Ignore the vitriol - this is a really good read, 17 Jul 2008
If you've already decided you hate Cherie Blair (as some previous reviwers clearly have - one star? Come on - that's just nasty) then there will be little point in you reading this. Your views will not be changed. Fortunately, lots of people don't have their opinions formed by the tabloids, nor their barometer for perfection set so high that human failings are not permitted in anyone with the temerity to be in the public eye. To you, I would say, go and buy it. I came to it with little in the way of opinions other than that Cherie Blair must have done something terrible in a past life to have had so much opprobrium heaped on her over the years, plus I was interested in hearing her speak for herself. It helps, obviously, that I am close to her age, have seen my children grow up in the same sort of period, and lived though the momentous political events that form the backdrop to much of this book. And I loved it. Indeed, I found it extremely difficult to put down. It's intelligently written, well constructed and thoughtful, with enough intimate detail to enlighten and entertain, but no mud slinging or sentimentality. Whatever others might suggest, she doesn't launch missiles at her 'enemies', simply tells it how it was from her point of view, with great dignity. Neither does she twitter on about Tony particularly. She loves her husband, clearly. She is loyal to him. Enough said.
I found the insights into life at Downing Street - and within government generally - fascinating (I was shocked to hear there is NO BUDGET for the premier's wife to dress appropriately, for example, though plenty of interference in what is deemed politically correct), but mostly I was just drawn to it because here's a very ordinary - albeit very bright - girl who achieved great things professionally, just happened to fall in love with a Prime Minister to be, and juggled home life and career like so many of us do. Only more so, of course. It possibly doesn't merit five stars (precious few books do) but I made my four five for the simple reason that a verdict of one star is not a review of the quality of the book on sale here, but would seem to be directed at its author, which feels unfair.

Well-written and insightful, 08 Jul 2008
I would just like to say that I found it to be very enjoyable. I have read several biographies that were difficult to get into and poorly written - this is not one of them.

The autobiography presented Cherie Blair as relatively down-to-earth, humble backgrounds, and has worked hard to get where she is. It was an insightful, inspiring and endearing read, and I would certainly recommend it to others.

A very compassionate lady., 03 Jul 2008
YOU DOUN'T HAVE TO BE A SOCIALIST TO ENJOY THIS BOOK I ENJOYED IT ENORMOUSLY I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN I THINK CHERIE WAS MORE THAN GENEROUS
WITH THE PHOTO'S AND SHE CAME ACCROSS AS VERY CARING AND LOVABLE HUMAN
BEING.


Just a normal women telling her story!!!, 25 Jun 2008
Having read the book I came to the conclusion that Cherie Blair is just a normal women like million other women in the world with hopes, fears, wishes, dreams, shortcomings, ego, hate, love, values... Most people think that once we have done our duty by election our pears into an office being the White House, Downing Street 10 or any other office these people leave their personality at the door when they enter and become some sort of political saints. We have done our task and expect them to become almost holly just under God. Well maybe in ancient France the Sun King Louis XIV and his culture believed this but not me in the 21st century! The book clearly showes that politicians, more so than other people, stay human after all once in office. If someone is to blame than it is not the Cherie Blairs of this world for being human but the voters who put them in office. Just make a better choice in the voting booth!

Does everybody have an opinion about this woma.n?, 24 Jun 2008
Reading the other reviews written about this book will show you that Cherie Blair is a woman about whom everybody has an opinion, and a strong one, at that.

This book is not a political biography, nor an analysis of the first ten years of the New Labour Government. It is a partial biography written by a woman who has some claim to recognition in her own right, but whose major claim to fame is that she is married to Tony Blair. Interestingly, although she uses Cherie Booth as her professional name, and most of her other books have been written under that name, this book was by Cherie Blair.

Cherie Blair is obviously an intelligent woman, graduating top of her year in law, and forging a career at the bar (in what is still a male-dominated profession) whilst looking after a home and family. What's more, she made it against all odds, coming from what was virtually a one-parent family at a time when such families did not receive the support that they now enjoy. Perhaps that goes some way towards explaining her extraordinary blend of shrewdness and naivete.

Surely she must have realised that, on the day after her husband became Prime Minister, there would be cameras trained on her front door - and that any embarrassing photographs would be recycled endlessly? How could she have been taken in by the likes of Carole Caplin? Didn't she have any friends of her own who could have pointed out the obvious truth that hangers-on who were attracted to her because of her position were in it for their benefit, and not hers? Even on leaving Number 10, didn't she realise that her throwaway line to the press about not missing them, even if intended as a joke, would be the thing that most people remembered about her husband's exit from the highest office in the land?

Another strand that runs through this book is Cherie Blair's worry about financial security. That's only natural, given her background, but she is a successful barrister, whose earnings (and earning potential) far outstrip those of most people. She is also married to a man who will not have to rely on his (not insubstantial) Prime Minister's pension, but who has the ability to earn a fortune in the future. Her apparent obsession with money does seem to sit rather uncomfortably on the shoulders of a self-professed left winger.

What this book does emphasise is the difficulty of being a successful woman as well as the wife of the Prime Minister. Most Number 10 wives have kept in the background, but that is not Cherie Blair's way. She seems to believe that the place for the head is firmly above the parapet, and she does seem to have attracted blame for things that were not of her making. As far as I know, nobody blamed Mrs Eden for the Suez crisis, or Mrs Chamberlain for the Munich debacle, so why is Cherie held partly responsible for the fact that her husband ordered the troops into Iraq?

We will all have to wait for Tony Blair's autobiography for an explanation of the political thinking that has shaped the past decade, but this book might give you an idea of what it's like to be in the grey area behind the throne.

As a young Australian barrister, Robertson found himself involved in the Oz trial; a frothingly moralistic judge went to some lengths to jail three editors of an underground magazine, and was duly humiliated on appeal. Success leads to opportunity; Robertson has found himself at the heart of a sequence of crucial freedom of expression trials--the Gay Newsblasphemy trial, the attempt to bust the National theatre over a play in which male rape took place, the arrest of a painter whose chosen subject was bank notes. His account of his career concentrates on these, and on his own entire brilliance in them; he is not a modest man, nor is there any particular reason why he should be, especially given how sharp and witty his accounts are. Robertson has also been involved in other causes cèlebres--he knows all about the Michael X case, and a variety of other capital cases in the Caribbean, and is fascinating on the Matrix Churchill case and the various libel actions around the "cash for questions" sleaze row. Anyone interested in the issues is going to find this a useful book--but the average intelligent reader is going to find the account of courtroom battles a guilty pleasure in itself. --Roz Kaveney

Ignore the vitriol - this is a really good read, 17 Jul 2008
If you've already decided you hate Cherie Blair (as some previous reviwers clearly have - one star? Come on - that's just nasty) then there will be little point in you reading this. Your views will not be changed. Fortunately, lots of people don't have their opinions formed by the tabloids, nor their barometer for perfection set so high that human failings are not permitted in anyone with the temerity to be in the public eye. To you, I would say, go and buy it. I came to it with little in the way of opinions other than that Cherie Blair must have done something terrible in a past life to have had so much opprobrium heaped on her over the years, plus I was interested in hearing her speak for herself. It helps, obviously, that I am close to her age, have seen my children grow up in the same sort of period, and lived though the momentous political events that form the backdrop to much of this book. And I loved it. Indeed, I found it extremely difficult to put down. It's intelligently written, well constructed and thoughtful, with enough intimate detail to enlighten and entertain, but no mud slinging or sentimentality. Whatever others might suggest, she doesn't launch missiles at her 'enemies', simply tells it how it was from her point of view, with great dignity. Neither does she twitter on about Tony particularly. She loves her husband, clearly. She is loyal to him. Enough said.
I found the insights into life at Downing Street - and within government generally - fascinating (I was shocked to hear there is NO BUDGET for the premier's wife to dress appropriately, for example, though plenty of interference in what is deemed politically correct), but mostly I was just drawn to it because here's a very ordinary - albeit very bright - girl who achieved great things professionally, just happened to fall in love with a Prime Minister to be, and juggled home life and career like so many of us do. Only more so, of course. It possibly doesn't merit five stars (precious few books do) but I made my four five for the simple reason that a verdict of one star is not a review of the quality of the book on sale here, but would seem to be directed at its author, which feels unfair.

Well-written and insightful, 08 Jul 2008
I would just like to say that I found it to be very enjoyable. I have read several biographies that were difficult to get into and poorly written - this is not one of them.

The autobiography presented Cherie Blair as relatively down-to-earth, humble backgrounds, and has worked hard to get where she is. It was an insightful, inspiring and endearing read, and I would certainly recommend it to others.

A very compassionate lady., 03 Jul 2008
YOU DOUN'T HAVE TO BE A SOCIALIST TO ENJOY THIS BOOK I ENJOYED IT ENORMOUSLY I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN I THINK CHERIE WAS MORE THAN GENEROUS
WITH THE PHOTO'S AND SHE CAME ACCROSS AS VERY CARING AND LOVABLE HUMAN
BEING.


