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Memoirs
, x 534 pages, 24 pages of photographic illustrations, SIGNED by Douglas Hurd on the Title page
- GenresNonfictionBiography
534 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 7, 2024
I'm gradually getting through a ton of political memoirs, starting at the moment with the Conservatives who were in the cabinet of Thatcher. Douglas Hurd was long seen as one of the steady pairs of hands in government and it was interesting to see his opinion on all of the major issues in the political scene during that time. He writes the book well and is obviously intelligent, with a good way of communicating the facts and opinions without it becoming boring. Another enjoyable read.
April 4, 2021
Hurd, one of the most distinguished politicians in the late twentieth century, held three cabinet posts including two of the big three Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary.
The son and grandson of Tory MPs, he attended Eton, Cambridge , worked in the diplomatic service and in Ted Heath's office during the time he became PM in 1970.
Hurd was himself elected to Parliament in 1974 and although we get an overview of the events of the time we never really know how he FEELS, the book lacks emotion - the events are retold as a series of events only.
This includes his relationship with his first wife when they divorce, the suicide of his brother, the IRA attack on the Brighton hotel, his unsuccessful attempt to become PM in 1990, etc.
Hurd retired from Government in 1995 and the section of the book does briefly show his emotion at the parting but swiftly moves on to his city career and his second wife's cancer. The story ends in 2003 but he is still alive at the time of writing in 2021 at the age of 91. I wonder if he has read Proust yet?
If you want a deep dive into the workings of the Government and the personalities in the Thatcher and Major governments then this probably is the wrong book.
Just an aside I actually met the author on two occasions, firstly when I interviewed him in his plush London office for my dissertation and secondly when he received an honorary degree at my degree ceremony. He was a thoroughly likable slightly upper class country gent.
The son and grandson of Tory MPs, he attended Eton, Cambridge , worked in the diplomatic service and in Ted Heath's office during the time he became PM in 1970.
Hurd was himself elected to Parliament in 1974 and although we get an overview of the events of the time we never really know how he FEELS, the book lacks emotion - the events are retold as a series of events only.
This includes his relationship with his first wife when they divorce, the suicide of his brother, the IRA attack on the Brighton hotel, his unsuccessful attempt to become PM in 1990, etc.
Hurd retired from Government in 1995 and the section of the book does briefly show his emotion at the parting but swiftly moves on to his city career and his second wife's cancer. The story ends in 2003 but he is still alive at the time of writing in 2021 at the age of 91. I wonder if he has read Proust yet?
If you want a deep dive into the workings of the Government and the personalities in the Thatcher and Major governments then this probably is the wrong book.
Just an aside I actually met the author on two occasions, firstly when I interviewed him in his plush London office for my dissertation and secondly when he received an honorary degree at my degree ceremony. He was a thoroughly likable slightly upper class country gent.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews