Gordon Brown

Reviews / Votes

A serious and consequential analysis of a serious and consequential politician -- Alastair Campbell, political strategist, journalist and broadcaster Fascinating and well written -- Matthew Parris, political writer, broadcaster and former MP This book tells us more than we have ever known about this highly significant figure -- Shelagh Fogarty, journalist and LBC presenter Macintyre is clearly sympathetic to his subject. But through nuanced writing, thorough research and a balanced range of interviews, he manages to reveal the Gordon Brown character in all its rich complexity -- Iain Dale, broadcaster and award-winning author of THE PRIME MINISTERS A compelling and vividly painted portrait of one of the political giants of our time, this is the perfect political biography. Macintyre shares the experiences and private passions that informed Brown's public persona and re-examines his political legacy by recounting key events through the eyes of those who witnessed them. It's a page turner and a timely reminder that conviction politicians still exist -- Gloria De Piero, broadcaster and former MP Reading this excellent biography, comprehensive, animated, sympathetic but not unquestioning, it is impossible not to lament the plummeting standards of British political culture; equally impossible not to be grateful for the distinctive way in which Gordon Brown's career fused together moral toughness, stellar intelligence and deep compassion. It can be done -- Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury A readable, revealing account of an "unusually deep and complicated man" - a politician of conviction and consequence -- Alistair Grant * Scotsman * An illuminating new biography ... It was Brown's demons that were, during his years in government, most often presented to the British public. Only intermittently was a glimpse offered of the stronger, better angels of his nature. This diligent book seeks to redress that balance, to tell the story of a life packed with drama, tragedy and, above all, service. -- Jonathan Freedland * Guardian * Fair and compassionate ... This biography is readable because it doesn't shy away from complexities - whether in Brown's capacity for ruthless politics, but equally, immense compassion ... This book is as timely as it's ever possible for the biography of a living politician to be -- Vicky Spratt * i Paper * [A] serious reassessment of Brown...a portrait that is sober, admiring and ultimately persuasive... Power with Purpose is a reminder of what politics looks like when practised as duty rather than performance -- Rachael Burford * London Standard * More than does [Brown] justice ... We come to understand this man and his many contradictions on something close to his own terms -- Patrick Maguire * The Times * A sympathetic study of Labour's last prime minister - one aided by surprising quotes from former opponents -- Stephen Bush * Financial Times * This lively reappraisal has a message for Gordon Brown, with which I concur: you are as significant a historical figure as Tony Blair. Will that ever be enough? -- Ethan Croft * New Statesman *