Just a normal women telling her story!!!, 25 Jun 2008
Having read the book I came to the conclusion that Cherie Blair is just a normal women like million other women in the world with hopes, fears, wishes, dreams, shortcomings, ego, hate, love, values... Most people think that once we have done our duty by election our pears into an office being the White House, Downing Street 10 or any other office these people leave their personality at the door when they enter and become some sort of political saints. We have done our task and expect them to become almost holly just under God. Well maybe in ancient France the Sun King Louis XIV and his culture believed this but not me in the 21st century! The book clearly showes that politicians, more so than other people, stay human after all once in office. If someone is to blame than it is not the Cherie Blairs of this world for being human but the voters who put them in office. Just make a better choice in the voting booth!

Does everybody have an opinion about this woma.n?, 24 Jun 2008
Reading the other reviews written about this book will show you that Cherie Blair is a woman about whom everybody has an opinion, and a strong one, at that.

This book is not a political biography, nor an analysis of the first ten years of the New Labour Government. It is a partial biography written by a woman who has some claim to recognition in her own right, but whose major claim to fame is that she is married to Tony Blair. Interestingly, although she uses Cherie Booth as her professional name, and most of her other books have been written under that name, this book was by Cherie Blair.

Cherie Blair is obviously an intelligent woman, graduating top of her year in law, and forging a career at the bar (in what is still a male-dominated profession) whilst looking after a home and family. What's more, she made it against all odds, coming from what was virtually a one-parent family at a time when such families did not receive the support that they now enjoy. Perhaps that goes some way towards explaining her extraordinary blend of shrewdness and naivete.

Surely she must have realised that, on the day after her husband became Prime Minister, there would be cameras trained on her front door - and that any embarrassing photographs would be recycled endlessly? How could she have been taken in by the likes of Carole Caplin? Didn't she have any friends of her own who could have pointed out the obvious truth that hangers-on who were attracted to her because of her position were in it for their benefit, and not hers? Even on leaving Number 10, didn't she realise that her throwaway line to the press about not missing them, even if intended as a joke, would be the thing that most people remembered about her husband's exit from the highest office in the land?

Another strand that runs through this book is Cherie Blair's worry about financial security. That's only natural, given her background, but she is a successful barrister, whose earnings (and earning potential) far outstrip those of most people. She is also married to a man who will not have to rely on his (not insubstantial) Prime Minister's pension, but who has the ability to earn a fortune in the future. Her apparent obsession with money does seem to sit rather uncomfortably on the shoulders of a self-professed left winger.

What this book does emphasise is the difficulty of being a successful woman as well as the wife of the Prime Minister. Most Number 10 wives have kept in the background, but that is not Cherie Blair's way. She seems to believe that the place for the head is firmly above the parapet, and she does seem to have attracted blame for things that were not of her making. As far as I know, nobody blamed Mrs Eden for the Suez crisis, or Mrs Chamberlain for the Munich debacle, so why is Cherie held partly responsible for the fact that her husband ordered the troops into Iraq?

We will all have to wait for Tony Blair's autobiography for an explanation of the political thinking that has shaped the past decade, but this book might give you an idea of what it's like to be in the grey area behind the throne.



The Justice Game, 09 Jan 2004
In this excellent book, Geoffrey Robertson QC gives a very informative and enjoyable account of some of the cases he has dealt with during his carrier at the Bar, spanning, at the time of the publication of his book, over three decades. These included a number of various topics: defamation cases, blasphemy and/or indecency trials, public enquiries as well as human rights missions and death row work.
The book is thrilling, at times it reads like the best detective stories, the accounts given of court proceedings and the anecdotes are often hilarious. Certainly, no prior knowledge of the law is required to enjoy his stories; however, those trained in law will find it especially interesting to see how some of the fundamental tenets of English law (such as the presumption of innocence or the impartiality of the judge) can go pear-shaped in practice.
Most importantly, however, Robertson QC is prepared to take a clear moral stance on human rights and civil liberties and to criticise or defend the law from this viewpoint. He emphasises that, as a member of the legal profession, he does have to abide by certain rules and has certain duties and does not accept anything less from others when engaging in the "justice game".
The book should be recommended to those interested in current affairs, legal issues as well as to those simply enjoying fascinating books telling the story of a person's professional life.
Dan Tivadar

Excellent memoir/meditation on law, 17 Aug 2001
This excellent book is many things -- a gripping memoir of legal battles for civil liberties and a meditation on the nature of law, litigation, and the role of the judiciary in constitutional government. I only wish that this book was more widely available in the United States; I would assign it in my Law & Literature course without hesitation.

One reviewer does the book an inadvetent disservice by analogizing it to the novels of John Grisham -- it's both far better written and far more profound and thought-provoking. And it has the added merit of being true...

Legal stories everyone must know, 30 Jun 1999
I approached this book with a predisposition to dislike. The blurb on the back suggested that the only law that matters is that which involves human rights (ie, criminal and public law). As a commercial lawyer through and through, my pride was a little offended! Nevertheless, I absolutely loved this book. All these cases involve facts which must be told to anyone who cares about democracy and the avoidance of corruption. The truth these stories reveal, and the lessons we should learn from them, should never be forgotten.

The author is not at all concerned with enhancing his reputation. Yet it is impossible not to be impressed by the fact that Mr Robertson has been involved in cases of crucial importance to democracy and justice in Britain and around the world in the last 20 years. It is also impossible to deny the tremendous intelligence and ability of this Australian lawyer.

Enthralling, easy reading story of major courtroom battles, 27 May 1999
Geoffrey Robertson has defended many freedoms in his career with the law, including Oz obscenity trial, Matrixx Churchill trial. He specialises, for this book at least, in doing battle with the UK government who are extraordinarily defensive - and prepared to manipulate the law if necessary. Super read - no legal jargon, no knowledge of the law necessary.

Abandon prejudice, all ye who enter here!, 02 May 1999
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I received it as a gift. Fearing another in the series of books about the law which have proved to be mere self-serving rants taking large bites out of the hands that feed their progenitors, I actually lined up a couple of books of short stories to read between chapters or when I got too annoyed. Instead, I was delighted and absorbed. Robertson celebrates the legal system and shows how it is not the system that fails us but those who endeavour to cheat it. Justice is a "game" in the sense that if everyone plays by the rules, the right side will win. For someone of his profession and profile, Robertson is relatively self-effacing, in the context of what must have been considerable temptation to sound his own horn. And the cases are fascinating, and beautifully told. Most inspiring of all is the strong sense of justice, and above all, ethics, which pervades every aspect of his prose. Robertson clearly believes that the end does not justify the means, and that if rules are broken, in both the long and short term it is justice which suffers. Sometime the erosion of ethical standards makes me want to leave the law. This book makes me want to stay. Mr Robertson, you wouldn't be looking for a pupil, would you?

Ignore the vitriol - this is a really good read, 17 Jul 2008
If you've already decided you hate Cherie Blair (as some previous reviwers clearly have - one star? Come on - that's just nasty) then there will be little point in you reading this. Your views will not be changed. Fortunately, lots of people don't have their opinions formed by the tabloids, nor their barometer for perfection set so high that human failings are not permitted in anyone with the temerity to be in the public eye. To you, I would say, go and buy it. I came to it with little in the way of opinions other than that Cherie Blair must have done something terrible in a past life to have had so much opprobrium heaped on her over the years, plus I was interested in hearing her speak for herself. It helps, obviously, that I am close to her age, have seen my children grow up in the same sort of period, and lived though the momentous political events that form the backdrop to much of this book. And I loved it. Indeed, I found it extremely difficult to put down. It's intelligently written, well constructed and thoughtful, with enough intimate detail to enlighten and entertain, but no mud slinging or sentimentality. Whatever others might suggest, she doesn't launch missiles at her 'enemies', simply tells it how it was from her point of view, with great dignity. Neither does she twitter on about Tony particularly. She loves her husband, clearly. She is loyal to him. Enough said.
I found the insights into life at Downing Street - and within government generally - fascinating (I was shocked to hear there is NO BUDGET for the premier's wife to dress appropriately, for example, though plenty of interference in what is deemed politically correct), but mostly I was just drawn to it because here's a very ordinary - albeit very bright - girl who achieved great things professionally, just happened to fall in love with a Prime Minister to be, and juggled home life and career like so many of us do. Only more so, of course. It possibly doesn't merit five stars (precious few books do) but I made my four five for the simple reason that a verdict of one star is not a review of the quality of the book on sale here, but would seem to be directed at its author, which feels unfair.

Well-written and insightful, 08 Jul 2008
I would just like to say that I found it to be very enjoyable. I have read several biographies that were difficult to get into and poorly written - this is not one of them.

The autobiography presented Cherie Blair as relatively down-to-earth, humble backgrounds, and has worked hard to get where she is. It was an insightful, inspiring and endearing read, and I would certainly recommend it to others.

