Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #117919 in Books
• Published on: 1998-01-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 384 pages

Review
'This blood-and-thunder tale, lifelike and thoroughly cynical, certainly carries the ring of authenticity! a great triumph.' Independent 'The exciting thriller that has Westminster buzzing. Here is a political thriller writer with a marvellous inside track knowledge of government. House of Cards is fast-moving, revelatory and brilliant.' Daily Express

About the Author
Michael Dobbs has carved out a unique niche as the country's leading political thriller writer, with a reputation for always being at the right hand of political controversy. In 1979 he was at Mrs Thatcher's side as she took her first step into Downing Street as Prime Minister, and in 1994 John Major appointed him Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party. One newspaper described him as 'Westminster's baby-faced hitman'.

Customer Reviews

Do not expect it to be like the television series...
The television series was excellent; entertaining and although seemingly far fetched, it remains plausible in its own way. I decided to read the book to compare it with the television series. However, I have to say that this is one of those rare occasions when the television beats the book hands down. Although the televsion has shockingly few similarities to the book, it has changed the story for the better. In the book there is absolutely no sign of any instability in the character of Mattie Storin. She doesn't have an affair with Francis, therefore completely eliminating any reason why she would not work out or deny to herself that he was the instigator of all the trouble! Anyone with even half a brain can see that it is painfully obvious. This leaves the book, for me anyway, totally unconvincing.

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.

Crude Tory Satire Which Worked Better on TV.
Oh dear. Dobbs may have the advantage of insider knowledge, but it was clearly the considerable talents of screenwriter Andrew Davies - as well as Ian Richardson and the generally excellent cast which made 1990's excellent TV adaption so compelling. Dobbs seems to be infected by Jeffery Archer Bad Writing syndrome. As in Archer's case the essentials of a good story are there but sadly this is no less mediocre by any other literary criteria. For a far more compelling political thriller check out Chris Mullen's Very British Coup instead or anything by John Mortimer.