Diaries Volume Two: Power and the People (The Alastair Campbell Diaries Book 2)

Great insight and read

Having now read all four of AC's "Power" series of diaries it is this volume that I consider the best. All are definitely worth reading but this one tips it for me with the variety and weight of the multitude of issues it covers. It has the sex scandals (Cook, Davies [his "moment of madness"] and N Brown), the "sleaze" scandals (F1, "lobbygate" and Mandy's mortgage) and the growing dysfunctional relationship between Blair and Brown. Major events include the Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement (which in my opinion was Blair's greatest achievement of his Premiership), Scottish Devolution, the Kosovo conflict and Diana's death.This volume along with the other three gives an amazing insight into the workings of Government. My lasting impression is of the drive and work ethic of Blair, AC and some others - late nights and early mornings drafting and redrafting papers and speeches, frequent travelling, under constant pressure to comment to a mostly hostile press, rarely a day off without some form of interruption. I, like other reviewers, am amazed (and thankful) that AC was able to write up each day's events so vividly.I lived through the times AC recounts in his diary volumes and I was in attitude mostly hostile to the New Labour government. On reflection after reading the diaries I have a better perspective and respect for Blair's ambitions, his political beliefs and his efforts to deliver. The diaries are also a reminder that New Labour would have achieved so much more had Blair and Brown been able to work better together.I recommend anyone with an interest in British politics to read this book and the other three volumes.

Rather a dry read

Having already read the first book (Prelude to Power 1994-1997) I pretty much knew I would enjoy this book, and it didn't fail to live up to my expectations. Recommended to anyone interested in recent political history whichever side of the political fence you happen to sit.

Really interesting read.

I bought this as i wasn't going to buy Tony Blair's diaries and definitely not going to touch Peter Mandelson's ramblings . So where better to go than the 'mouth-piece' of Tony himself?This is by and large a disappointing read and for two reasons. Firstly (and having just finished the book) all you need to know are these facts, as written by Alistair himself. Alistair is completely overworked. Nobody can do their job properly which means Alistair has to step in all the time to do other peoples jobs. People outside the government constantly comment on what a good job Alistair is doing. And that's all you need to know. Oh, and all that 'Political Spin' that the press were banging on about during that time? A whole load of tosh and codswallop.While reading this book i was constantly reminded how homogenised and vanilla mostly every aspect of Alistair's dealings with Blair were. I found out a couple of weeks ago that a more 'warts and all' version of this book will be re-issued in the future. I feel very cheated, though not financially for buying this book, but in the time i spent investing into reading something that clearly isn't what it's stacked up to be.Vol 3 will not be on my Amazon Wish-list

To be honest, I feel a bit let down by this book. It repeats information that has been covered in the first book about the Blair governement and time in opposition - which is interesting (well it was the first time i read it!) There are some new areas, however, the vast majority of the book is a repeat of material in Campbell's first book. In hindsight I wouldnt have purchased the book had I been aware of the contents.

Hi - interesting but ruthlessly profiteering by publishing in two year chunks. Probably worth waiting for these to be 'remaindered' - shouldn't take too long.