Simple but elegantly written, 20 Nov 2008
Obama completely embraces the importance of effective communication as reflected on this book. I like the part where he realized how important is saying the right words and get the people's undivided attention to what he is saying.

Best Book I've read in 10 yrs., 20 Nov 2008
He describes his childhood to manhood in such a sensitive & interesting way. An honest & frank look at race issues that he had to consider due to his mixed race & ancestry. Until I'd read the book, I hadn't realised how deep he was. I Highly Recommend this book! Once I started it , I then looked forward to my next train journeys, to get the next instalment. And its now solved my Xmas gift ideas! I'm buying 10 x copies for friends & family. Great Writer!

Touching and sincere, 16 Nov 2008
This book was written so beutifully, that even the most mundane information evokes emotions that can't be explained. The chapter in which he describes his only memories of his father from about age ten is the part that really got me. Obama shares the memory of the one and only time his father taught him to dance. "Come Barry,my father said. "You will learn from the master" And suddenly his slender body was swaying back and forth, the lush sound was rising, his arms were swinging...." I became teary eyed while reading that part on the tube on the way to a job interview. I felt sorry that this young boy held onto all that he could of his father. Obama goes onto describe many years of his child and adult life. This is a must read for book fans, even if Obama hadn't become the first black American president he was still one hell of a writer.

Moving,engaging and inspiring, 15 Nov 2008
I have just finished President elect Obama's book. I could not put it down,and could not believe it was written by a politician.

He gives an honest account of his journey into his self, and search for his identity and roots.

I feel I have a real sense of the man, after reading this book. He is self aware, and I enjoyed his ability to share his struggles with readers.I could pick up on his sense of sadness, and confusion in his journey.


His work in the South side of Chicago, definitely gave him the grounding for the brilliant campaign he ran for the presidency.

I particularly enjoyed his description of his journey to Kenya, which I have travelled to several times.

This is definitely one of the best memoirs I have read.He writes with sensitivity,and is able to connect with his readers.

It gives me a lot of insight into the values,and background of the next president of the United States.



Perceptive, sensitive, funny, self-ironic, 13 Nov 2008
This was an unexpectedly fantastic read: how could a man who (later)decided to go into politics be so honest, so self-searching, so willing to explore beneath the surfaces? The fact that the author is now the US president-elect makes it all the more intriguing, but the autobiography is wonderful even without that extra 'icing on the cake'. Obama has a sensitivity to his own and others' weaknesses and strengths; he sees through the facade but is forgiving of people's foibles. What he has to say about being of mixed race is very much worth listening to: all those who just don't get the problems in US ghettoes or African countries might learn something here. His search for his own identity--the archetypical hero's journey to find the father--is both funny and very touching; the immense disappointment becomes a source of knowledge and wisdom. This is a man who crosses many bridges: between black and white, men and women, 'West' and 'Third World', past and present. Buy it--and enjoy it!

Simple but elegantly written, 20 Nov 2008
Obama completely embraces the importance of effective communication as reflected on this book. I like the part where he realized how important is saying the right words and get the people's undivided attention to what he is saying.

Best Book I've read in 10 yrs., 20 Nov 2008
He describes his childhood to manhood in such a sensitive & interesting way. An honest & frank look at race issues that he had to consider due to his mixed race & ancestry. Until I'd read the book, I hadn't realised how deep he was. I Highly Recommend this book! Once I started it , I then looked forward to my next train journeys, to get the next instalment. And its now solved my Xmas gift ideas! I'm buying 10 x copies for friends & family. Great Writer!

Touching and sincere, 16 Nov 2008
This book was written so beutifully, that even the most mundane information evokes emotions that can't be explained. The chapter in which he describes his only memories of his father from about age ten is the part that really got me. Obama shares the memory of the one and only time his father taught him to dance. "Come Barry,my father said. "You will learn from the master" And suddenly his slender body was swaying back and forth, the lush sound was rising, his arms were swinging...." I became teary eyed while reading that part on the tube on the way to a job interview. I felt sorry that this young boy held onto all that he could of his father. Obama goes onto describe many years of his child and adult life. This is a must read for book fans, even if Obama hadn't become the first black American president he was still one hell of a writer.

Moving,engaging and inspiring, 15 Nov 2008
I have just finished President elect Obama's book. I could not put it down,and could not believe it was written by a politician.

He gives an honest account of his journey into his self, and search for his identity and roots.

I feel I have a real sense of the man, after reading this book. He is self aware, and I enjoyed his ability to share his struggles with readers.I could pick up on his sense of sadness, and confusion in his journey.


His work in the South side of Chicago, definitely gave him the grounding for the brilliant campaign he ran for the presidency.

I particularly enjoyed his description of his journey to Kenya, which I have travelled to several times.

This is definitely one of the best memoirs I have read.He writes with sensitivity,and is able to connect with his readers.

It gives me a lot of insight into the values,and background of the next president of the United States.



Perceptive, sensitive, funny, self-ironic, 13 Nov 2008
This was an unexpectedly fantastic read: how could a man who (later)decided to go into politics be so honest, so self-searching, so willing to explore beneath the surfaces? The fact that the author is now the US president-elect makes it all the more intriguing, but the autobiography is wonderful even without that extra 'icing on the cake'. Obama has a sensitivity to his own and others' weaknesses and strengths; he sees through the facade but is forgiving of people's foibles. What he has to say about being of mixed race is very much worth listening to: all those who just don't get the problems in US ghettoes or African countries might learn something here. His search for his own identity--the archetypical hero's journey to find the father--is both funny and very touching; the immense disappointment becomes a source of knowledge and wisdom. This is a man who crosses many bridges: between black and white, men and women, 'West' and 'Third World', past and present. Buy it--and enjoy it!

Readable and interesting book, 20 Nov 2008
This is an interesting and readable history of our country since the Second World War marred (pun intended) by a liberal/left-wing bias. Andrew Marr deals with a number of topics and this book is neither political nor social history but contains bits of each and more.

Much of the book is a re-hash of information that I had already gathered from elsewhere but some topics were new to me. For example, Andrew Marr spent some time discussing the rise of pop music and how this and the fashion industry seems to have originated mainly from people who went to art school rather than e.g. university or technical college.

The main strengths of the book are a clear writing style and the willingness to tackle slighly off beat subjects here and there so that one gained some knowledge and understanding of unfamiliar topics.

An average, anti-success summary of the UK, 15 Nov 2008
In summay, Andrew tries to bring together a very complicated period of life in the UK and diluting it to the level of the average Guardian reader (i.e. tell me what to think and that be so, and by the way I like the working class, alright guv').

Generally well researched, but so distracted by his weird "liberal" / puritanical (anti-alcohol / fun) beliefs, that you don't know what he is trying to say. If this is the future of liberal and impartial journalism then we are destined to live with a Socialist Fascist system, and having experienced this book and this Government I think this is closer to being a reality than many think (despite the arguments of ideology!)

Excellent book, 27 Sep 2008
I took this book on holiday with me and I feel a week by the pool is a perfect way to enjoy this book.

I really enjoyed the pace of this work. I felt it gave just the right amount of detail without dwelling on unimportant facts.

For me it was constantly enthralling. As a 23 year-old I certainly learnt a great deal. The detail is far greater than the BBC series that accompanied the book. My only doubt is whether had I lived through the times discussed I would have found it a little lightweight.

History at its best, 26 Sep 2008
I found this book a real pleasure to read. It is a penetrating and scholarly account of Britain's post-war history. It is brilliantly researched and beautifully written - the author has a good eye for the amusing bon mot - yet it deals in a balanced and sensible way with the key developments and personalities of the post-war era. If a better book has been published in the past year, then I have not come across it.

A future school textbook - and useful now., 29 Aug 2008
This book was updated for its paperback release and having read it carefully I suspect that many of the errors referred to by other reviewers were removed at that point. Having lived out of Britain for a sizeable chunk of my adult life, I found that I had much to learn from the pages - several large gaps in my knowledge were filled in.

I found it difficult to detect any signs of bias, and Andrew Marr's easy writing style made it a pleasure to read. This is almost as far removed from the dry history textbook that I wrestled with as a young student as it is possible to be. For anyone wanting a crash course on British modern history, this could not be bettered. Well researched and referenced, this deserves to become a standard.

Simple but elegantly written, 20 Nov 2008
Obama completely embraces the importance of effective communication as reflected on this book. I like the part where he realized how important is saying the right words and get the people's undivided attention to what he is saying.