A very compassionate lady., 03 Jul 2008
YOU DOUN'T HAVE TO BE A SOCIALIST TO ENJOY THIS BOOK I ENJOYED IT ENORMOUSLY I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN I THINK CHERIE WAS MORE THAN GENEROUS
WITH THE PHOTO'S AND SHE CAME ACCROSS AS VERY CARING AND LOVABLE HUMAN
BEING.


Just a normal women telling her story!!!, 25 Jun 2008
Having read the book I came to the conclusion that Cherie Blair is just a normal women like million other women in the world with hopes, fears, wishes, dreams, shortcomings, ego, hate, love, values... Most people think that once we have done our duty by election our pears into an office being the White House, Downing Street 10 or any other office these people leave their personality at the door when they enter and become some sort of political saints. We have done our task and expect them to become almost holly just under God. Well maybe in ancient France the Sun King Louis XIV and his culture believed this but not me in the 21st century! The book clearly showes that politicians, more so than other people, stay human after all once in office. If someone is to blame than it is not the Cherie Blairs of this world for being human but the voters who put them in office. Just make a better choice in the voting booth!

Does everybody have an opinion about this woma.n?, 24 Jun 2008
Reading the other reviews written about this book will show you that Cherie Blair is a woman about whom everybody has an opinion, and a strong one, at that.

This book is not a political biography, nor an analysis of the first ten years of the New Labour Government. It is a partial biography written by a woman who has some claim to recognition in her own right, but whose major claim to fame is that she is married to Tony Blair. Interestingly, although she uses Cherie Booth as her professional name, and most of her other books have been written under that name, this book was by Cherie Blair.

Cherie Blair is obviously an intelligent woman, graduating top of her year in law, and forging a career at the bar (in what is still a male-dominated profession) whilst looking after a home and family. What's more, she made it against all odds, coming from what was virtually a one-parent family at a time when such families did not receive the support that they now enjoy. Perhaps that goes some way towards explaining her extraordinary blend of shrewdness and naivete.

Surely she must have realised that, on the day after her husband became Prime Minister, there would be cameras trained on her front door - and that any embarrassing photographs would be recycled endlessly? How could she have been taken in by the likes of Carole Caplin? Didn't she have any friends of her own who could have pointed out the obvious truth that hangers-on who were attracted to her because of her position were in it for their benefit, and not hers? Even on leaving Number 10, didn't she realise that her throwaway line to the press about not missing them, even if intended as a joke, would be the thing that most people remembered about her husband's exit from the highest office in the land?

Another strand that runs through this book is Cherie Blair's worry about financial security. That's only natural, given her background, but she is a successful barrister, whose earnings (and earning potential) far outstrip those of most people. She is also married to a man who will not have to rely on his (not insubstantial) Prime Minister's pension, but who has the ability to earn a fortune in the future. Her apparent obsession with money does seem to sit rather uncomfortably on the shoulders of a self-professed left winger.

What this book does emphasise is the difficulty of being a successful woman as well as the wife of the Prime Minister. Most Number 10 wives have kept in the background, but that is not Cherie Blair's way. She seems to believe that the place for the head is firmly above the parapet, and she does seem to have attracted blame for things that were not of her making. As far as I know, nobody blamed Mrs Eden for the Suez crisis, or Mrs Chamberlain for the Munich debacle, so why is Cherie held partly responsible for the fact that her husband ordered the troops into Iraq?

We will all have to wait for Tony Blair's autobiography for an explanation of the political thinking that has shaped the past decade, but this book might give you an idea of what it's like to be in the grey area behind the throne.



The Justice Game, 09 Jan 2004
In this excellent book, Geoffrey Robertson QC gives a very informative and enjoyable account of some of the cases he has dealt with during his carrier at the Bar, spanning, at the time of the publication of his book, over three decades. These included a number of various topics: defamation cases, blasphemy and/or indecency trials, public enquiries as well as human rights missions and death row work.
The book is thrilling, at times it reads like the best detective stories, the accounts given of court proceedings and the anecdotes are often hilarious. Certainly, no prior knowledge of the law is required to enjoy his stories; however, those trained in law will find it especially interesting to see how some of the fundamental tenets of English law (such as the presumption of innocence or the impartiality of the judge) can go pear-shaped in practice.
Most importantly, however, Robertson QC is prepared to take a clear moral stance on human rights and civil liberties and to criticise or defend the law from this viewpoint. He emphasises that, as a member of the legal profession, he does have to abide by certain rules and has certain duties and does not accept anything less from others when engaging in the "justice game".
The book should be recommended to those interested in current affairs, legal issues as well as to those simply enjoying fascinating books telling the story of a person's professional life.
Dan Tivadar

Excellent memoir/meditation on law, 17 Aug 2001
This excellent book is many things -- a gripping memoir of legal battles for civil liberties and a meditation on the nature of law, litigation, and the role of the judiciary in constitutional government. I only wish that this book was more widely available in the United States; I would assign it in my Law & Literature course without hesitation.

One reviewer does the book an inadvetent disservice by analogizing it to the novels of John Grisham -- it's both far better written and far more profound and thought-provoking. And it has the added merit of being true...

Legal stories everyone must know, 30 Jun 1999
I approached this book with a predisposition to dislike. The blurb on the back suggested that the only law that matters is that which involves human rights (ie, criminal and public law). As a commercial lawyer through and through, my pride was a little offended! Nevertheless, I absolutely loved this book. All these cases involve facts which must be told to anyone who cares about democracy and the avoidance of corruption. The truth these stories reveal, and the lessons we should learn from them, should never be forgotten.

The author is not at all concerned with enhancing his reputation. Yet it is impossible not to be impressed by the fact that Mr Robertson has been involved in cases of crucial importance to democracy and justice in Britain and around the world in the last 20 years. It is also impossible to deny the tremendous intelligence and ability of this Australian lawyer.

Enthralling, easy reading story of major courtroom battles, 27 May 1999
Geoffrey Robertson has defended many freedoms in his career with the law, including Oz obscenity trial, Matrixx Churchill trial. He specialises, for this book at least, in doing battle with the UK government who are extraordinarily defensive - and prepared to manipulate the law if necessary. Super read - no legal jargon, no knowledge of the law necessary.

Abandon prejudice, all ye who enter here!, 02 May 1999
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I received it as a gift. Fearing another in the series of books about the law which have proved to be mere self-serving rants taking large bites out of the hands that feed their progenitors, I actually lined up a couple of books of short stories to read between chapters or when I got too annoyed. Instead, I was delighted and absorbed. Robertson celebrates the legal system and shows how it is not the system that fails us but those who endeavour to cheat it. Justice is a "game" in the sense that if everyone plays by the rules, the right side will win. For someone of his profession and profile, Robertson is relatively self-effacing, in the context of what must have been considerable temptation to sound his own horn. And the cases are fascinating, and beautifully told. Most inspiring of all is the strong sense of justice, and above all, ethics, which pervades every aspect of his prose. Robertson clearly believes that the end does not justify the means, and that if rules are broken, in both the long and short term it is justice which suffers. Sometime the erosion of ethical standards makes me want to leave the law. This book makes me want to stay. Mr Robertson, you wouldn't be looking for a pupil, would you?

In Praise of Camelot, 08 Jul 2008
Few would disagree that John F. Kennedy was one of our most inspirational presidents and that it was a tragedy that he was assassinated. Since the 1950s, it was well known that some of the most memorable words that Kennedy inspired us with were drafted if not written in total by Ted Sorensen, Kennedy's dedicated staffer who played many roles in addition to helping write speeches, books, and articles. Speculation about Sorensen's role was fed by Mr. Sorensen's humble deflection of praise that others aimed in his direction.

Imagine what it would have been like to talk to JFK every day and to see him most days. Imagine, even more, if you were walking on history's stage in your role: You weren't just pouring him coffee.

You could re-title this book as "Dream Job" and you wouldn't be far off.

In Counselor, Mr. Sorensen reveals more than in the past about his personal relationship with President Kennedy, who did what and when, his views about Kennedy's decisions and legacy, and what the lessons for historians are from that era. In letting down his hair, Mr. Sorensen is a loyal heir to the Kennedy legend: He doesn't criticize more than an independent observer would who knew the surface facts. Naturally, he also defends where many would not (he's gentle on Kennedy for increasing the number of military advisors in South Vietnam and letting the military leaders there murder the country's political leader). Further, he seems to have amnesia about what any president did before Kennedy who was not a Democrat (he writes as though there was no space program before Kennedy took office).

One of the most interesting episodes in the book comes long after President Kennedy was killed in the description of Mr. Sorensen's nomination to be CIA head by President Carter. The contrast between Kennedy and Carter could not be clearer in reading how this was handled.

I think we should be generous with Mr. Sorensen. It's been many years. He's almost the last of those who served in those years who knows the inside stories. He also suffered a substantial stroke that affected his vision and made writing this book extremely difficult. I commend Mr. Sorensen for making the effort. There are many lessons here that new administrations can learn from.

I also honor him for his service to the nation, to John F. Kennedy, and to my youthful idealistic dreams by inspiring them with his timeless words. Many will always remember him as a speech writer, but he was truly more . . . especially during those potentially deadly days during the Cuban missile crisis.

