Through Gates of Fire: A Journey into World Disorder

by Martin Bell

What kind of a world do we live in when governments are able to pursue wars against not only the will of the people, but also the international institutions set up to promote peace? In the first World War 90% of casualties were soldiers; in recent wars 90% of casualties are civilians. But instead of bringing home the real human costs of war, the advent of "live" conflict coverage has led to television being used as just another propaganda tool. In Through the Gates of Fire, Martin Bell uses his personal experiences as a reporter of 11 wars and independent MP, to write an impassioned, heartfelt, and coruscating call to arms.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, Politics, Autobiography

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Martin Bell is a British UNICEF (UNICEF UK) Ambassador, a former broadcast war reporter and former independent politician who became the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tatton from 1997 to 2001. He is sometimes known as "the man in the white suit".

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided just what I had hoped - some clarity about the workings of the media and politics, how live TV has influenced public perception of what is happening in the world and why democracy in the Western World is failing. It was published in 2003, so much has happened since then and the influence of social media introduces an extra dimension; but it is still very relevant.

Martin Bell has been a journalist, war correspondent, Independent MP for a short while and UNICEF representative. So he is well-placed to form these opinions. I love it when a writer is able to put serious subject matter across in a style that is easy to read and scattered through with outrageous anecdotes. He does this to great effect and probably to the discomfort of quite a few people.

He is a deep thinking person with a great sense of fairness and humanity, and an eye for the big picture. What emerges from this book, is a lot about what has gone on behind the scenes in the British American alliances, Europe and the Middle East which has led to the emergence of the current situation.

This is a very good read. Rather surprisingly, the book ends on a hopeful note with the author professing his faith that people learn from past mistakes.

[Martin Augood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good.
Martin Bell is simply the best,
put his conscience ahead of popularity and career, and other public opinions

[Lisa]

Good book from a very interesting journalist with wide and varied experiences. The problem with having so much to say on so many things is that it leads the narrative to jump about a bit, however, this does not stop it being both an enjoyable and informative read.