Best Book I've read in 10 yrs., 20 Nov 2008
He describes his childhood to manhood in such a sensitive & interesting way. An honest & frank look at race issues that he had to consider due to his mixed race & ancestry. Until I'd read the book, I hadn't realised how deep he was. I Highly Recommend this book! Once I started it , I then looked forward to my next train journeys, to get the next instalment. And its now solved my Xmas gift ideas! I'm buying 10 x copies for friends & family. Great Writer!

Touching and sincere, 16 Nov 2008
This book was written so beutifully, that even the most mundane information evokes emotions that can't be explained. The chapter in which he describes his only memories of his father from about age ten is the part that really got me. Obama shares the memory of the one and only time his father taught him to dance. "Come Barry,my father said. "You will learn from the master" And suddenly his slender body was swaying back and forth, the lush sound was rising, his arms were swinging...." I became teary eyed while reading that part on the tube on the way to a job interview. I felt sorry that this young boy held onto all that he could of his father. Obama goes onto describe many years of his child and adult life. This is a must read for book fans, even if Obama hadn't become the first black American president he was still one hell of a writer.

Moving,engaging and inspiring, 15 Nov 2008
I have just finished President elect Obama's book. I could not put it down,and could not believe it was written by a politician.

He gives an honest account of his journey into his self, and search for his identity and roots.

I feel I have a real sense of the man, after reading this book. He is self aware, and I enjoyed his ability to share his struggles with readers.I could pick up on his sense of sadness, and confusion in his journey.


His work in the South side of Chicago, definitely gave him the grounding for the brilliant campaign he ran for the presidency.

I particularly enjoyed his description of his journey to Kenya, which I have travelled to several times.

This is definitely one of the best memoirs I have read.He writes with sensitivity,and is able to connect with his readers.

It gives me a lot of insight into the values,and background of the next president of the United States.



Perceptive, sensitive, funny, self-ironic, 13 Nov 2008
This was an unexpectedly fantastic read: how could a man who (later)decided to go into politics be so honest, so self-searching, so willing to explore beneath the surfaces? The fact that the author is now the US president-elect makes it all the more intriguing, but the autobiography is wonderful even without that extra 'icing on the cake'. Obama has a sensitivity to his own and others' weaknesses and strengths; he sees through the facade but is forgiving of people's foibles. What he has to say about being of mixed race is very much worth listening to: all those who just don't get the problems in US ghettoes or African countries might learn something here. His search for his own identity--the archetypical hero's journey to find the father--is both funny and very touching; the immense disappointment becomes a source of knowledge and wisdom. This is a man who crosses many bridges: between black and white, men and women, 'West' and 'Third World', past and present. Buy it--and enjoy it!

Readable and interesting book, 20 Nov 2008
This is an interesting and readable history of our country since the Second World War marred (pun intended) by a liberal/left-wing bias. Andrew Marr deals with a number of topics and this book is neither political nor social history but contains bits of each and more.

Much of the book is a re-hash of information that I had already gathered from elsewhere but some topics were new to me. For example, Andrew Marr spent some time discussing the rise of pop music and how this and the fashion industry seems to have originated mainly from people who went to art school rather than e.g. university or technical college.

The main strengths of the book are a clear writing style and the willingness to tackle slighly off beat subjects here and there so that one gained some knowledge and understanding of unfamiliar topics.

An average, anti-success summary of the UK, 15 Nov 2008
In summay, Andrew tries to bring together a very complicated period of life in the UK and diluting it to the level of the average Guardian reader (i.e. tell me what to think and that be so, and by the way I like the working class, alright guv').

Generally well researched, but so distracted by his weird "liberal" / puritanical (anti-alcohol / fun) beliefs, that you don't know what he is trying to say. If this is the future of liberal and impartial journalism then we are destined to live with a Socialist Fascist system, and having experienced this book and this Government I think this is closer to being a reality than many think (despite the arguments of ideology!)

Excellent book, 27 Sep 2008
I took this book on holiday with me and I feel a week by the pool is a perfect way to enjoy this book.

I really enjoyed the pace of this work. I felt it gave just the right amount of detail without dwelling on unimportant facts.

For me it was constantly enthralling. As a 23 year-old I certainly learnt a great deal. The detail is far greater than the BBC series that accompanied the book. My only doubt is whether had I lived through the times discussed I would have found it a little lightweight.

History at its best, 26 Sep 2008
I found this book a real pleasure to read. It is a penetrating and scholarly account of Britain's post-war history. It is brilliantly researched and beautifully written - the author has a good eye for the amusing bon mot - yet it deals in a balanced and sensible way with the key developments and personalities of the post-war era. If a better book has been published in the past year, then I have not come across it.

A future school textbook - and useful now., 29 Aug 2008
This book was updated for its paperback release and having read it carefully I suspect that many of the errors referred to by other reviewers were removed at that point. Having lived out of Britain for a sizeable chunk of my adult life, I found that I had much to learn from the pages - several large gaps in my knowledge were filled in.

I found it difficult to detect any signs of bias, and Andrew Marr's easy writing style made it a pleasure to read. This is almost as far removed from the dry history textbook that I wrestled with as a young student as it is possible to be. For anyone wanting a crash course on British modern history, this could not be bettered. Well researched and referenced, this deserves to become a standard.

Readable and interesting book, 20 Nov 2008
This is an interesting and readable history of our country since the Second World War marred (pun intended) by a liberal/left-wing bias. Andrew Marr deals with a number of topics and this book is neither political nor social history but contains bits of each and more.

Much of the book is a re-hash of information that I had already gathered from elsewhere but some topics were new to me. For example, Andrew Marr spent some time discussing the rise of pop music and how this and the fashion industry seems to have originated mainly from people who went to art school rather than e.g. university or technical college.

The main strengths of the book are a clear writing style and the willingness to tackle slighly off beat subjects here and there so that one gained some knowledge and understanding of unfamiliar topics.

An average, anti-success summary of the UK, 15 Nov 2008
In summay, Andrew tries to bring together a very complicated period of life in the UK and diluting it to the level of the average Guardian reader (i.e. tell me what to think and that be so, and by the way I like the working class, alright guv').

Generally well researched, but so distracted by his weird "liberal" / puritanical (anti-alcohol / fun) beliefs, that you don't know what he is trying to say. If this is the future of liberal and impartial journalism then we are destined to live with a Socialist Fascist system, and having experienced this book and this Government I think this is closer to being a reality than many think (despite the arguments of ideology!)

Excellent book, 27 Sep 2008
I took this book on holiday with me and I feel a week by the pool is a perfect way to enjoy this book.

I really enjoyed the pace of this work. I felt it gave just the right amount of detail without dwelling on unimportant facts.

For me it was constantly enthralling. As a 23 year-old I certainly learnt a great deal. The detail is far greater than the BBC series that accompanied the book. My only doubt is whether had I lived through the times discussed I would have found it a little lightweight.

History at its best, 26 Sep 2008
I found this book a real pleasure to read. It is a penetrating and scholarly account of Britain's post-war history. It is brilliantly researched and beautifully written - the author has a good eye for the amusing bon mot - yet it deals in a balanced and sensible way with the key developments and personalities of the post-war era. If a better book has been published in the past year, then I have not come across it.

A future school textbook - and useful now., 29 Aug 2008
This book was updated for its paperback release and having read it carefully I suspect that many of the errors referred to by other reviewers were removed at that point. Having lived out of Britain for a sizeable chunk of my adult life, I found that I had much to learn from the pages - several large gaps in my knowledge were filled in.

I found it difficult to detect any signs of bias, and Andrew Marr's easy writing style made it a pleasure to read. This is almost as far removed from the dry history textbook that I wrestled with as a young student as it is possible to be. For anyone wanting a crash course on British modern history, this could not be bettered. Well researched and referenced, this deserves to become a standard.

Simple but elegantly written, 20 Nov 2008
Obama completely embraces the importance of effective communication as reflected on this book. I like the part where he realized how important is saying the right words and get the people's undivided attention to what he is saying.

Best Book I've read in 10 yrs., 20 Nov 2008
He describes his childhood to manhood in such a sensitive & interesting way. An honest & frank look at race issues that he had to consider due to his mixed race & ancestry. Until I'd read the book, I hadn't realised how deep he was. I Highly Recommend this book! Once I started it , I then looked forward to my next train journeys, to get the next instalment. And its now solved my Xmas gift ideas! I'm buying 10 x copies for friends & family. Great Writer!