Thank you, Mr. Sorensen.

Ignore the vitriol - this is a really good read, 17 Jul 2008
If you've already decided you hate Cherie Blair (as some previous reviwers clearly have - one star? Come on - that's just nasty) then there will be little point in you reading this. Your views will not be changed. Fortunately, lots of people don't have their opinions formed by the tabloids, nor their barometer for perfection set so high that human failings are not permitted in anyone with the temerity to be in the public eye. To you, I would say, go and buy it. I came to it with little in the way of opinions other than that Cherie Blair must have done something terrible in a past life to have had so much opprobrium heaped on her over the years, plus I was interested in hearing her speak for herself. It helps, obviously, that I am close to her age, have seen my children grow up in the same sort of period, and lived though the momentous political events that form the backdrop to much of this book. And I loved it. Indeed, I found it extremely difficult to put down. It's intelligently written, well constructed and thoughtful, with enough intimate detail to enlighten and entertain, but no mud slinging or sentimentality. Whatever others might suggest, she doesn't launch missiles at her 'enemies', simply tells it how it was from her point of view, with great dignity. Neither does she twitter on about Tony particularly. She loves her husband, clearly. She is loyal to him. Enough said.
I found the insights into life at Downing Street - and within government generally - fascinating (I was shocked to hear there is NO BUDGET for the premier's wife to dress appropriately, for example, though plenty of interference in what is deemed politically correct), but mostly I was just drawn to it because here's a very ordinary - albeit very bright - girl who achieved great things professionally, just happened to fall in love with a Prime Minister to be, and juggled home life and career like so many of us do. Only more so, of course. It possibly doesn't merit five stars (precious few books do) but I made my four five for the simple reason that a verdict of one star is not a review of the quality of the book on sale here, but would seem to be directed at its author, which feels unfair.

Well-written and insightful, 08 Jul 2008
I would just like to say that I found it to be very enjoyable. I have read several biographies that were difficult to get into and poorly written - this is not one of them.

The autobiography presented Cherie Blair as relatively down-to-earth, humble backgrounds, and has worked hard to get where she is. It was an insightful, inspiring and endearing read, and I would certainly recommend it to others.

A very compassionate lady., 03 Jul 2008
YOU DOUN'T HAVE TO BE A SOCIALIST TO ENJOY THIS BOOK I ENJOYED IT ENORMOUSLY I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN I THINK CHERIE WAS MORE THAN GENEROUS
WITH THE PHOTO'S AND SHE CAME ACCROSS AS VERY CARING AND LOVABLE HUMAN
BEING.


Just a normal women telling her story!!!, 25 Jun 2008
Having read the book I came to the conclusion that Cherie Blair is just a normal women like million other women in the world with hopes, fears, wishes, dreams, shortcomings, ego, hate, love, values... Most people think that once we have done our duty by election our pears into an office being the White House, Downing Street 10 or any other office these people leave their personality at the door when they enter and become some sort of political saints. We have done our task and expect them to become almost holly just under God. Well maybe in ancient France the Sun King Louis XIV and his culture believed this but not me in the 21st century! The book clearly showes that politicians, more so than other people, stay human after all once in office. If someone is to blame than it is not the Cherie Blairs of this world for being human but the voters who put them in office. Just make a better choice in the voting booth!

Does everybody have an opinion about this woma.n?, 24 Jun 2008
Reading the other reviews written about this book will show you that Cherie Blair is a woman about whom everybody has an opinion, and a strong one, at that.

This book is not a political biography, nor an analysis of the first ten years of the New Labour Government. It is a partial biography written by a woman who has some claim to recognition in her own right, but whose major claim to fame is that she is married to Tony Blair. Interestingly, although she uses Cherie Booth as her professional name, and most of her other books have been written under that name, this book was by Cherie Blair.

Cherie Blair is obviously an intelligent woman, graduating top of her year in law, and forging a career at the bar (in what is still a male-dominated profession) whilst looking after a home and family. What's more, she made it against all odds, coming from what was virtually a one-parent family at a time when such families did not receive the support that they now enjoy. Perhaps that goes some way towards explaining her extraordinary blend of shrewdness and naivete.

Surely she must have realised that, on the day after her husband became Prime Minister, there would be cameras trained on her front door - and that any embarrassing photographs would be recycled endlessly? How could she have been taken in by the likes of Carole Caplin? Didn't she have any friends of her own who could have pointed out the obvious truth that hangers-on who were attracted to her because of her position were in it for their benefit, and not hers? Even on leaving Number 10, didn't she realise that her throwaway line to the press about not missing them, even if intended as a joke, would be the thing that most people remembered about her husband's exit from the highest office in the land?

Another strand that runs through this book is Cherie Blair's worry about financial security. That's only natural, given her background, but she is a successful barrister, whose earnings (and earning potential) far outstrip those of most people. She is also married to a man who will not have to rely on his (not insubstantial) Prime Minister's pension, but who has the ability to earn a fortune in the future. Her apparent obsession with money does seem to sit rather uncomfortably on the shoulders of a self-professed left winger.

What this book does emphasise is the difficulty of being a successful woman as well as the wife of the Prime Minister. Most Number 10 wives have kept in the background, but that is not Cherie Blair's way. She seems to believe that the place for the head is firmly above the parapet, and she does seem to have attracted blame for things that were not of her making. As far as I know, nobody blamed Mrs Eden for the Suez crisis, or Mrs Chamberlain for the Munich debacle, so why is Cherie held partly responsible for the fact that her husband ordered the troops into Iraq?

We will all have to wait for Tony Blair's autobiography for an explanation of the political thinking that has shaped the past decade, but this book might give you an idea of what it's like to be in the grey area behind the throne.



The Justice Game, 09 Jan 2004
In this excellent book, Geoffrey Robertson QC gives a very informative and enjoyable account of some of the cases he has dealt with during his carrier at the Bar, spanning, at the time of the publication of his book, over three decades. These included a number of various topics: defamation cases, blasphemy and/or indecency trials, public enquiries as well as human rights missions and death row work.
The book is thrilling, at times it reads like the best detective stories, the accounts given of court proceedings and the anecdotes are often hilarious. Certainly, no prior knowledge of the law is required to enjoy his stories; however, those trained in law will find it especially interesting to see how some of the fundamental tenets of English law (such as the presumption of innocence or the impartiality of the judge) can go pear-shaped in practice.
Most importantly, however, Robertson QC is prepared to take a clear moral stance on human rights and civil liberties and to criticise or defend the law from this viewpoint. He emphasises that, as a member of the legal profession, he does have to abide by certain rules and has certain duties and does not accept anything less from others when engaging in the "justice game".
The book should be recommended to those interested in current affairs, legal issues as well as to those simply enjoying fascinating books telling the story of a person's professional life.
Dan Tivadar

Excellent memoir/meditation on law, 17 Aug 2001
This excellent book is many things -- a gripping memoir of legal battles for civil liberties and a meditation on the nature of law, litigation, and the role of the judiciary in constitutional government. I only wish that this book was more widely available in the United States; I would assign it in my Law & Literature course without hesitation.

One reviewer does the book an inadvetent disservice by analogizing it to the novels of John Grisham -- it's both far better written and far more profound and thought-provoking. And it has the added merit of being true...

Legal stories everyone must know, 30 Jun 1999
I approached this book with a predisposition to dislike. The blurb on the back suggested that the only law that matters is that which involves human rights (ie, criminal and public law). As a commercial lawyer through and through, my pride was a little offended! Nevertheless, I absolutely loved this book. All these cases involve facts which must be told to anyone who cares about democracy and the avoidance of corruption. The truth these stories reveal, and the lessons we should learn from them, should never be forgotten.

The author is not at all concerned with enhancing his reputation. Yet it is impossible not to be impressed by the fact that Mr Robertson has been involved in cases of crucial importance to democracy and justice in Britain and around the world in the last 20 years. It is also impossible to deny the tremendous intelligence and ability of this Australian lawyer.

Enthralling, easy reading story of major courtroom battles, 27 May 1999
Geoffrey Robertson has defended many freedoms in his career with the law, including Oz obscenity trial, Matrixx Churchill trial. He specialises, for this book at least, in doing battle with the UK government who are extraordinarily defensive - and prepared to manipulate the law if necessary. Super read - no legal jargon, no knowledge of the law necessary.

Abandon prejudice, all ye who enter here!, 02 May 1999
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I received it as a gift. Fearing another in the series of books about the law which have proved to be mere self-serving rants taking large bites out of the hands that feed their progenitors, I actually lined up a couple of books of short stories to read between chapters or when I got too annoyed. Instead, I was delighted and absorbed. Robertson celebrates the legal system and shows how it is not the system that fails us but those who endeavour to cheat it. Justice is a "game" in the sense that if everyone plays by the rules, the right side will win. For someone of his profession and profile, Robertson is relatively self-effacing, in the context of what must have been considerable temptation to sound his own horn. And the cases are fascinating, and beautifully told. Most inspiring of all is the strong sense of justice, and above all, ethics, which pervades every aspect of his prose. Robertson clearly believes that the end does not justify the means, and that if rules are broken, in both the long and short term it is justice which suffers. Sometime the erosion of ethical standards makes me want to leave the law. This book makes me want to stay. Mr Robertson, you wouldn't be looking for a pupil, would you?

