Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #45218 in Books
• Published on: 1998-01-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 384 pages

Synopsis
The acclaimed political thriller that first introduced the unforgettable Francis Urquhart MP and launched Michael Dobbs' No 1 bestselling career -- now reissued in a new cover. Michael Dobbs' entertaining tale of skulduggery and intrigue within the Palace of Westminster has been a huge hit with the public. Its scheming hero, Chief Whip Francis Urquhart, who uses fair means and foul to become Prime Minister, is one of the best-known characters of the last decade -- the politician we all love to hate. Acclaimed for its authenticity and insights into a secret world -- the result of many years working behind the scenes for the Conservative Party -- it became a highly popular, award-winning BBC TV series, with Francis Urquhart memorably portrayed by Ian Richardson, and was followed by two further sequels, 'To Play the King' and 'The Final Cut', which also became top-rating TV series.

Customer Reviews

A bit heavy going....
I am a big fan of Michael Dobbs but I have to admit I found "House of Cards" a bit heavy going. The story isn't the smoothest to follow and the political details can bog you down at times. It's plain to see that Dobbs knows his subject but he should have made the book a little more readable.

I'm not going to reveal the ending as this would obviously spoil it for people but it really confused me. P>I've heard the TV adaptation is much better so I will watch that and compare. But this book - I definately won't be reading it again. I almost had to slap myself across the face to stay awake!

A Bad Hand...
I am a massive fan of the amazing mini-series trilogy, but it was with considerable doubt that I approached the original novel on which it is based. I was right to be doubtful. Even though he was the creator, Michael Dobbs' characterisation of Urquhart feels wrong- he's a chain smoker, and swears quite frequently; I have no problem with profanity, but in the case of FU, it isn't right. Dobbs also misses the opportunity to romantically link Mattie Storin and Urquhart (rectified by the TV adaptor Andrew Davies) and his ending is weak. And where on earth is Tim Stamper, Urquhart's sinister goon? It may be that I'm judging the book unfairly because the TV version was so utterly brilliant, but it's still a shoddy novel, by any standards.

An Excellent Political novel
This book is part of a three part series which follows the political Francis Urquart from Chief Whip to Prime Minister. Urquarts character is excellently written, he is devious, cynical and manipulating! The story is excellent too with many twists and turns that are unexpected. Michael Dobbs is an excellent political author and the books is very readable.