Touching and sincere, 16 Nov 2008
This book was written so beutifully, that even the most mundane information evokes emotions that can't be explained. The chapter in which he describes his only memories of his father from about age ten is the part that really got me. Obama shares the memory of the one and only time his father taught him to dance. "Come Barry,my father said. "You will learn from the master" And suddenly his slender body was swaying back and forth, the lush sound was rising, his arms were swinging...." I became teary eyed while reading that part on the tube on the way to a job interview. I felt sorry that this young boy held onto all that he could of his father. Obama goes onto describe many years of his child and adult life. This is a must read for book fans, even if Obama hadn't become the first black American president he was still one hell of a writer.

Moving,engaging and inspiring, 15 Nov 2008
I have just finished President elect Obama's book. I could not put it down,and could not believe it was written by a politician.

He gives an honest account of his journey into his self, and search for his identity and roots.

I feel I have a real sense of the man, after reading this book. He is self aware, and I enjoyed his ability to share his struggles with readers.I could pick up on his sense of sadness, and confusion in his journey.


His work in the South side of Chicago, definitely gave him the grounding for the brilliant campaign he ran for the presidency.

I particularly enjoyed his description of his journey to Kenya, which I have travelled to several times.

This is definitely one of the best memoirs I have read.He writes with sensitivity,and is able to connect with his readers.

It gives me a lot of insight into the values,and background of the next president of the United States.



Perceptive, sensitive, funny, self-ironic, 13 Nov 2008
This was an unexpectedly fantastic read: how could a man who (later)decided to go into politics be so honest, so self-searching, so willing to explore beneath the surfaces? The fact that the author is now the US president-elect makes it all the more intriguing, but the autobiography is wonderful even without that extra 'icing on the cake'. Obama has a sensitivity to his own and others' weaknesses and strengths; he sees through the facade but is forgiving of people's foibles. What he has to say about being of mixed race is very much worth listening to: all those who just don't get the problems in US ghettoes or African countries might learn something here. His search for his own identity--the archetypical hero's journey to find the father--is both funny and very touching; the immense disappointment becomes a source of knowledge and wisdom. This is a man who crosses many bridges: between black and white, men and women, 'West' and 'Third World', past and present. Buy it--and enjoy it!

Readable and interesting book, 20 Nov 2008
This is an interesting and readable history of our country since the Second World War marred (pun intended) by a liberal/left-wing bias. Andrew Marr deals with a number of topics and this book is neither political nor social history but contains bits of each and more.

Much of the book is a re-hash of information that I had already gathered from elsewhere but some topics were new to me. For example, Andrew Marr spent some time discussing the rise of pop music and how this and the fashion industry seems to have originated mainly from people who went to art school rather than e.g. university or technical college.

The main strengths of the book are a clear writing style and the willingness to tackle slighly off beat subjects here and there so that one gained some knowledge and understanding of unfamiliar topics.

An average, anti-success summary of the UK, 15 Nov 2008
In summay, Andrew tries to bring together a very complicated period of life in the UK and diluting it to the level of the average Guardian reader (i.e. tell me what to think and that be so, and by the way I like the working class, alright guv').

Generally well researched, but so distracted by his weird "liberal" / puritanical (anti-alcohol / fun) beliefs, that you don't know what he is trying to say. If this is the future of liberal and impartial journalism then we are destined to live with a Socialist Fascist system, and having experienced this book and this Government I think this is closer to being a reality than many think (despite the arguments of ideology!)

Excellent book, 27 Sep 2008
I took this book on holiday with me and I feel a week by the pool is a perfect way to enjoy this book.

I really enjoyed the pace of this work. I felt it gave just the right amount of detail without dwelling on unimportant facts.

For me it was constantly enthralling. As a 23 year-old I certainly learnt a great deal. The detail is far greater than the BBC series that accompanied the book. My only doubt is whether had I lived through the times discussed I would have found it a little lightweight.

History at its best, 26 Sep 2008
I found this book a real pleasure to read. It is a penetrating and scholarly account of Britain's post-war history. It is brilliantly researched and beautifully written - the author has a good eye for the amusing bon mot - yet it deals in a balanced and sensible way with the key developments and personalities of the post-war era. If a better book has been published in the past year, then I have not come across it.

A future school textbook - and useful now., 29 Aug 2008
This book was updated for its paperback release and having read it carefully I suspect that many of the errors referred to by other reviewers were removed at that point. Having lived out of Britain for a sizeable chunk of my adult life, I found that I had much to learn from the pages - several large gaps in my knowledge were filled in.

I found it difficult to detect any signs of bias, and Andrew Marr's easy writing style made it a pleasure to read. This is almost as far removed from the dry history textbook that I wrestled with as a young student as it is possible to be. For anyone wanting a crash course on British modern history, this could not be bettered. Well researched and referenced, this deserves to become a standard.

Readable and interesting book, 20 Nov 2008
This is an interesting and readable history of our country since the Second World War marred (pun intended) by a liberal/left-wing bias. Andrew Marr deals with a number of topics and this book is neither political nor social history but contains bits of each and more.

Much of the book is a re-hash of information that I had already gathered from elsewhere but some topics were new to me. For example, Andrew Marr spent some time discussing the rise of pop music and how this and the fashion industry seems to have originated mainly from people who went to art school rather than e.g. university or technical college.

The main strengths of the book are a clear writing style and the willingness to tackle slighly off beat subjects here and there so that one gained some knowledge and understanding of unfamiliar topics.

An average, anti-success summary of the UK, 15 Nov 2008
In summay, Andrew tries to bring together a very complicated period of life in the UK and diluting it to the level of the average Guardian reader (i.e. tell me what to think and that be so, and by the way I like the working class, alright guv').

Generally well researched, but so distracted by his weird "liberal" / puritanical (anti-alcohol / fun) beliefs, that you don't know what he is trying to say. If this is the future of liberal and impartial journalism then we are destined to live with a Socialist Fascist system, and having experienced this book and this Government I think this is closer to being a reality than many think (despite the arguments of ideology!)

Excellent book, 27 Sep 2008
I took this book on holiday with me and I feel a week by the pool is a perfect way to enjoy this book.

I really enjoyed the pace of this work. I felt it gave just the right amount of detail without dwelling on unimportant facts.

For me it was constantly enthralling. As a 23 year-old I certainly learnt a great deal. The detail is far greater than the BBC series that accompanied the book. My only doubt is whether had I lived through the times discussed I would have found it a little lightweight.

History at its best, 26 Sep 2008
I found this book a real pleasure to read. It is a penetrating and scholarly account of Britain's post-war history. It is brilliantly researched and beautifully written - the author has a good eye for the amusing bon mot - yet it deals in a balanced and sensible way with the key developments and personalities of the post-war era. If a better book has been published in the past year, then I have not come across it.

A future school textbook - and useful now., 29 Aug 2008
This book was updated for its paperback release and having read it carefully I suspect that many of the errors referred to by other reviewers were removed at that point. Having lived out of Britain for a sizeable chunk of my adult life, I found that I had much to learn from the pages - several large gaps in my knowledge were filled in.

I found it difficult to detect any signs of bias, and Andrew Marr's easy writing style made it a pleasure to read. This is almost as far removed from the dry history textbook that I wrestled with as a young student as it is possible to be. For anyone wanting a crash course on British modern history, this could not be bettered. Well researched and referenced, this deserves to become a standard.

You'll never learn so much in such a small book, 28 Jan 2007
This book is a work of genius for the whole, exquisitely written it offers wisdom on most pages and nonsense on the others. It's been a very long time since I learnt such a large amount, the language has a poetic beauty to it and anybody interested in governance should read this. The thesis of the book is well known (as it indeed should be) but there are some startling facts about the author. Rousseau was serial child abandoner; he seems to have left five children in foundling hospitals and when attacked by his critic, a certain Voltaire, his defence was that the he would have been a poor father and his children would fair better in a foundling hospital. A slightly implausible fact given the high mortality rate at the founding hospital. Still, we judge him for his ideas, not his actions so this book receives a resounding five stars.

socialist precurser, 22 Mar 2006
this book is not, as other readers claim, endorsing dictatorship, but rather is criticising bad democracy. surprisingly persuasive and well written, as a blueprint to later socialist theories eg Marx, it is fascinating.

A Warning From History, 19 May 2004
This is an important book, perhaps one of the most influential ever written. Unfortunately its influence has been wholly pernicious in the extreme - the blueprint for totalitarian regimes the world over. Rousseau was a psychotic and self obsessed individual who elaborated a theory of human civilization at odds with the basic principles of common sense and reason. From the French Revolutionary terror to the Soviet Gulags - the hallmarks of Rousseau's absurd doctrines can be found. But a willfull disregard for reality seems to be the prerequisite for so called enlightened thinkers and those that provided the ideological bedrock for revolutionaries from the french revolution onwards. The most recent example of an attempt to throw off the 'shackles' of civilization occured in Cambodia - Pol Pot - a true disciple of Rousseau, nurtured in the intellectual salons of the Left Bank. Savage indeed, but noble? In the fevered dreams of Marxist intellectuals were the ovens and gulags first delineated - Rousseau was their precursor, an important document, handle with care.