In Praise of Camelot, 08 Jul 2008
Few would disagree that John F. Kennedy was one of our most inspirational presidents and that it was a tragedy that he was assassinated. Since the 1950s, it was well known that some of the most memorable words that Kennedy inspired us with were drafted if not written in total by Ted Sorensen, Kennedy's dedicated staffer who played many roles in addition to helping write speeches, books, and articles. Speculation about Sorensen's role was fed by Mr. Sorensen's humble deflection of praise that others aimed in his direction.

Imagine what it would have been like to talk to JFK every day and to see him most days. Imagine, even more, if you were walking on history's stage in your role: You weren't just pouring him coffee.

You could re-title this book as "Dream Job" and you wouldn't be far off.

In Counselor, Mr. Sorensen reveals more than in the past about his personal relationship with President Kennedy, who did what and when, his views about Kennedy's decisions and legacy, and what the lessons for historians are from that era. In letting down his hair, Mr. Sorensen is a loyal heir to the Kennedy legend: He doesn't criticize more than an independent observer would who knew the surface facts. Naturally, he also defends where many would not (he's gentle on Kennedy for increasing the number of military advisors in South Vietnam and letting the military leaders there murder the country's political leader). Further, he seems to have amnesia about what any president did before Kennedy who was not a Democrat (he writes as though there was no space program before Kennedy took office).

One of the most interesting episodes in the book comes long after President Kennedy was killed in the description of Mr. Sorensen's nomination to be CIA head by President Carter. The contrast between Kennedy and Carter could not be clearer in reading how this was handled.

I think we should be generous with Mr. Sorensen. It's been many years. He's almost the last of those who served in those years who knows the inside stories. He also suffered a substantial stroke that affected his vision and made writing this book extremely difficult. I commend Mr. Sorensen for making the effort. There are many lessons here that new administrations can learn from.

I also honor him for his service to the nation, to John F. Kennedy, and to my youthful idealistic dreams by inspiring them with his timeless words. Many will always remember him as a speech writer, but he was truly more . . . especially during those potentially deadly days during the Cuban missile crisis.

Thank you, Mr. Sorensen.


A great read - a great life, 10 Nov 2008
This is a wonderful book. The story of a brilliant career and life told in the most enthralling way. The author manages to make this story touching, thrilling and amusing. Highly recommended.

Ignore the vitriol - this is a really good read, 17 Jul 2008
If you've already decided you hate Cherie Blair (as some previous reviwers clearly have - one star? Come on - that's just nasty) then there will be little point in you reading this. Your views will not be changed. Fortunately, lots of people don't have their opinions formed by the tabloids, nor their barometer for perfection set so high that human failings are not permitted in anyone with the temerity to be in the public eye. To you, I would say, go and buy it. I came to it with little in the way of opinions other than that Cherie Blair must have done something terrible in a past life to have had so much opprobrium heaped on her over the years, plus I was interested in hearing her speak for herself. It helps, obviously, that I am close to her age, have seen my children grow up in the same sort of period, and lived though the momentous political events that form the backdrop to much of this book. And I loved it. Indeed, I found it extremely difficult to put down. It's intelligently written, well constructed and thoughtful, with enough intimate detail to enlighten and entertain, but no mud slinging or sentimentality. Whatever others might suggest, she doesn't launch missiles at her 'enemies', simply tells it how it was from her point of view, with great dignity. Neither does she twitter on about Tony particularly. She loves her husband, clearly. She is loyal to him. Enough said.
I found the insights into life at Downing Street - and within government generally - fascinating (I was shocked to hear there is NO BUDGET for the premier's wife to dress appropriately, for example, though plenty of interference in what is deemed politically correct), but mostly I was just drawn to it because here's a very ordinary - albeit very bright - girl who achieved great things professionally, just happened to fall in love with a Prime Minister to be, and juggled home life and career like so many of us do. Only more so, of course. It possibly doesn't merit five stars (precious few books do) but I made my four five for the simple reason that a verdict of one star is not a review of the quality of the book on sale here, but would seem to be directed at its author, which feels unfair.

Well-written and insightful, 08 Jul 2008
I would just like to say that I found it to be very enjoyable. I have read several biographies that were difficult to get into and poorly written - this is not one of them.

The autobiography presented Cherie Blair as relatively down-to-earth, humble backgrounds, and has worked hard to get where she is. It was an insightful, inspiring and endearing read, and I would certainly recommend it to others.

A very compassionate lady., 03 Jul 2008
YOU DOUN'T HAVE TO BE A SOCIALIST TO ENJOY THIS BOOK I ENJOYED IT ENORMOUSLY I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN I THINK CHERIE WAS MORE THAN GENEROUS
WITH THE PHOTO'S AND SHE CAME ACCROSS AS VERY CARING AND LOVABLE HUMAN
BEING.


Just a normal women telling her story!!!, 25 Jun 2008
Having read the book I came to the conclusion that Cherie Blair is just a normal women like million other women in the world with hopes, fears, wishes, dreams, shortcomings, ego, hate, love, values... Most people think that once we have done our duty by election our pears into an office being the White House, Downing Street 10 or any other office these people leave their personality at the door when they enter and become some sort of political saints. We have done our task and expect them to become almost holly just under God. Well maybe in ancient France the Sun King Louis XIV and his culture believed this but not me in the 21st century! The book clearly showes that politicians, more so than other people, stay human after all once in office. If someone is to blame than it is not the Cherie Blairs of this world for being human but the voters who put them in office. Just make a better choice in the voting booth!

Does everybody have an opinion about this woma.n?, 24 Jun 2008
Reading the other reviews written about this book will show you that Cherie Blair is a woman about whom everybody has an opinion, and a strong one, at that.

This book is not a political biography, nor an analysis of the first ten years of the New Labour Government. It is a partial biography written by a woman who has some claim to recognition in her own right, but whose major claim to fame is that she is married to Tony Blair. Interestingly, although she uses Cherie Booth as her professional name, and most of her other books have been written under that name, this book was by Cherie Blair.

Cherie Blair is obviously an intelligent woman, graduating top of her year in law, and forging a career at the bar (in what is still a male-dominated profession) whilst looking after a home and family. What's more, she made it against all odds, coming from what was virtually a one-parent family at a time when such families did not receive the support that they now enjoy. Perhaps that goes some way towards explaining her extraordinary blend of shrewdness and naivete.

Surely she must have realised that, on the day after her husband became Prime Minister, there would be cameras trained on her front door - and that any embarrassing photographs would be recycled endlessly? How could she have been taken in by the likes of Carole Caplin? Didn't she have any friends of her own who could have pointed out the obvious truth that hangers-on who were attracted to her because of her position were in it for their benefit, and not hers? Even on leaving Number 10, didn't she realise that her throwaway line to the press about not missing them, even if intended as a joke, would be the thing that most people remembered about her husband's exit from the highest office in the land?

Another strand that runs through this book is Cherie Blair's worry about financial security. That's only natural, given her background, but she is a successful barrister, whose earnings (and earning potential) far outstrip those of most people. She is also married to a man who will not have to rely on his (not insubstantial) Prime Minister's pension, but who has the ability to earn a fortune in the future. Her apparent obsession with money does seem to sit rather uncomfortably on the shoulders of a self-professed left winger.

What this book does emphasise is the difficulty of being a successful woman as well as the wife of the Prime Minister. Most Number 10 wives have kept in the background, but that is not Cherie Blair's way. She seems to believe that the place for the head is firmly above the parapet, and she does seem to have attracted blame for things that were not of her making. As far as I know, nobody blamed Mrs Eden for the Suez crisis, or Mrs Chamberlain for the Munich debacle, so why is Cherie held partly responsible for the fact that her husband ordered the troops into Iraq?

We will all have to wait for Tony Blair's autobiography for an explanation of the political thinking that has shaped the past decade, but this book might give you an idea of what it's like to be in the grey area behind the throne.



The Justice Game, 09 Jan 2004
In this excellent book, Geoffrey Robertson QC gives a very informative and enjoyable account of some of the cases he has dealt with during his carrier at the Bar, spanning, at the time of the publication of his book, over three decades. These included a number of various topics: defamation cases, blasphemy and/or indecency trials, public enquiries as well as human rights missions and death row work.
The book is thrilling, at times it reads like the best detective stories, the accounts given of court proceedings and the anecdotes are often hilarious. Certainly, no prior knowledge of the law is required to enjoy his stories; however, those trained in law will find it especially interesting to see how some of the fundamental tenets of English law (such as the presumption of innocence or the impartiality of the judge) can go pear-shaped in practice.
Most importantly, however, Robertson QC is prepared to take a clear moral stance on human rights and civil liberties and to criticise or defend the law from this viewpoint. He emphasises that, as a member of the legal profession, he does have to abide by certain rules and has certain duties and does not accept anything less from others when engaging in the "justice game".
The book should be recommended to those interested in current affairs, legal issues as well as to those simply enjoying fascinating books telling the story of a person's professional life.
Dan Tivadar

Excellent memoir/meditation on law, 17 Aug 2001
This excellent book is many things -- a gripping memoir of legal battles for civil liberties and a meditation on the nature of law, litigation, and the role of the judiciary in constitutional government. I only wish that this book was more widely available in the United States; I would assign it in my Law & Literature course without hesitation.

