10 Downing Street - Hardcover
The walls of Number 10 have witnessed frantic diplomacy, tense cabinet meetings, the rise and fall of those at the dizzying heights of government, and decisions that have affected millions of people and every continent. And yet, for many people, the building remains a mystery. What really goes on behind that iconic black door? What does it look like? How have prime ministers shaped Downing Street, and how has it shaped them? This book will take readers through the famous door and into Downing Street. It will reveal the mystery and the majesty of 10 Downing Street. Spectacular photography of the building s interior will complement a text rich in detail. The book will chart the history of Number 10, looking at the personalities and the dramatic events that have shaped this building, from Robert Walpole during the eighteenth century to David Cameron in the twenty-first. Readers will discover how the building has evolved to meet modern needs. This book will be a wonderfully illustrated, comprehensive history and guide to Number 10 Downing Street. It is a must have for anybody interested in British history or politics.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review:
The door of 10 Downing Street is perhaps the best known entrance in Britain, possibly even the world. But how many people really know what happens on the other side of that famous exterior or its history?
From the Back Cover:
In 10 Downing Street: The Illustrated History, distinguished political historian, Anthony Seldon explores the architectural and human history behind Number 10, from its construction in the 17th century, through its rebuilding in the early 1960s, to the life of the house as we know it today. The book discusses the daily lives of each prime minister and his or her family, describes the changing appearance of the house, both inside and out, and looks at how it has been used for both state and family purposes over the years. For the first time, this beautifully illustrated, clearly written book takes us on a tour of the interior, from the White Drawing Room to the Pillared Drawing Room, from the State Dining Room to the famous Cabinet Room, where many of the decisions that have shaped Britain and its place in the world have been made.
Seldon expertly curates an impressive collection of superb archival photographs, from an 1885 photograph of Number 10 resembling nothing so much as a rundown row of tenement flats against a startlingly empty London sky to images of the bomb damage the property suffered during the Blitz restricted during the war for fear of damaging morale. These rarely seen archival photographs are complemented by Mark Fiennes' new, specially commissioned, exclusive photographs of the main interiors. 10 Downing Street highlights the many works of art--from "traditional" British artists such as Turner and Constable to more unexpected modern work by Rachel White read, as well as furniture and other collections that have been housed there, reflecting the choices of incumbent premiers and more than a little about their personalities and passions.
The juice of the text itself is in the rich personal look at those who have lived at this great address, from Walpole to Blair. It revisits many of the historic events that happened in the prime ministerial home and its surroundings such as Churchill's wartime speeches, Thatcher's dramatic resignation and Blair's triumphant arrival. It also reveals many new anecdotes and stories about its various inhabitants revealing sometimes surprising, occasionally poignant and frequently entertaining aspects of those we think we know. One such story, undoubtedly apocryphal, has Margaret Thatcher at dinner with her Cabinet. The waiter, doubtless aware of her formidable reputation, asked her for their order: "Beef", she replied. "And the vegetables, madam?" enquired the waiter. "Oh, they will have beef too."
As a vivid portrayal of an extraordinary residence, 10 Downing Street is an ideal choice for anyone interested in Britain's political and architectural history and definitely a bookshelf treasure: one to enjoy repeatedly and often. --Fiona Buckland
In this exclusive new book, Dr Anthony Seldon tells us the history behind Number 10, from its construction in the seventeenth century through to the house as it stands today. He evaluates the contribution of each of the prime ministers and their families on the appearance and the workings of the house, and looks at the way it has been used for both professional and family purposes over the years.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherFlammarion
- Publication date2018
- ISBN 10 2081330989
- ISBN 13 9782081330986
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages264
- Rating
(No Available Copies)
Search Books: Create a WantIf you know the book but cannot find it on AbeBooks, we can automatically search for it on your behalf as new inventory is added. If it is added to AbeBooks by one of our member booksellers, we will notify you!
Create a Want