Rousseau, we love ya!, 06 Mar 2001
It's coherent. It's valid. It's informed. One must make up one's own mind about the 'general will', however. Buy, read, then dismiss. Or buy, read, then love. If you can find it in your soul to love a piece of political theory, that is.

Simple but elegantly written, 20 Nov 2008
Obama completely embraces the importance of effective communication as reflected on this book. I like the part where he realized how important is saying the right words and get the people's undivided attention to what he is saying.

Best Book I've read in 10 yrs., 20 Nov 2008
He describes his childhood to manhood in such a sensitive & interesting way. An honest & frank look at race issues that he had to consider due to his mixed race & ancestry. Until I'd read the book, I hadn't realised how deep he was. I Highly Recommend this book! Once I started it , I then looked forward to my next train journeys, to get the next instalment. And its now solved my Xmas gift ideas! I'm buying 10 x copies for friends & family. Great Writer!

Touching and sincere, 16 Nov 2008
This book was written so beutifully, that even the most mundane information evokes emotions that can't be explained. The chapter in which he describes his only memories of his father from about age ten is the part that really got me. Obama shares the memory of the one and only time his father taught him to dance. "Come Barry,my father said. "You will learn from the master" And suddenly his slender body was swaying back and forth, the lush sound was rising, his arms were swinging...." I became teary eyed while reading that part on the tube on the way to a job interview. I felt sorry that this young boy held onto all that he could of his father. Obama goes onto describe many years of his child and adult life. This is a must read for book fans, even if Obama hadn't become the first black American president he was still one hell of a writer.

Moving,engaging and inspiring, 15 Nov 2008
I have just finished President elect Obama's book. I could not put it down,and could not believe it was written by a politician.

He gives an honest account of his journey into his self, and search for his identity and roots.

I feel I have a real sense of the man, after reading this book. He is self aware, and I enjoyed his ability to share his struggles with readers.I could pick up on his sense of sadness, and confusion in his journey.


His work in the South side of Chicago, definitely gave him the grounding for the brilliant campaign he ran for the presidency.

I particularly enjoyed his description of his journey to Kenya, which I have travelled to several times.

This is definitely one of the best memoirs I have read.He writes with sensitivity,and is able to connect with his readers.

It gives me a lot of insight into the values,and background of the next president of the United States.



Perceptive, sensitive, funny, self-ironic, 13 Nov 2008
This was an unexpectedly fantastic read: how could a man who (later)decided to go into politics be so honest, so self-searching, so willing to explore beneath the surfaces? The fact that the author is now the US president-elect makes it all the more intriguing, but the autobiography is wonderful even without that extra 'icing on the cake'. Obama has a sensitivity to his own and others' weaknesses and strengths; he sees through the facade but is forgiving of people's foibles. What he has to say about being of mixed race is very much worth listening to: all those who just don't get the problems in US ghettoes or African countries might learn something here. His search for his own identity--the archetypical hero's journey to find the father--is both funny and very touching; the immense disappointment becomes a source of knowledge and wisdom. This is a man who crosses many bridges: between black and white, men and women, 'West' and 'Third World', past and present. Buy it--and enjoy it!

Readable and interesting book, 20 Nov 2008
This is an interesting and readable history of our country since the Second World War marred (pun intended) by a liberal/left-wing bias. Andrew Marr deals with a number of topics and this book is neither political nor social history but contains bits of each and more.

Much of the book is a re-hash of information that I had already gathered from elsewhere but some topics were new to me. For example, Andrew Marr spent some time discussing the rise of pop music and how this and the fashion industry seems to have originated mainly from people who went to art school rather than e.g. university or technical college.

The main strengths of the book are a clear writing style and the willingness to tackle slighly off beat subjects here and there so that one gained some knowledge and understanding of unfamiliar topics.

An average, anti-success summary of the UK, 15 Nov 2008
In summay, Andrew tries to bring together a very complicated period of life in the UK and diluting it to the level of the average Guardian reader (i.e. tell me what to think and that be so, and by the way I like the working class, alright guv').

Generally well researched, but so distracted by his weird "liberal" / puritanical (anti-alcohol / fun) beliefs, that you don't know what he is trying to say. If this is the future of liberal and impartial journalism then we are destined to live with a Socialist Fascist system, and having experienced this book and this Government I think this is closer to being a reality than many think (despite the arguments of ideology!)

Excellent book, 27 Sep 2008
I took this book on holiday with me and I feel a week by the pool is a perfect way to enjoy this book.

I really enjoyed the pace of this work. I felt it gave just the right amount of detail without dwelling on unimportant facts.

For me it was constantly enthralling. As a 23 year-old I certainly learnt a great deal. The detail is far greater than the BBC series that accompanied the book. My only doubt is whether had I lived through the times discussed I would have found it a little lightweight.

History at its best, 26 Sep 2008
I found this book a real pleasure to read. It is a penetrating and scholarly account of Britain's post-war history. It is brilliantly researched and beautifully written - the author has a good eye for the amusing bon mot - yet it deals in a balanced and sensible way with the key developments and personalities of the post-war era. If a better book has been published in the past year, then I have not come across it.

A future school textbook - and useful now., 29 Aug 2008
This book was updated for its paperback release and having read it carefully I suspect that many of the errors referred to by other reviewers were removed at that point. Having lived out of Britain for a sizeable chunk of my adult life, I found that I had much to learn from the pages - several large gaps in my knowledge were filled in.

I found it difficult to detect any signs of bias, and Andrew Marr's easy writing style made it a pleasure to read. This is almost as far removed from the dry history textbook that I wrestled with as a young student as it is possible to be. For anyone wanting a crash course on British modern history, this could not be bettered. Well researched and referenced, this deserves to become a standard.

Readable and interesting book, 20 Nov 2008
This is an interesting and readable history of our country since the Second World War marred (pun intended) by a liberal/left-wing bias. Andrew Marr deals with a number of topics and this book is neither political nor social history but contains bits of each and more.

Much of the book is a re-hash of information that I had already gathered from elsewhere but some topics were new to me. For example, Andrew Marr spent some time discussing the rise of pop music and how this and the fashion industry seems to have originated mainly from people who went to art school rather than e.g. university or technical college.

The main strengths of the book are a clear writing style and the willingness to tackle slighly off beat subjects here and there so that one gained some knowledge and understanding of unfamiliar topics.

An average, anti-success summary of the UK, 15 Nov 2008
In summay, Andrew tries to bring together a very complicated period of life in the UK and diluting it to the level of the average Guardian reader (i.e. tell me what to think and that be so, and by the way I like the working class, alright guv').

Generally well researched, but so distracted by his weird "liberal" / puritanical (anti-alcohol / fun) beliefs, that you don't know what he is trying to say. If this is the future of liberal and impartial journalism then we are destined to live with a Socialist Fascist system, and having experienced this book and this Government I think this is closer to being a reality than many think (despite the arguments of ideology!)

Excellent book, 27 Sep 2008
I took this book on holiday with me and I feel a week by the pool is a perfect way to enjoy this book.

I really enjoyed the pace of this work. I felt it gave just the right amount of detail without dwelling on unimportant facts.

For me it was constantly enthralling. As a 23 year-old I certainly learnt a great deal. The detail is far greater than the BBC series that accompanied the book. My only doubt is whether had I lived through the times discussed I would have found it a little lightweight.

History at its best, 26 Sep 2008
I found this book a real pleasure to read. It is a penetrating and scholarly account of Britain's post-war history. It is brilliantly researched and beautifully written - the author has a good eye for the amusing bon mot - yet it deals in a balanced and sensible way with the key developments and personalities of the post-war era. If a better book has been published in the past year, then I have not come across it.

A future school textbook - and useful now., 29 Aug 2008
This book was updated for its paperback release and having read it carefully I suspect that many of the errors referred to by other reviewers were removed at that point. Having lived out of Britain for a sizeable chunk of my adult life, I found that I had much to learn from the pages - several large gaps in my knowledge were filled in.

I found it difficult to detect any signs of bias, and Andrew Marr's easy writing style made it a pleasure to read. This is almost as far removed from the dry history textbook that I wrestled with as a young student as it is possible to be. For anyone wanting a crash course on British modern history, this could not be bettered. Well researched and referenced, this deserves to become a standard.