One reviewer does the book an inadvetent disservice by analogizing it to the novels of John Grisham -- it's both far better written and far more profound and thought-provoking. And it has the added merit of being true...

Legal stories everyone must know, 30 Jun 1999
I approached this book with a predisposition to dislike. The blurb on the back suggested that the only law that matters is that which involves human rights (ie, criminal and public law). As a commercial lawyer through and through, my pride was a little offended! Nevertheless, I absolutely loved this book. All these cases involve facts which must be told to anyone who cares about democracy and the avoidance of corruption. The truth these stories reveal, and the lessons we should learn from them, should never be forgotten.

The author is not at all concerned with enhancing his reputation. Yet it is impossible not to be impressed by the fact that Mr Robertson has been involved in cases of crucial importance to democracy and justice in Britain and around the world in the last 20 years. It is also impossible to deny the tremendous intelligence and ability of this Australian lawyer.

Enthralling, easy reading story of major courtroom battles, 27 May 1999
Geoffrey Robertson has defended many freedoms in his career with the law, including Oz obscenity trial, Matrixx Churchill trial. He specialises, for this book at least, in doing battle with the UK government who are extraordinarily defensive - and prepared to manipulate the law if necessary. Super read - no legal jargon, no knowledge of the law necessary.

Abandon prejudice, all ye who enter here!, 02 May 1999
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I received it as a gift. Fearing another in the series of books about the law which have proved to be mere self-serving rants taking large bites out of the hands that feed their progenitors, I actually lined up a couple of books of short stories to read between chapters or when I got too annoyed. Instead, I was delighted and absorbed. Robertson celebrates the legal system and shows how it is not the system that fails us but those who endeavour to cheat it. Justice is a "game" in the sense that if everyone plays by the rules, the right side will win. For someone of his profession and profile, Robertson is relatively self-effacing, in the context of what must have been considerable temptation to sound his own horn. And the cases are fascinating, and beautifully told. Most inspiring of all is the strong sense of justice, and above all, ethics, which pervades every aspect of his prose. Robertson clearly believes that the end does not justify the means, and that if rules are broken, in both the long and short term it is justice which suffers. Sometime the erosion of ethical standards makes me want to leave the law. This book makes me want to stay. Mr Robertson, you wouldn't be looking for a pupil, would you?

In Praise of Camelot, 08 Jul 2008
Few would disagree that John F. Kennedy was one of our most inspirational presidents and that it was a tragedy that he was assassinated. Since the 1950s, it was well known that some of the most memorable words that Kennedy inspired us with were drafted if not written in total by Ted Sorensen, Kennedy's dedicated staffer who played many roles in addition to helping write speeches, books, and articles. Speculation about Sorensen's role was fed by Mr. Sorensen's humble deflection of praise that others aimed in his direction.

Imagine what it would have been like to talk to JFK every day and to see him most days. Imagine, even more, if you were walking on history's stage in your role: You weren't just pouring him coffee.

You could re-title this book as "Dream Job" and you wouldn't be far off.

In Counselor, Mr. Sorensen reveals more than in the past about his personal relationship with President Kennedy, who did what and when, his views about Kennedy's decisions and legacy, and what the lessons for historians are from that era. In letting down his hair, Mr. Sorensen is a loyal heir to the Kennedy legend: He doesn't criticize more than an independent observer would who knew the surface facts. Naturally, he also defends where many would not (he's gentle on Kennedy for increasing the number of military advisors in South Vietnam and letting the military leaders there murder the country's political leader). Further, he seems to have amnesia about what any president did before Kennedy who was not a Democrat (he writes as though there was no space program before Kennedy took office).

One of the most interesting episodes in the book comes long after President Kennedy was killed in the description of Mr. Sorensen's nomination to be CIA head by President Carter. The contrast between Kennedy and Carter could not be clearer in reading how this was handled.

I think we should be generous with Mr. Sorensen. It's been many years. He's almost the last of those who served in those years who knows the inside stories. He also suffered a substantial stroke that affected his vision and made writing this book extremely difficult. I commend Mr. Sorensen for making the effort. There are many lessons here that new administrations can learn from.

I also honor him for his service to the nation, to John F. Kennedy, and to my youthful idealistic dreams by inspiring them with his timeless words. Many will always remember him as a speech writer, but he was truly more . . . especially during those potentially deadly days during the Cuban missile crisis.

Thank you, Mr. Sorensen.


A great read - a great life, 10 Nov 2008
This is a wonderful book. The story of a brilliant career and life told in the most enthralling way. The author manages to make this story touching, thrilling and amusing. Highly recommended.

A brilliant defence of the English Republic!, 05 May 2008
Geoffrey Robertson's account of the life of Cromwell's Solicitor-General is the best defence of the English Republic I have so far read. He does not gloss over its excesses, but he does at least attempt to put them in perspective (which is more than most 'historians' seem capable of), and he does so without relying on the over-used second-hand account left to us by the Royalist Earl of Clarendon.

However, Robertson's biography is also a cunning polemic than examines contemporary preoccupations with 'regime change', and with the need to bring tyrants to account for their war crimes. There are one or two minor errors (the 1966 film by Attenborough was actually the 1970 film by Ken Hughes), but I was impressed by the power and logic of Mr Robertson's argument. I read this book within four sittings, and was entranced from start to finish, so I shall be buying more books by this author.

Is British Republicanism Indegenous?, 21 Nov 2007
All the praise for this book in other reviews is well justified and so I need not add my own. This is among other things a great book for the Republican cause.

And what a better light on English history than stuffed shirt, pompous TV historians boring our pants off by pratting on about MON--AR--CHY.

I only wish to pick out a small reference by Geoffrey Robertson to the effect that British Republicanism is homegrown. The story he tells bears this out but JGA Pocock's well known The Machiavellian Moment (1975) takes a different view. Pocock argues that the British Republicans were influenced by the Italians.

On the face of it, it would seem that Harrington and Milton must have been aware of Italian thought. But Robertson convincingly suggests how British Republicanism grew out of Puritanism.

So who is right?

Brilliant Re-evaluation, 27 Oct 2007
This is a long overdue forensic analysis of the trial of Charles I, and John Cooke, the man responsible for preparing the charges. On its way the book explains the legal difficulties involved & the attempt to gain legitimacy to the proceedings in a world where it was believed that all justice flowed from the King. In writing this book Robertson highlights basic errors in the work covering this event in books by many leading historians. In addition he also covers the many much needed legal reforms undertaken during this period, for which John Cooke was the standard bearer.

The book is without doubt a polemic, and Robertson has his own agenda and a very big axe to grind. However, that shouldn't overshadow its importance. It stands as a brilliant piece of revisionism alongside Tom Reilly's "Cromwell: An Honourable Enemy".

A must for Cavalier & Roundhead alike.

Refreshing New Light on the Civil War Era, 07 Jan 2007
Amid the thousands of volumes published on every aspect of the English Civil War the Tyrannicide Brief stands out. It is the first biography of John Cooke, the Republic's Solicitor General who prosecuted Charles I and it is written not by a professional historian but by Geoffrey Robertson, one of England's leading QC's. On the plus side Robertson's style is clear and it creates an account which is highly readable. His legal knowledge gives him a particular insight into the legal issues of the day and he shows how the ideological underpinning of the trial has continuing relevance helping to justify subsequent major trials such as Nuremberg, Milosevic and Saddam. Robertson also underlines how the all to short Commonwealth brought forward ideas about equality before the law and democracy years ahead of their time. Ideas which were embarrassingly disregarded in Britain after the Restoration but which later provided the raw material for the American and French Revolutions. If there is a criticism of this book it is perhaps that Robertson, shaped by the adversarial atmosphere of the courts has very much produced the case for John Cooke, - his sympathies with his subject are not hidden. Given the generally bad press Cooke and the other Regicides have received down the centuries this is forgivable - although combined with the scarcity of material on aspects of Cooke's life, it leads Robertson in parts to simply retell the story of these years and to speculate the views his subject may have held. Overall however this does not detract from a book which is enjoyable to read and which offers (a rare) new angle on the years of the English Revolution.

History From A Legal Perspective, 12 Dec 2006
This is a great read, and a very interesting re-casting of the trials of King Charles I and "the regicides" (those who were major players in the King's trial).

Robertson is an engaging writer, explaining legal nuances in plain English and clearly displaying the relevance of these trials held in the 17th Century to today's trials of despots at The Hague, without losing the reader's interest.

