PARLIAMENT: BIOGRAPHY

Parliament: The Biography #2

by Chris Bryant

Parliament the Biography

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics

480 pages, Paperback

First published August 14, 2014

About the author

Christopher John Bryant is a British politician and former Anglican priest who served in government as Deputy Leader of the House of Commons from 2008 to 2009 and Under-Secretary of State for Europe and Asia from 2009 to 2010, and in the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Culture Secretary and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons from 2015 to 2016. He was privately educated at Cheltenham College before studying English at Mansfield College, Oxford. After graduating with a further degree in theology, he worked as a Church of England priest as well as having roles at the BBC and Common Purpose.

Reviews

[Richard Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both volumes constitute a thorough account of Parliament. The book ranges through the earliest times where the rudimentary idea of accountable government emerged to the present day where the Executive holds too much control. It’s readable yet learned in dealing with the evolution and decay of representative government. Chris Bryant writes well, even vividly about the personalities who were instrumental in the government first of England then Great Britain.

[David Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and more familiar as Bryant brings the story of parliamentary reform up to the present day. Got more mileage from the thematic chapters - the rise of labour as a political force, the level of alcoholism, reform of the House of Lords, corruption, women's rights. Read it over a weekend - informative, thought provoking (as to his current view of parliament as an institution) and easy to read

[Dave Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undoubtedly a well researched work along with the other edition I read also. To be brutally honest, I found both books hard going and pushed myself to read them from start to finish. I am an avid history reader and normally enjoy a book from start to finish. Not so with this, and I struggled with the back and forth nature of time lines. This is not a criticism of the books or the author, but rather my own inability to keep focused.

[Alfred Martinsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ännu bättre än första delen. Chris Bryant levererar en stark avslutning som både är rolig och seriös, populärhistoria när den är som bäst helt enkelt. Synd att Bryant själv inte avancerat särskilt högt i den politiska hierarkin de senaste åren, han har definitivt egenskaperna för att vara en mycket bra statsman.

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most interesting but hard going to read. Finally made an effort as I was interested. This volume deals with the changes from full emancipation, through the various miss deeds, sexual proclavities and drunkeness to serious debate and the changes to the composition of both houses. Finishes up with Margaret Thatcher being dumped by her party and cast out.