You'll never learn so much in such a small book, 28 Jan 2007
This book is a work of genius for the whole, exquisitely written it offers wisdom on most pages and nonsense on the others. It's been a very long time since I learnt such a large amount, the language has a poetic beauty to it and anybody interested in governance should read this. The thesis of the book is well known (as it indeed should be) but there are some startling facts about the author. Rousseau was serial child abandoner; he seems to have left five children in foundling hospitals and when attacked by his critic, a certain Voltaire, his defence was that the he would have been a poor father and his children would fair better in a foundling hospital. A slightly implausible fact given the high mortality rate at the founding hospital. Still, we judge him for his ideas, not his actions so this book receives a resounding five stars.

socialist precurser, 22 Mar 2006
this book is not, as other readers claim, endorsing dictatorship, but rather is criticising bad democracy. surprisingly persuasive and well written, as a blueprint to later socialist theories eg Marx, it is fascinating.

A Warning From History, 19 May 2004
This is an important book, perhaps one of the most influential ever written. Unfortunately its influence has been wholly pernicious in the extreme - the blueprint for totalitarian regimes the world over. Rousseau was a psychotic and self obsessed individual who elaborated a theory of human civilization at odds with the basic principles of common sense and reason. From the French Revolutionary terror to the Soviet Gulags - the hallmarks of Rousseau's absurd doctrines can be found. But a willfull disregard for reality seems to be the prerequisite for so called enlightened thinkers and those that provided the ideological bedrock for revolutionaries from the french revolution onwards. The most recent example of an attempt to throw off the 'shackles' of civilization occured in Cambodia - Pol Pot - a true disciple of Rousseau, nurtured in the intellectual salons of the Left Bank. Savage indeed, but noble? In the fevered dreams of Marxist intellectuals were the ovens and gulags first delineated - Rousseau was their precursor, an important document, handle with care.

Rousseau, we love ya!, 06 Mar 2001
It's coherent. It's valid. It's informed. One must make up one's own mind about the 'general will', however. Buy, read, then dismiss. Or buy, read, then love. If you can find it in your soul to love a piece of political theory, that is.

Very good, 22 Nov 2008
Interested in human rights? Interested in finding out about what some "democratic" governments can do and get away with doing when people just don't know? Well then stop what you are doing, go to your library or book shop and get this book.

In 'Freedom Next Time', Pilger details five harrowing accounts of appalling, shameful and disgraceful human right abuses: Diego Garcia, Palestine, South Africa, Afghanistan and India.

The abuses are systematic and on a grand scale. They reflect problems of governance and the pernicious consequence of mass ignorance which facilitates either bad action or inaction. He chronicles each account by first explaining the particulars of the background of the problem and then presenting the details of his own very thorough investigations.

The chapters in the book correspond to different documentaries Pilger has done which are also available now on his various DVDs (which are also excellent). The difference is that the book goes into more detail.

It's not just a book of facts, there's an underlying socio-political point in 'Freedom Next Time': democratic governments can be complicit in human right abuses if something suits their geo-political needs and people are disinterested about what happens in other parts of the world - usually quite far away from their own doorstep.

The only criticism I'd have is that I thought his in South Africa chapter. I thought his account of Mandela veered slightly from balanced objectivity. Yes, there may have been some non - ideal things that someone widely regarded as a human rights hero had to do, while in political office, but isn't that always the sad reality? Tough decisions may have to be made. There may be times when there may only be a lesser of two evils, and isn't only naive idealism preventing us from accepting that?

But the book's positives far outweigh pedantic negatives. For example - sticking with South Africa - Pilger details the shocking abuses of workers in the South African mines. This was something that I myself, only found out about after a trip to South Africa when the miners were currently on strike, because the working conditions were so unsafe and so many of them were dieing while producing gold which let's face it was mainly for Western Jewelry. It was melancholic reality that stuck in my head and I was irritated why most Western media and people - who let's face it end up buying Jewelry coming from mines like these - were just blissfully unaware of it.

There's a shocking sad reality to life. When people don't know, either because of ignorance or apathy, they won't be able to care. When they don't care, democratic governments won't do anything. It's essential that we engage ourselves in these issues. Yes, unfortunately ignorance is bliss but as the journalist Molly Ivins once said ignorance can also be "root of evil".

Thankfully we have elucidating, enlightening and conscientious focused people like Pilger to help us wake up from time to time.






Freedom Next Time by John Pilger Reviewed by Sarah Markworth, 22 May 2008
In his book Freedom Next Time, reputed journalist John Pilger uncovers the real reasons behind British and American interest in Palestine, India, South Africa and Afghanistan. Backed up with hard facts, interviews and eyewitness accounts, Pilger has exposed that: under the guise of freeing these people from the `terrorism of their oppressors', our leaders have planted a new political order, obtaining power over assets and plunging millions of people further into poverty and suffering.

Within the pages of this powerful book, the goal of global domination by the United States, aided by British Imperialistic groundwork, is revealed. We are shown how our rulers instigate internal wars, manipulate facts and censor our news to justify our army invasions as they replace one form of terror for another.

This book is not a comfortable read and nor should it be. Pilger shows us that fascism never went away, the `Orwellian state' is reported to already be here and corporate corruption aids the United States of America in its dream of worldwide dominance.

Page after page urges our sleeping nation to wake up before it is too late, to take a look behind the scenes and see who really controls our news, our governments, and where our taxes are going. Revelation after revelation is poured out as we realize that lifestyles in the west are only sustainable because millions of hidden people are suffering.

The latest edition of this book was printed in 2007 and has been published by Black Swan. The recommended price is £8.99. In my opinion this book is worth the money as it offers you over 20 years of research into the economics and politics of these invisible communities. If you want to know the truth, this book is packed with it.

Excellent investigative journalism exposing the truth of current atrocities, 01 May 2008
Freedom next time is an excellent read. Thought provoking and puts new light on the crimes of the west on developing countries. John Pilger narrates a harrowing tale of betrayal and deceit with well-sourced interviews on both sides of a myriad of important injustices that currently plague our world. He starts with the little known plight of the Chaogisans: a people who were evicted from their Island at the same time as the Falklands war. This was because the British government `sold' it for a discount on a Nuclear Trident submarine and the 2500 people forgotten and ignored. The US consequently turned the Island paradise into one of their largest overseas bases from which they would later launch air attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Pilger then discusses the increasing stratification of society in India, reveals the true results of the end of apartheid in South Africa. He gains access to many influential parties involved in the current genocide of Palestine by Israel and exposes the barbarism of Governments, the complicity of the media in suppressing the true nature of how the Palestinians are being treated.

This is an excellent companion to Naoim Kleins, `Shock Doctrine' which goes into more detail into the involvement of the IMF, world bank, corporations and military industrial complex in many of the same issues that Pilger discusses from the human contact and investigative journalism he has undertaken.

Essential reading.

Many of the interviews from this book can be seen in a series of BBC documentaries available by searching google video.


A truly shocking and vitally important expose, 20 Mar 2008
This book gets to the very heart of the way injustice is perpetrated in the world. In the best traditions of investigative journalism, Pilger examines in depth a number of ongoing situations in the world involving exploitation and injustice. The first of these relates to the plight group of islanders evicted from their Chagos island home using blatant deceit and brute force and given so little compensation that they were consigned to a life of penury in Mauritius. Why? So the British could give their American allies an island paradise as a new military base. The fact that most of us have never even heard of the Chagos islanders demonstrates the complicity of the world media in selectively reporting the news we often naively assume to have at least a modicum of impartiality.

The true shock of the book comes with the following chapters, however, where we are systematically shown the perspectives of those who have suffered most in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in Afghanistan and since the end of the apartheid regime in South Africa. Did you think the average black South African has more opportunities to get ahead since the end of apartheid? or that the average Afghan woman is much better off since the ousting of the Taliban? I did - but completely erroneously as it turns out.

Pilger combines a concise summary of the facts with vivid snapshots of the situation on the ground in each location. He gives us excerpts from interviews with the victims that allow the reader to get a very personal perspective and juxtaposes these with excerpts from interviews with those responsible for the decisions that brought about the suffering. The combination is powerful and enlightening.