The controversial aspect of the book is the review of the trials from the point of view of the law as it stood at that time. From this perspective Robertson does indeed come to some highly anti-monarchist conclusions, all of which I believe are quite reasonable.

Some of the moments described in the regicides' trials were so farcically biased against the defendants that they could have been lifted directly from a Blackadder script, while the concessions that were granted Charles during his trial were - FOR THAT POINT IN TIME - remarkably fair.

Read this, and you may even gain an appreciation for the positive effects that honourable lawyers have had on Western civilisation.

Ignore the vitriol - this is a really good read, 17 Jul 2008
If you've already decided you hate Cherie Blair (as some previous reviwers clearly have - one star? Come on - that's just nasty) then there will be little point in you reading this. Your views will not be changed. Fortunately, lots of people don't have their opinions formed by the tabloids, nor their barometer for perfection set so high that human failings are not permitted in anyone with the temerity to be in the public eye. To you, I would say, go and buy it. I came to it with little in the way of opinions other than that Cherie Blair must have done something terrible in a past life to have had so much opprobrium heaped on her over the years, plus I was interested in hearing her speak for herself. It helps, obviously, that I am close to her age, have seen my children grow up in the same sort of period, and lived though the momentous political events that form the backdrop to much of this book. And I loved it. Indeed, I found it extremely difficult to put down. It's intelligently written, well constructed and thoughtful, with enough intimate detail to enlighten and entertain, but no mud slinging or sentimentality. Whatever others might suggest, she doesn't launch missiles at her 'enemies', simply tells it how it was from her point of view, with great dignity. Neither does she twitter on about Tony particularly. She loves her husband, clearly. She is loyal to him. Enough said.
I found the insights into life at Downing Street - and within government generally - fascinating (I was shocked to hear there is NO BUDGET for the premier's wife to dress appropriately, for example, though plenty of interference in what is deemed politically correct), but mostly I was just drawn to it because here's a very ordinary - albeit very bright - girl who achieved great things professionally, just happened to fall in love with a Prime Minister to be, and juggled home life and career like so many of us do. Only more so, of course. It possibly doesn't merit five stars (precious few books do) but I made my four five for the simple reason that a verdict of one star is not a review of the quality of the book on sale here, but would seem to be directed at its author, which feels unfair.

Well-written and insightful, 08 Jul 2008
I would just like to say that I found it to be very enjoyable. I have read several biographies that were difficult to get into and poorly written - this is not one of them.

The autobiography presented Cherie Blair as relatively down-to-earth, humble backgrounds, and has worked hard to get where she is. It was an insightful, inspiring and endearing read, and I would certainly recommend it to others.

A very compassionate lady., 03 Jul 2008
YOU DOUN'T HAVE TO BE A SOCIALIST TO ENJOY THIS BOOK I ENJOYED IT ENORMOUSLY I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN I THINK CHERIE WAS MORE THAN GENEROUS
WITH THE PHOTO'S AND SHE CAME ACCROSS AS VERY CARING AND LOVABLE HUMAN
BEING.


Just a normal women telling her story!!!, 25 Jun 2008
Having read the book I came to the conclusion that Cherie Blair is just a normal women like million other women in the world with hopes, fears, wishes, dreams, shortcomings, ego, hate, love, values... Most people think that once we have done our duty by election our pears into an office being the White House, Downing Street 10 or any other office these people leave their personality at the door when they enter and become some sort of political saints. We have done our task and expect them to become almost holly just under God. Well maybe in ancient France the Sun King Louis XIV and his culture believed this but not me in the 21st century! The book clearly showes that politicians, more so than other people, stay human after all once in office. If someone is to blame than it is not the Cherie Blairs of this world for being human but the voters who put them in office. Just make a better choice in the voting booth!

Does everybody have an opinion about this woma.n?, 24 Jun 2008
Reading the other reviews written about this book will show you that Cherie Blair is a woman about whom everybody has an opinion, and a strong one, at that.

This book is not a political biography, nor an analysis of the first ten years of the New Labour Government. It is a partial biography written by a woman who has some claim to recognition in her own right, but whose major claim to fame is that she is married to Tony Blair. Interestingly, although she uses Cherie Booth as her professional name, and most of her other books have been written under that name, this book was by Cherie Blair.

Cherie Blair is obviously an intelligent woman, graduating top of her year in law, and forging a career at the bar (in what is still a male-dominated profession) whilst looking after a home and family. What's more, she made it against all odds, coming from what was virtually a one-parent family at a time when such families did not receive the support that they now enjoy. Perhaps that goes some way towards explaining her extraordinary blend of shrewdness and naivete.

Surely she must have realised that, on the day after her husband became Prime Minister, there would be cameras trained on her front door - and that any embarrassing photographs would be recycled endlessly? How could she have been taken in by the likes of Carole Caplin? Didn't she have any friends of her own who could have pointed out the obvious truth that hangers-on who were attracted to her because of her position were in it for their benefit, and not hers? Even on leaving Number 10, didn't she realise that her throwaway line to the press about not missing them, even if intended as a joke, would be the thing that most people remembered about her husband's exit from the highest office in the land?

Another strand that runs through this book is Cherie Blair's worry about financial security. That's only natural, given her background, but she is a successful barrister, whose earnings (and earning potential) far outstrip those of most people. She is also married to a man who will not have to rely on his (not insubstantial) Prime Minister's pension, but who has the ability to earn a fortune in the future. Her apparent obsession with money does seem to sit rather uncomfortably on the shoulders of a self-professed left winger.

What this book does emphasise is the difficulty of being a successful woman as well as the wife of the Prime Minister. Most Number 10 wives have kept in the background, but that is not Cherie Blair's way. She seems to believe that the place for the head is firmly above the parapet, and she does seem to have attracted blame for things that were not of her making. As far as I know, nobody blamed Mrs Eden for the Suez crisis, or Mrs Chamberlain for the Munich debacle, so why is Cherie held partly responsible for the fact that her husband ordered the troops into Iraq?

We will all have to wait for Tony Blair's autobiography for an explanation of the political thinking that has shaped the past decade, but this book might give you an idea of what it's like to be in the grey area behind the throne.



The Justice Game, 09 Jan 2004
In this excellent book, Geoffrey Robertson QC gives a very informative and enjoyable account of some of the cases he has dealt with during his carrier at the Bar, spanning, at the time of the publication of his book, over three decades. These included a number of various topics: defamation cases, blasphemy and/or indecency trials, public enquiries as well as human rights missions and death row work.
The book is thrilling, at times it reads like the best detective stories, the accounts given of court proceedings and the anecdotes are often hilarious. Certainly, no prior knowledge of the law is required to enjoy his stories; however, those trained in law will find it especially interesting to see how some of the fundamental tenets of English law (such as the presumption of innocence or the impartiality of the judge) can go pear-shaped in practice.
Most importantly, however, Robertson QC is prepared to take a clear moral stance on human rights and civil liberties and to criticise or defend the law from this viewpoint. He emphasises that, as a member of the legal profession, he does have to abide by certain rules and has certain duties and does not accept anything less from others when engaging in the "justice game".
The book should be recommended to those interested in current affairs, legal issues as well as to those simply enjoying fascinating books telling the story of a person's professional life.
Dan Tivadar

Excellent memoir/meditation on law, 17 Aug 2001
This excellent book is many things -- a gripping memoir of legal battles for civil liberties and a meditation on the nature of law, litigation, and the role of the judiciary in constitutional government. I only wish that this book was more widely available in the United States; I would assign it in my Law & Literature course without hesitation.

One reviewer does the book an inadvetent disservice by analogizing it to the novels of John Grisham -- it's both far better written and far more profound and thought-provoking. And it has the added merit of being true...

Legal stories everyone must know, 30 Jun 1999
I approached this book with a predisposition to dislike. The blurb on the back suggested that the only law that matters is that which involves human rights (ie, criminal and public law). As a commercial lawyer through and through, my pride was a little offended! Nevertheless, I absolutely loved this book. All these cases involve facts which must be told to anyone who cares about democracy and the avoidance of corruption. The truth these stories reveal, and the lessons we should learn from them, should never be forgotten.

The author is not at all concerned with enhancing his reputation. Yet it is impossible not to be impressed by the fact that Mr Robertson has been involved in cases of crucial importance to democracy and justice in Britain and around the world in the last 20 years. It is also impossible to deny the tremendous intelligence and ability of this Australian lawyer.

Enthralling, easy reading story of major courtroom battles, 27 May 1999
Geoffrey Robertson has defended many freedoms in his career with the law, including Oz obscenity trial, Matrixx Churchill trial. He specialises, for this book at least, in doing battle with the UK government who are extraordinarily defensive - and prepared to manipulate the law if necessary. Super read - no legal jargon, no knowledge of the law necessary.

