart of Blair's War is a closely observed fly-on-the-wall record of political and domestic life at 10 Downing Street, and of Tony Blair's leadership throughout the war against Iraq--told by former Times editor Peter Stothard.

On the whole Blair comes across as a man of strength, conviction and genuine integrity; he won't be disappointed with this book, but then neither will the reader. The events themselves naturally lend drama and pace but Stothard's narrative style--intimate, immediate and compelling--also manages to reveal something about the personality of the major players. The book is not just a study of the character of Tony Blair but also a fascinating set of personal observations about Alistair Campbell, John Prescott, Clare Short, Jack Short, Robin Cook, Sally Morgan, the American contingent--including Bush, Powell, Condeleeza Rice--as well as the Downing Street clock-winder and tea-lady.

Those who have been reading the literature on the war such as The Guardian's recent The War We Could Not Stop and Dilip Hiro's excellent Iraq: A View From the Inside will find this an excellent complementary read. Those who like voyeuristic looks at powerful people, the political process through times of crisis or the Labour Party today should be delighted with it. --Larry Brown

Review:

Praise for 30 Days: a month at the heart of Blair’s war:

‘An observant, thought-provoking book, written with admirable lightness of touch.’ Evening Standard

‘Stothard expertly shapes a narrative in which Blair manages to stick by his principles...’ Publishers Weekly

‘Peter Stothard’s terrific book...’ The New York Times

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0007173210
• ISBN 13: 9780007173211
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272