If I were to criticize the book it would be to say firstly that the chapter in India does not have the depth of the other chapters and adds little to the book. Secondly, Pilger very occasionally commits the same sin of telling only part of the truth that he accuses other journalists of. For example, he relates that the US has intervened 72 times in the affairs of other nations, including the overthrow of democratically elected social democracies such as in Guatemala, Brazil, Iran and Chile. I doubt that some of those governments would really have qualified as having been democratically elected by the standards that Pilger himself would apply to democracy. To be fair, this is a rare occurrence in the book and does not in any way detract from the substance of what Pilger has to say.

Best Piece of Investigative Journalism Ever !!!, 24 Dec 2007
WHAT a BOOK !!! and what an honour for it to grace my 1000th review.I live in Mauritius and I regularly see these Chagos Islanders protesting in front of the British Embassy that is near my car park. These guys have been robbed big time. Can u imagine being displaced from your homeland on some flimsy excuse that it is going to be used for US and UK military excuses. Pilger goes for the jugular and draws blood as from Page 1 itself. I would wholly recommend watching his documentary about Diego Garcia which is a very subtle accompaniment to the book.
Over two thousand Chagossian's were deported to Mauritius, dropped off with barely the cloths on their backs, currently living in abject poverty without compensation from the British government despite being British citizens. What is startling is the massive cover-up by the government and the silence of most journalists over three decades, allowing (them) to get away with it.

In chapter 2, The Last Taboo, chronicles the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Pilger devotes a lot of space to this subject, giving a well-rounded assessment of the `conflict', revealing terrorism on both sides of the equation. One point that should be stressed is that Israel is the leading country in denying and transgressing against numerous UN resolutions. One resolution being the right of the Palestinians to return to their homelands. Between 1948 and 2000, Israel has defied the UN and the International community 135 times, never seen before in UN history.

The effect of economic globalism in India is examined showing the widening gap between rich and poor that continues at an alarming rate.

Pilger also analysis South Africa since the end of Apartheid; having been banned from entering the country for thirty years, returns to discover that economically not much has changed, and those that committed unspeakable atrocities, have essentially gotten away with it. Again, a few are benefiting economically while the majority remain in poverty, dieing like flies from starvation and disease.

The last chapter, Liberating Afghanistan, is an appalling situation of lies, death and destruction. To say the least, Afghanistan is a convoluted mess. According to Pilger, the Afghanis' felt safer under the Taliban regime than the numerous warlords that are currently creating havoc across the country. The unreported innocent deaths from American bombing (10,000) are a terrible travesty beyond words. However, the true purpose of the "forgotten war", which has been reported by many others, including Bob Woodward of the Washington Post and author Gore Vidal, is the `oil and gas junta' as the oil lobby in Washington is now called, building a pipeline through to the oil and gas rich Caspian sea. This was the true purpose and the prize has been won. This is an example of incestuous collusion between corporations and government. Who is part of this deal? - a consortium of Enron, Amoco, British Petroleum, Chevron, Exxon and Mobil. Dick Cheney, former Chairman of Halliburton, James Baker, former secretary of State under Bush senior and Condoleezza Rice, once vice-president of Chevron Oil. Does anyone smell a rat?

This a hard book to read as man's inhumanity to man, the appalling lies and silence from the mainstream media, and the amount of innocent deaths around the globe for the betterment of the few, is hard to take. Pilger has never held back with the truth, despite numerous death threats over his career, banned from countries and standing up to those that perpetrate these crimes against humanity.

Simple but elegantly written, 20 Nov 2008
Obama completely embraces the importance of effective communication as reflected on this book. I like the part where he realized how important is saying the right words and get the people's undivided attention to what he is saying.

Best Book I've read in 10 yrs., 20 Nov 2008
He describes his childhood to manhood in such a sensitive & interesting way. An honest & frank look at race issues that he had to consider due to his mixed race & ancestry. Until I'd read the book, I hadn't realised how deep he was. I Highly Recommend this book! Once I started it , I then looked forward to my next train journeys, to get the next instalment. And its now solved my Xmas gift ideas! I'm buying 10 x copies for friends & family. Great Writer!

Touching and sincere, 16 Nov 2008
This book was written so beutifully, that even the most mundane information evokes emotions that can't be explained. The chapter in which he describes his only memories of his father from about age ten is the part that really got me. Obama shares the memory of the one and only time his father taught him to dance. "Come Barry,my father said. "You will learn from the master" And suddenly his slender body was swaying back and forth, the lush sound was rising, his arms were swinging...." I became teary eyed while reading that part on the tube on the way to a job interview. I felt sorry that this young boy held onto all that he could of his father. Obama goes onto describe many years of his child and adult life. This is a must read for book fans, even if Obama hadn't become the first black American president he was still one hell of a writer.

Moving,engaging and inspiring, 15 Nov 2008
I have just finished President elect Obama's book. I could not put it down,and could not believe it was written by a politician.

He gives an honest account of his journey into his self, and search for his identity and roots.

I feel I have a real sense of the man, after reading this book. He is self aware, and I enjoyed his ability to share his struggles with readers.I could pick up on his sense of sadness, and confusion in his journey.


His work in the South side of Chicago, definitely gave him the grounding for the brilliant campaign he ran for the presidency.

I particularly enjoyed his description of his journey to Kenya, which I have travelled to several times.

This is definitely one of the best memoirs I have read.He writes with sensitivity,and is able to connect with his readers.

It gives me a lot of insight into the values,and background of the next president of the United States.



Perceptive, sensitive, funny, self-ironic, 13 Nov 2008
This was an unexpectedly fantastic read: how could a man who (later)decided to go into politics be so honest, so self-searching, so willing to explore beneath the surfaces? The fact that the author is now the US president-elect makes it all the more intriguing, but the autobiography is wonderful even without that extra 'icing on the cake'. Obama has a sensitivity to his own and others' weaknesses and strengths; he sees through the facade but is forgiving of people's foibles. What he has to say about being of mixed race is very much worth listening to: all those who just don't get the problems in US ghettoes or African countries might learn something here. His search for his own identity--the archetypical hero's journey to find the father--is both funny and very touching; the immense disappointment becomes a source of knowledge and wisdom. This is a man who crosses many bridges: between black and white, men and women, 'West' and 'Third World', past and present. Buy it--and enjoy it!

Readable and interesting book, 20 Nov 2008
This is an interesting and readable history of our country since the Second World War marred (pun intended) by a liberal/left-wing bias. Andrew Marr deals with a number of topics and this book is neither political nor social history but contains bits of each and more.

Much of the book is a re-hash of information that I had already gathered from elsewhere but some topics were new to me. For example, Andrew Marr spent some time discussing the rise of pop music and how this and the fashion industry seems to have originated mainly from people who went to art school rather than e.g. university or technical college.

The main strengths of the book are a clear writing style and the willingness to tackle slighly off beat subjects here and there so that one gained some knowledge and understanding of unfamiliar topics.

An average, anti-success summary of the UK, 15 Nov 2008
In summay, Andrew tries to bring together a very complicated period of life in the UK and diluting it to the level of the average Guardian reader (i.e. tell me what to think and that be so, and by the way I like the working class, alright guv').

Generally well researched, but so distracted by his weird "liberal" / puritanical (anti-alcohol / fun) beliefs, that you don't know what he is trying to say. If this is the future of liberal and impartial journalism then we are destined to live with a Socialist Fascist system, and having experienced this book and this Government I think this is closer to being a reality than many think (despite the arguments of ideology!)

Excellent book, 27 Sep 2008
I took this book on holiday with me and I feel a week by the pool is a perfect way to enjoy this book.

I really enjoyed the pace of this work. I felt it gave just the right amount of detail without dwelling on unimportant facts.

For me it was constantly enthralling. As a 23 year-old I certainly learnt a great deal. The detail is far greater than the BBC series that accompanied the book. My only doubt is whether had I lived through the times discussed I would have found it a little lightweight.

History at its best, 26 Sep 2008
I found this book a real pleasure to read. It is a penetrating and scholarly account of Britain's post-war history. It is brilliantly researched and beautifully written - the author has a good eye for the amusing bon mot - yet it deals in a balanced and sensible way with the key developments and personalities of the post-war era. If a better book has been published in the past year, then I have not come across it.

A future school textbook - and useful now., 29 Aug 2008
This book was updated for its paperback release and having read it carefully I suspect that many of the errors referred to by other reviewers were removed at that point. Having lived out of Britain for a sizeable chunk of my adult life, I found that I had much to learn from the pages - several large gaps in my knowledge were filled in.

I found it difficult to detect any signs of bias, and Andrew Marr's easy writing style made it a pleasure to read. This is almost as far removed from the dry history textbook that I wrestled with as a young student as it is possible to be. For anyone wanting a crash course on British modern history, this could not be bettered. Well researched and referenced, this deserves to become a standard.

