Friends In High Places

by Jeremy Paxman

This title presents a though-provoking and engaging search for the true sources of power in Britain today. Paxman examines the pillars of the Establishment - their origin, influence and future. An unbiased journey down the corridors of power, "Friends in High Places" provides an incisive and insightful view of who really runs Britain.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History, Journalism, British Literature, Current Affairs

370 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 1990

About the author

Jeremy Dickson Paxman is a British journalist, author and television presenter. He has worked for the BBC since 1977. He is noted for a forthright and abrasive interviewing style, particularly when interrogating politicians. His regular appearances on the BBC2's Newsnight programme have been criticised as aggressive, intimidating, condescending and irreverent, and applauded as tough and incisive.

Reviews

[Mark Colenutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paxman's tour de force as the book's bibliography attests to is an education for anyone convinced that there is no tampering behind the seats of power and that polticial life merely follows an organic process.

From the Establishment set-up of Eton and Oxbridge (Cambridge was his Alma Mater) to the unelected influence of the monarchy at county level, Paxman takes us into the hidden world of privilege and power as it is played out in the UK.

Where he could have expanded, could have been the unique role of the Freemasonry organisations, which are in fact a British creation and has found fertile roots in the US. The largest single Masonic jurisdiction is also the Grand Lodge of England. Freemasonry has a whole separate literature and one could believe that power and privilege converge here and one need read no further.

Paxman's work has the same well written language of his previous works and the same purposeful drive as his other books. There is always an ethical core to his work and this one is no exception.

Even the distinguished Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli said that "The world is governed by very different personages from what is imagined by those who are not behind the scenes." This is Paxman updating that knowledge.

[Josep Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any book written before the days of Blair, the EU and the changes that Britain and Europe have been through since 1990 will be a bit dated— but the author’s mastery and clear dominion of the subject at hand make it entirely relevant. The book explores how the Establishment operates (or operated) in areas such as Art (Royal Theatre, museums...), the City, gents clubs or the Church. It’s a very interesting read that makes one aware of the important role that the aristocratic-like subjects “beyond the surface” play in Britain and, if one extrapolates the findings of this book, in the rest of the Western world.

[Lysergius · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather jaundiced look at the British establishment, but then they would make anyone bilious. They are all here, the landed, the entitled, the inheritors, the tax evaders, the liars and the cheats. Did I leave anyone out? Oh yes, the ideaolgues that think being poor is a crime. A pox upon them all. You were too kind to them Jeremy, hanging is too good for them!

[NKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Although it is slightly out of date, as written in the 90s, it has points to make that are still valid. His research was evidently extensive and well thought out.
I always felt democracy was a farce and power is actually held some where else and this book told me where the power is spread and roots of the people with actual power. (No surprises there!)
I feel the Establishment might have become celebrities for a while, thanks to the Blair government's approach to politics and Downing Street parties with film, sport and TV stars.
Although now with Boris we are very much back to the old boys club 🙄
I hope Paxman does another one on where we are now.

[Pavel · Rating 3 out of 5]

could be more honest towards the elites,

[Maxim Grunewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Ade Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the read and style of the book. Well researched and presented.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dated now but still insightful. Perhaps a little depressing but certainly not Paxmans fault.