Abandon prejudice, all ye who enter here!, 02 May 1999
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I received it as a gift. Fearing another in the series of books about the law which have proved to be mere self-serving rants taking large bites out of the hands that feed their progenitors, I actually lined up a couple of books of short stories to read between chapters or when I got too annoyed. Instead, I was delighted and absorbed. Robertson celebrates the legal system and shows how it is not the system that fails us but those who endeavour to cheat it. Justice is a "game" in the sense that if everyone plays by the rules, the right side will win. For someone of his profession and profile, Robertson is relatively self-effacing, in the context of what must have been considerable temptation to sound his own horn. And the cases are fascinating, and beautifully told. Most inspiring of all is the strong sense of justice, and above all, ethics, which pervades every aspect of his prose. Robertson clearly believes that the end does not justify the means, and that if rules are broken, in both the long and short term it is justice which suffers. Sometime the erosion of ethical standards makes me want to leave the law. This book makes me want to stay. Mr Robertson, you wouldn't be looking for a pupil, would you?

In Praise of Camelot, 08 Jul 2008
Few would disagree that John F. Kennedy was one of our most inspirational presidents and that it was a tragedy that he was assassinated. Since the 1950s, it was well known that some of the most memorable words that Kennedy inspired us with were drafted if not written in total by Ted Sorensen, Kennedy's dedicated staffer who played many roles in addition to helping write speeches, books, and articles. Speculation about Sorensen's role was fed by Mr. Sorensen's humble deflection of praise that others aimed in his direction.

Imagine what it would have been like to talk to JFK every day and to see him most days. Imagine, even more, if you were walking on history's stage in your role: You weren't just pouring him coffee.

You could re-title this book as "Dream Job" and you wouldn't be far off.

In Counselor, Mr. Sorensen reveals more than in the past about his personal relationship with President Kennedy, who did what and when, his views about Kennedy's decisions and legacy, and what the lessons for historians are from that era. In letting down his hair, Mr. Sorensen is a loyal heir to the Kennedy legend: He doesn't criticize more than an independent observer would who knew the surface facts. Naturally, he also defends where many would not (he's gentle on Kennedy for increasing the number of military advisors in South Vietnam and letting the military leaders there murder the country's political leader). Further, he seems to have amnesia about what any president did before Kennedy who was not a Democrat (he writes as though there was no space program before Kennedy took office).

One of the most interesting episodes in the book comes long after President Kennedy was killed in the description of Mr. Sorensen's nomination to be CIA head by President Carter. The contrast between Kennedy and Carter could not be clearer in reading how this was handled.

I think we should be generous with Mr. Sorensen. It's been many years. He's almost the last of those who served in those years who knows the inside stories. He also suffered a substantial stroke that affected his vision and made writing this book extremely difficult. I commend Mr. Sorensen for making the effort. There are many lessons here that new administrations can learn from.

I also honor him for his service to the nation, to John F. Kennedy, and to my youthful idealistic dreams by inspiring them with his timeless words. Many will always remember him as a speech writer, but he was truly more . . . especially during those potentially deadly days during the Cuban missile crisis.

Thank you, Mr. Sorensen.


A great read - a great life, 10 Nov 2008
This is a wonderful book. The story of a brilliant career and life told in the most enthralling way. The author manages to make this story touching, thrilling and amusing. Highly recommended.

A brilliant defence of the English Republic!, 05 May 2008
Geoffrey Robertson's account of the life of Cromwell's Solicitor-General is the best defence of the English Republic I have so far read. He does not gloss over its excesses, but he does at least attempt to put them in perspective (which is more than most 'historians' seem capable of), and he does so without relying on the over-used second-hand account left to us by the Royalist Earl of Clarendon.

However, Robertson's biography is also a cunning polemic than examines contemporary preoccupations with 'regime change', and with the need to bring tyrants to account for their war crimes. There are one or two minor errors (the 1966 film by Attenborough was actually the 1970 film by Ken Hughes), but I was impressed by the power and logic of Mr Robertson's argument. I read this book within four sittings, and was entranced from start to finish, so I shall be buying more books by this author.

Is British Republicanism Indegenous?, 21 Nov 2007
All the praise for this book in other reviews is well justified and so I need not add my own. This is among other things a great book for the Republican cause.

And what a better light on English history than stuffed shirt, pompous TV historians boring our pants off by pratting on about MON--AR--CHY.

I only wish to pick out a small reference by Geoffrey Robertson to the effect that British Republicanism is homegrown. The story he tells bears this out but JGA Pocock's well known The Machiavellian Moment (1975) takes a different view. Pocock argues that the British Republicans were influenced by the Italians.

On the face of it, it would seem that Harrington and Milton must have been aware of Italian thought. But Robertson convincingly suggests how British Republicanism grew out of Puritanism.

So who is right?

Brilliant Re-evaluation, 27 Oct 2007
This is a long overdue forensic analysis of the trial of Charles I, and John Cooke, the man responsible for preparing the charges. On its way the book explains the legal difficulties involved & the attempt to gain legitimacy to the proceedings in a world where it was believed that all justice flowed from the King. In writing this book Robertson highlights basic errors in the work covering this event in books by many leading historians. In addition he also covers the many much needed legal reforms undertaken during this period, for which John Cooke was the standard bearer.

The book is without doubt a polemic, and Robertson has his own agenda and a very big axe to grind. However, that shouldn't overshadow its importance. It stands as a brilliant piece of revisionism alongside Tom Reilly's "Cromwell: An Honourable Enemy".

A must for Cavalier & Roundhead alike.

Refreshing New Light on the Civil War Era, 07 Jan 2007
Amid the thousands of volumes published on every aspect of the English Civil War the Tyrannicide Brief stands out. It is the first biography of John Cooke, the Republic's Solicitor General who prosecuted Charles I and it is written not by a professional historian but by Geoffrey Robertson, one of England's leading QC's. On the plus side Robertson's style is clear and it creates an account which is highly readable. His legal knowledge gives him a particular insight into the legal issues of the day and he shows how the ideological underpinning of the trial has continuing relevance helping to justify subsequent major trials such as Nuremberg, Milosevic and Saddam. Robertson also underlines how the all to short Commonwealth brought forward ideas about equality before the law and democracy years ahead of their time. Ideas which were embarrassingly disregarded in Britain after the Restoration but which later provided the raw material for the American and French Revolutions. If there is a criticism of this book it is perhaps that Robertson, shaped by the adversarial atmosphere of the courts has very much produced the case for John Cooke, - his sympathies with his subject are not hidden. Given the generally bad press Cooke and the other Regicides have received down the centuries this is forgivable - although combined with the scarcity of material on aspects of Cooke's life, it leads Robertson in parts to simply retell the story of these years and to speculate the views his subject may have held. Overall however this does not detract from a book which is enjoyable to read and which offers (a rare) new angle on the years of the English Revolution.

History From A Legal Perspective, 12 Dec 2006
This is a great read, and a very interesting re-casting of the trials of King Charles I and "the regicides" (those who were major players in the King's trial).

Robertson is an engaging writer, explaining legal nuances in plain English and clearly displaying the relevance of these trials held in the 17th Century to today's trials of despots at The Hague, without losing the reader's interest.

The controversial aspect of the book is the review of the trials from the point of view of the law as it stood at that time. From this perspective Robertson does indeed come to some highly anti-monarchist conclusions, all of which I believe are quite reasonable.

Some of the moments described in the regicides' trials were so farcically biased against the defendants that they could have been lifted directly from a Blackadder script, while the concessions that were granted Charles during his trial were - FOR THAT POINT IN TIME - remarkably fair.

Read this, and you may even gain an appreciation for the positive effects that honourable lawyers have had on Western civilisation.

A counter culture Chicano's struggle to find his identity., 07 May 1997
Acosta's Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo is a journey through the most desperate six months of his life which happen to be right in the middle of the psychadelic "drop-out" sixties. This is the story of a man whose pain is made real, whose roots are in question, and whose society seems fragmented.

We travel with him from town to town from San Francisco to Mexico in all sorts of environments. In each town he is confronted by another contact zone filled with racism, surrealism and rootlessness.

Acosta is brutally honest with himself. He calls himself the Brown Buffalo. Him and his people, killed not out of necessity but for excess. Their skins became coats and their heads were mounted on walls. They were a people used, abused and driven from their lands. Acosta ends his book where his life actually begins as Zeta, a leader to the Chicano people, the Brown Buffalos.

Ignore the vitriol - this is a really good read, 17 Jul 2008
If you've already decided you hate Cherie Blair (as some previous reviwers clearly have - one star? Come on - that's just nasty) then there will be little point in you reading this. Your views will not be changed. Fortunately, lots of people don't have their opinions formed by the tabloids, nor their barometer for perfection set so high that human failings are not permitted in anyone with the temerity to be in the public eye. To you, I would say, go and buy it. I came to it with little in the way of opinions other than that Cherie Blair must have done something terrible in a past life to have had so much opprobrium heaped on her over the years, plus I was interested in hearing her speak for herself. It helps, obviously, that I am close to her age, have seen my children grow up in the same sort of period, and lived though the momentous political events that form the backdrop to much of this book. And I loved it. Indeed, I found it extremely difficult to put down. It