Readable and interesting book, 20 Nov 2008
This is an interesting and readable history of our country since the Second World War marred (pun intended) by a liberal/left-wing bias. Andrew Marr deals with a number of topics and this book is neither political nor social history but contains bits of each and more.

Much of the book is a re-hash of information that I had already gathered from elsewhere but some topics were new to me. For example, Andrew Marr spent some time discussing the rise of pop music and how this and the fashion industry seems to have originated mainly from people who went to art school rather than e.g. university or technical college.

The main strengths of the book are a clear writing style and the willingness to tackle slighly off beat subjects here and there so that one gained some knowledge and understanding of unfamiliar topics.

An average, anti-success summary of the UK, 15 Nov 2008
In summay, Andrew tries to bring together a very complicated period of life in the UK and diluting it to the level of the average Guardian reader (i.e. tell me what to think and that be so, and by the way I like the working class, alright guv').

Generally well researched, but so distracted by his weird "liberal" / puritanical (anti-alcohol / fun) beliefs, that you don't know what he is trying to say. If this is the future of liberal and impartial journalism then we are destined to live with a Socialist Fascist system, and having experienced this book and this Government I think this is closer to being a reality than many think (despite the arguments of ideology!)

Excellent book, 27 Sep 2008
I took this book on holiday with me and I feel a week by the pool is a perfect way to enjoy this book.

I really enjoyed the pace of this work. I felt it gave just the right amount of detail without dwelling on unimportant facts.

For me it was constantly enthralling. As a 23 year-old I certainly learnt a great deal. The detail is far greater than the BBC series that accompanied the book. My only doubt is whether had I lived through the times discussed I would have found it a little lightweight.

History at its best, 26 Sep 2008
I found this book a real pleasure to read. It is a penetrating and scholarly account of Britain's post-war history. It is brilliantly researched and beautifully written - the author has a good eye for the amusing bon mot - yet it deals in a balanced and sensible way with the key developments and personalities of the post-war era. If a better book has been published in the past year, then I have not come across it.

A future school textbook - and useful now., 29 Aug 2008
This book was updated for its paperback release and having read it carefully I suspect that many of the errors referred to by other reviewers were removed at that point. Having lived out of Britain for a sizeable chunk of my adult life, I found that I had much to learn from the pages - several large gaps in my knowledge were filled in.

I found it difficult to detect any signs of bias, and Andrew Marr's easy writing style made it a pleasure to read. This is almost as far removed from the dry history textbook that I wrestled with as a young student as it is possible to be. For anyone wanting a crash course on British modern history, this could not be bettered. Well researched and referenced, this deserves to become a standard.

You'll never learn so much in such a small book, 28 Jan 2007
This book is a work of genius for the whole, exquisitely written it offers wisdom on most pages and nonsense on the others. It's been a very long time since I learnt such a large amount, the language has a poetic beauty to it and anybody interested in governance should read this. The thesis of the book is well known (as it indeed should be) but there are some startling facts about the author. Rousseau was serial child abandoner; he seems to have left five children in foundling hospitals and when attacked by his critic, a certain Voltaire, his defence was that the he would have been a poor father and his children would fair better in a foundling hospital. A slightly implausible fact given the high mortality rate at the founding hospital. Still, we judge him for his ideas, not his actions so this book receives a resounding five stars.

socialist precurser, 22 Mar 2006
this book is not, as other readers claim, endorsing dictatorship, but rather is criticising bad democracy. surprisingly persuasive and well written, as a blueprint to later socialist theories eg Marx, it is fascinating.

A Warning From History, 19 May 2004
This is an important book, perhaps one of the most influential ever written. Unfortunately its influence has been wholly pernicious in the extreme - the blueprint for totalitarian regimes the world over. Rousseau was a psychotic and self obsessed individual who elaborated a theory of human civilization at odds with the basic principles of common sense and reason. From the French Revolutionary terror to the Soviet Gulags - the hallmarks of Rousseau's absurd doctrines can be found. But a willfull disregard for reality seems to be the prerequisite for so called enlightened thinkers and those that provided the ideological bedrock for revolutionaries from the french revolution onwards. The most recent example of an attempt to throw off the 'shackles' of civilization occured in Cambodia - Pol Pot - a true disciple of Rousseau, nurtured in the intellectual salons of the Left Bank. Savage indeed, but noble? In the fevered dreams of Marxist intellectuals were the ovens and gulags first delineated - Rousseau was their precursor, an important document, handle with care.

Rousseau, we love ya!, 06 Mar 2001
It's coherent. It's valid. It's informed. One must make up one's own mind about the 'general will', however. Buy, read, then dismiss. Or buy, read, then love. If you can find it in your soul to love a piece of political theory, that is.

Very good, 22 Nov 2008
Interested in human rights? Interested in finding out about what some "democratic" governments can do and get away with doing when people just don't know? Well then stop what you are doing, go to your library or book shop and get this book.

In 'Freedom Next Time', Pilger details five harrowing accounts of appalling, shameful and disgraceful human right abuses: Diego Garcia, Palestine, South Africa, Afghanistan and India.

The abuses are systematic and on a grand scale. They reflect problems of governance and the pernicious consequence of mass ignorance which facilitates either bad action or inaction. He chronicles each account by first explaining the particulars of the background of the problem and then presenting the details of his own very thorough investigations.

The chapters in the book correspond to different documentaries Pilger has done which are also available now on his various DVDs (which are also excellent). The difference is that the book goes into more detail.

It's not just a book of facts, there's an underlying socio-political point in 'Freedom Next Time': democratic governments can be complicit in human right abuses if something suits their geo-political needs and people are disinterested about what happens in other parts of the world - usually quite far away from their own doorstep.

The only criticism I'd have is that I thought his in South Africa chapter. I thought his account of Mandela veered slightly from balanced objectivity. Yes, there may have been some non - ideal things that someone widely regarded as a human rights hero had to do, while in political office, but isn't that always the sad reality? Tough decisions may have to be made. There may be times when there may only be a lesser of two evils, and isn't only naive idealism preventing us from accepting that?

But the book's positives far outweigh pedantic negatives. For example - sticking with South Africa - Pilger details the shocking abuses of workers in the South African mines. This was something that I myself, only found out about after a trip to South Africa when the miners were currently on strike, because the working conditions were so unsafe and so many of them were dieing while producing gold which let's face it was mainly for Western Jewelry. It was melancholic reality that stuck in my head and I was irritated why most Western media and people - who let's face it end up buying Jewelry coming from mines like these - were just blissfully unaware of it.

There's a shocking sad reality to life. When people don't know, either because of ignorance or apathy, they won't be able to care. When they don't care, democratic governments won't do anything. It's essential that we engage ourselves in these issues. Yes, unfortunately ignorance is bliss but as the journalist Molly Ivins once said ignorance can also be "root of evil".

Thankfully we have elucidating, enlightening and conscientious focused people like Pilger to help us wake up from time to time.






Freedom Next Time by John Pilger Reviewed by Sarah Markworth, 22 May 2008
In his book Freedom Next Time, reputed journalist John Pilger uncovers the real reasons behind British and American interest in Palestine, India, South Africa and Afghanistan. Backed up with hard facts, interviews and eyewitness accounts, Pilger has exposed that: under the guise of freeing these people from the `terrorism of their oppressors', our leaders have planted a new political order, obtaining power over assets and plunging millions of people further into poverty and suffering.

Within the pages of this powerful book, the goal of global domination by the United States, aided by British Imperialistic groundwork, is revealed. We are shown how our rulers instigate internal wars, manipulate facts and censor our news to justify our army invasions as they replace one form of terror for another.

This book is not a comfortable read and nor should it be. Pilger shows us that fascism never went away, the `Orwellian state' is reported to already be here and corporate corruption aids the United States of America in its dream of worldwide dominance.

Page after page urges our sleeping nation to wake up before it is too late, to take a look behind the scenes and see who really controls our news, our governments, and where our taxes are going. Revelation after revelation is poured out as we realize that lifestyles in the west are only sustainable because millions of hidden people are suffering.

The latest edition of this book was printed in 2007 and has been published by Black Swan. The recommended price is £8.99. In my opinion this book is worth the money as it offers you over 20 years of research into the economics and politics of these invisible communities. If you want to know the truth, this book is packed with it.

