Thirty Days: An Inside Account of Tony Blair at War – Unprecedented Access to a Prime Minister's Battle Against Pressure and Opposition

by Peter Stothard

For thirty days I was close by him at historic events -- in the places where writers never are. Before Britain could help the United States in the war against Saddam Hussein, Tony Blair faced a battle against his own voters, his own party, and his own allies in Europe. These were among the most tense and tumultuous weeks the world had seen since the fall of the Berlin Wall. In thirty days, Blair took on his opponents and won. Through it all, Peter Stothard had unprecedented access to Blair -- from Ten Downing Street and the House of Commons through the war summits in the Azores, Brussels, Belfast, and at Camp David. Stothard brings us inside the corridors of power during this extraordinary time, offering a vivid, up-close view of an enormously popular leader facing the challenge of his life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History, Biography, British Literature

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Opal Huang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a Canadian and living in North America during the Iraq war has hindered me to capture the global view of the war, especially in Europe. The intensity of opposition Tony Blair, the then Prime Minister of Britain, faced during those early days, incl. public protests, revolt from his own party members, clash with the allies, denouncement from the UN security counsel, all made him to be more heroic than I ever felt. The fact that he based his decision on principles, showed that he is a man of courage, but unfortunately led to many meaninglessly lost lives. I also find the author describing the atmosphere and surrounding environment of these 30 days in 10 Downing St., and their tours to Camp David and Belfast, very light, humorous and entertaining, despite the gravity of the circumstances. He detailed on not only the conversations, but also portrayed the facial expression, behaviour, and tone of the voices of all figures, and described the settings in the different spaces, and hinting meaning of each, makes it almost sounds like a novel, rather than an historic account of journalist report. I find it very rich and gives more context to the chaos occuring within the Prime Minister's office and beyond.

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I originally gave this a 3 star rating but after reflection reduced it to a two star. The reporter did not provide much insight into the the minds of the people at the centre of the Iraq war. He merely observed their outward actions. I did not feel any of the tension that was, no doubt, being controlled by the players. He did not get close enough to make the events even mildly interesting.

[Will James · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone looking for a detailed analysis of Blair, Iraq and why Britain went to war in 2003 then this isn't it. However, Stothard's unprecedented access to the No.10 'bunker' in the lead up to , and subsequently during the Iraq War gives a unique perspective on the day-to-day feelings, emotions and events of this most important period in recent British politics.

[Melyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Alistair Campbell's diaries, it was interesting to see the same events from a journalist's perspective. I can't imagine an American politician allowing a reporter this kind of access for thirty days.

One thing I learned reading this book is that it is tradition in the UK for the prime minister to sign liquor bottles for members of parliament to give to supporters. Interesting!

[Robert Christian · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's OK.