The Blunders of Our Governments

‘If Britain’s politicians are among the world’s most honest, hardworking and well-meaning, why do they mess up so badly and so often? A trenchant book that will make you see red, even as you laugh.’

‘This book will make you gasp in disbelief and stamp your feet in rage, and quite frequently reduce you to helpless laughter...it is hard to overpraise.’

‘An entertaining journey through the cock-ups of governments.’

‘Perceptive and entertaining… chilling.’

‘Must be read by every incumbent and wannabe representative of the people.’

‘A notable indictment of modern British politics and administration… a splendid dipping-into volume to feed fashionable public disdain for the fragile art of politics.’

‘In a refreshing break from the customary finger-pointing tribalism of British politics, Anthony King and Ivor Crewe lay bare the ways in which governments of all hues have wasted mountains of cash on titanically misconceived projects in the past few decades… astonishing.’

‘Fascinating and zeitgeisty.’

‘Compelling…David Cameron is said to have read about Winston Churchill’s early warmongering during his summer holidays. It would have been much better for all of us if he had read this.’

‘Grimly entertaining… This book should be a compulsory text for every would-be minister and permanent secretary.’

‘This is an astonishing achievement – that very rare thing, a genuinely original book and an immediately essential guide to the failures of British politics. King and Crewe go deep, without a shred of pomposity or a phrase of false rhetoric. From now on, every political journalist, civil servant and would-be minister needs to start here.’

‘A powerful new book.’

‘The closest politics gets to pornography.’

‘From two of our most brilliant political analysts…[a] thoroughly entertaining and erudite history of great British debacles.’

‘Clever and absorbing.’

‘Timely and intelligent.’

‘Rivetingly told…a feast of fiascos, a banquet of balls-ups.’

‘Illuminating and disturbing.’

‘One of the hottest books of the season.’

‘Excellent… This book is essential reading.’

‘Enthralling.’