Excellent investigative journalism exposing the truth of current atrocities, 01 May 2008
Freedom next time is an excellent read. Thought provoking and puts new light on the crimes of the west on developing countries. John Pilger narrates a harrowing tale of betrayal and deceit with well-sourced interviews on both sides of a myriad of important injustices that currently plague our world. He starts with the little known plight of the Chaogisans: a people who were evicted from their Island at the same time as the Falklands war. This was because the British government `sold' it for a discount on a Nuclear Trident submarine and the 2500 people forgotten and ignored. The US consequently turned the Island paradise into one of their largest overseas bases from which they would later launch air attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Pilger then discusses the increasing stratification of society in India, reveals the true results of the end of apartheid in South Africa. He gains access to many influential parties involved in the current genocide of Palestine by Israel and exposes the barbarism of Governments, the complicity of the media in suppressing the true nature of how the Palestinians are being treated.

This is an excellent companion to Naoim Kleins, `Shock Doctrine' which goes into more detail into the involvement of the IMF, world bank, corporations and military industrial complex in many of the same issues that Pilger discusses from the human contact and investigative journalism he has undertaken.

Essential reading.

Many of the interviews from this book can be seen in a series of BBC documentaries available by searching google video.


A truly shocking and vitally important expose, 20 Mar 2008
This book gets to the very heart of the way injustice is perpetrated in the world. In the best traditions of investigative journalism, Pilger examines in depth a number of ongoing situations in the world involving exploitation and injustice. The first of these relates to the plight group of islanders evicted from their Chagos island home using blatant deceit and brute force and given so little compensation that they were consigned to a life of penury in Mauritius. Why? So the British could give their American allies an island paradise as a new military base. The fact that most of us have never even heard of the Chagos islanders demonstrates the complicity of the world media in selectively reporting the news we often naively assume to have at least a modicum of impartiality.

The true shock of the book comes with the following chapters, however, where we are systematically shown the perspectives of those who have suffered most in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in Afghanistan and since the end of the apartheid regime in South Africa. Did you think the average black South African has more opportunities to get ahead since the end of apartheid? or that the average Afghan woman is much better off since the ousting of the Taliban? I did - but completely erroneously as it turns out.

Pilger combines a concise summary of the facts with vivid snapshots of the situation on the ground in each location. He gives us excerpts from interviews with the victims that allow the reader to get a very personal perspective and juxtaposes these with excerpts from interviews with those responsible for the decisions that brought about the suffering. The combination is powerful and enlightening.

If I were to criticize the book it would be to say firstly that the chapter in India does not have the depth of the other chapters and adds little to the book. Secondly, Pilger very occasionally commits the same sin of telling only part of the truth that he accuses other journalists of. For example, he relates that the US has intervened 72 times in the affairs of other nations, including the overthrow of democratically elected social democracies such as in Guatemala, Brazil, Iran and Chile. I doubt that some of those governments would really have qualified as having been democratically elected by the standards that Pilger himself would apply to democracy. To be fair, this is a rare occurrence in the book and does not in any way detract from the substance of what Pilger has to say.

Best Piece of Investigative Journalism Ever !!!, 24 Dec 2007
WHAT a BOOK !!! and what an honour for it to grace my 1000th review.I live in Mauritius and I regularly see these Chagos Islanders protesting in front of the British Embassy that is near my car park. These guys have been robbed big time. Can u imagine being displaced from your homeland on some flimsy excuse that it is going to be used for US and UK military excuses. Pilger goes for the jugular and draws blood as from Page 1 itself. I would wholly recommend watching his documentary about Diego Garcia which is a very subtle accompaniment to the book.
Over two thousand Chagossian's were deported to Mauritius, dropped off with barely the cloths on their backs, currently living in abject poverty without compensation from the British government despite being British citizens. What is startling is the massive cover-up by the government and the silence of most journalists over three decades, allowing (them) to get away with it.

In chapter 2, The Last Taboo, chronicles the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Pilger devotes a lot of space to this subject, giving a well-rounded assessment of the `conflict', revealing terrorism on both sides of the equation. One point that should be stressed is that Israel is the leading country in denying and transgressing against numerous UN resolutions. One resolution being the right of the Palestinians to return to their homelands. Between 1948 and 2000, Israel has defied the UN and the International community 135 times, never seen before in UN history.

The effect of economic globalism in India is examined showing the widening gap between rich and poor that continues at an alarming rate.

Pilger also analysis South Africa since the end of Apartheid; having been banned from entering the country for thirty years, returns to discover that economically not much has changed, and those that committed unspeakable atrocities, have essentially gotten away with it. Again, a few are benefiting economically while the majority remain in poverty, dieing like flies from starvation and disease.

The last chapter, Liberating Afghanistan, is an appalling situation of lies, death and destruction. To say the least, Afghanistan is a convoluted mess. According to Pilger, the Afghanis' felt safer under the Taliban regime than the numerous warlords that are currently creating havoc across the country. The unreported innocent deaths from American bombing (10,000) are a terrible travesty beyond words. However, the true purpose of the "forgotten war", which has been reported by many others, including Bob Woodward of the Washington Post and author Gore Vidal, is the `oil and gas junta' as the oil lobby in Washington is now called, building a pipeline through to the oil and gas rich Caspian sea. This was the true purpose and the prize has been won. This is an example of incestuous collusion between corporations and government. Who is part of this deal? - a consortium of Enron, Amoco, British Petroleum, Chevron, Exxon and Mobil. Dick Cheney, former Chairman of Halliburton, James Baker, former secretary of State under Bush senior and Condoleezza Rice, once vice-president of Chevron Oil. Does anyone smell a rat?

This a hard book to read as man's inhumanity to man, the appalling lies and silence from the mainstream media, and the amount of innocent deaths around the globe for the betterment of the few, is hard to take. Pilger has never held back with the truth, despite numerous death threats over his career, banned from countries and standing up to those that perpetrate these crimes against humanity.


Vernon is a Moron?, 18 Oct 2008
I am currently studying this title and although I agree largely with Vernon's views I find his attitude to nurses incredibly patronising (and given the list of things the man hates...."pomposity", etc) rather surprising. Although the man was a Doctor so perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised at all.

As a male psychiatric nurse who has worked with some Consultant Psychiatrists who can make "interesting" decisions regarding treatment and prescribing, I have found that due to their poor skills in diagnosis and patronising communications I no longer have time to "plump pillows and take temperatures" as I am so busy explaining in a clear manner what has been said my patients.

This is why when Doctors who are coming up in the ranks of their profession rely on the nursing staff to "get them through", as we have more insight into patient care and diagnosis. This is due to the fact that we have a lot of contact with our patients and do not "drift" into a ward for 2 hours a week for "ward round".



A devastating critique, 03 May 2008
If you want to know the damage that the Moron has done to the economy of Britain, this is the book you should read. A page turner filled with factually backed accusations. The effect of Gordon Brown's actions on the finances of his country, its institutions and its Constitution are all examined and picked apart. There is little here for your comfort but much for your ammunition pouch. No wonder this book is being sold at a premium - £25 per copy as opposed to the publisher's price £9.95 each and £25 for 10! Only towards the end of the book does the momentum fall off: the writer tires of his subject, and with such a subject, this should surprise no one.

Shining a light into the darker recesses of Mr Clown's record, 28 Apr 2008
At last, an easily digestible, straightforward exposition of all that is Gordon Brown. Why, you will ask, has no-one in the media charted the cataclysmic damage caused by this dour control freak in a way that makes clear what has happened? You won't get it on the state sympathetic BBC, and you won't hear it talked about in the Westminster Village. None of the matters discussed can be genuinely rebutted because they're all true. Read it and weep.

Haven't read it but..., 19 Mar 2008
Picking up a leaflet in the FT this morning this book is £9.99 from the publisher. Do not pay £60 from the two current ditributers!!

contact them on 01271 328892.

Simple but elegantly written, 20 Nov 2008
Obama completely embraces the importance of effective communication as reflected on this book. I like the part where he realized how important is saying the right words and get the people's undivided attention to what he is saying.

Best Book I've read in 10 yrs., 20 Nov 2008
He describes his childhood to manhood in such a sensitive & interesting way. An honest & frank look at race issues that he had to consider due to his mixed race & ancestry. Until I'd read the book, I hadn't realised how deep he was. I Highly Recommend this book! Once I started it , I then looked forward to my next train journeys, to get the next instalment. And its now solved my Xmas gift ideas! I'm buying 10 x copies for friends & family. Great Writer!

Touching and sincere, 16 Nov 2008
This book was written so beutifully, that even the most mundane information evokes emotions that can't be explained. The chapter in which he describes his only memories of his father from about age ten is the part that really got me. Obama shares the memory of the one and only time his father taught him to dance. "Come Barry,my father said. "You will learn from