Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #147036 in Books
• Published on: 2004-06-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

Synopsis
This collection brings together 50 years of Michael Foot's essays, from his "Tribune" article on the death of Stalin to his reflections on "a better way to abolish the weapons" in 2003. They cover the people who have influenced him most and the places that have remained closest to his heart.

About the Author
Michael Foot was leader of the Labour Party from 1980 to 1983.

Customer Reviews

A Great Man, A Fine Book
Michael Foot described his book about Byron as 'a vindication' and it is in vindication of heroes, maligned or ignored that Foot's writing comes most alive. The estimable George Lansbury, for example is set in his rightful place, Tom Driberg is defended and Foot's piece on Salman Rushdie was an honourable and brave defence of free speech from a time when so many politicians (and not a few writers) equivocated or kept silent. Foot's writing is passionate, richly melodic and full of sly humour. Not all the pieces here redress wrongs. The lovely lyrical account of his honeymoon, another example of Foot's chuckling mischievous humour, is one of the finest pieces here: and his late wife Jill is a presence behind a number of other pieces including a whole section of essays devoted to women. The opening essay 'A Better Way To Abolish the Weapons' is a 2003 piece on Iraq, and a wise and timely piece too with the old Foot fire undimmed. There are essays on Irishmen, on key figures of the Labour movement and on favourite places. All marvellously re-readable.
This book belongs on the shelf beside not only his wonderful 'Debts of Honour' but his own heroes: Hazlitt, Montaign, Swift, Wells and the others - Heine, Rousseau, Michelet. Michael Foot is a great man who writes like an angel.

A great Man
A book everyone should read. It is about truth, honesty, honour, modesty. This is a book that teaches you how to understand the worlds treachery, the wrong political decisions of many.There is also wit and humour making the book even more interesting to read. Michael Foot is a rare personality, I wish there were more Michael Foots in the world today. He is a literate man a prolific author.All through his life and work, he became and inspirational force in British life. Most of all he symbolizes a world we have lost. That is why this book is important to read and all other books written by Michael. I also recomend the book that is a biography on Michael Foot, written by Kenneth O.Morgan.
Vesna Gamulin