Order Order!: The Rise and Fall of Political Thinking

by Ben Wright

Order, Order

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

352 pages, Hardcover

Published June 2, 2016

Reviews

[Tici · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read

[Geoff (G. Robbins) (merda constat variat altitudo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as it made me realise the dangers that alcohol dependency can have on world history. For instance, what would have happened if Nixon had got his way and there had been a nuclear strike on North Korea?

The sections are clearly defined and, as the author is British, our Parliament is first on the list, followed by other sections of the world.

Although the author uses a light touch to the narrative, there are dark and tragic sections as I'm sure most readers would expect.

Like many books of this type, one is left with the lingering question, what would have happened if certain people had not been influenced by alcohol. The problem will always be, as with all drugs, some are enhanced whilst others are destroyed.

Highly recommended.

[Warren Gossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book on our problem with alcohol, in particular, in political life over the past couple of centuries to the present day. The focus is on the UK and also touches on Washington, Canberra, Moscow and Strasbourg. I dream of the day when yoga replaces boozing and vegan food replaces meat pies, fish or caviar. Would such abstemiousness mean trouble for our ability to schmooze with strangers, make necessary deals or tell interesting stories? I think we need the chance to figure it out.

[Mike Whiskey Bravo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting anecdotes about political drinking, but I can't help but wonder, especially in the modern age, why politicians are a breed apart. They chose their profession, and moved up the greasy pole to get recognition and more money. They are like the rest of us: trying to do the best thing in a stressful world. Why should they be different.

[Christopher Byram · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first discovered this book on 30th January 2025, when it was referenced on the BBC News article 'What are Parliament's bars really like?'. The reference was made in a footnote of the article, which stated that additional reporting was carried out by the author of this book, who is also a political correspondent at the BBC.

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting for the most part

Went into more of the minutiae of certain legislation than I had needed. I was hoping to read more about parliament’s great drinkers and less about the various pieces of drink related legislation.

[Paul Armstrong · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it was a bit of a durge and I enjoy reading about people getting totally bungalowsed.

[Vic Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. I thought it was an interesting look at the intersection of alcohol and politics.

[Paul Kerr · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining trip through the wholly unexpected but heady mixture of politics and drinks. Nothing unsurprising in the story here - but some interesting anectodes of Westminster life, with those favoured tipples of recent prime ministers and a stroll through famous political drinking establishments the highlights.

[Karsten Karpius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historisk blick på hur alkohol format brittisk politik sedan parlamentarismens genombrott. Anekdottät och mycket underhållande.

[Will Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catchy idea, mediocre execution

The first chapter or so of this book is fun and enjoyable, but as the book continues, and the amusing excerpts are replaced with the author's own prose, so the quality falls. Repetition of observations, over-use of hackneyed phrases, and a preference for breadth over depth in his subject matter all detract from this book.