Product Description

The insider's story of the biggest controversies to rock the 1980s and early 1990s, this work by the editor of the "Sunday Times" throughout the 1980s, covers the main political events of this period. The book reveals information about events as varied as the miners' strike and the Thatcher leadership contest, what lay behind the headline "Queen dismayed by uncaring Thatcher", and why, despite being a supporter of much of the Thatcher revolution, the author and the "Sunday Times" were persona non grata at Downing Street. The author also reflects on his life as a bachelor, including comment on both his relationship with Pamella Bordes and his working partnership with Rupert Murdoch.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1432928 in Books
• Published on: 1997-09-19
• Released on: 1997-09-22
• Format: Audiobook
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 2
• Binding: Audio Cassette

Customer Reviews

Surprisingly good
... I confess I had not cared greatly for Mr. Neil. As a member of the liberal chattering class who he purports to dispise I expected him to reveal right wing views here in his book. Not a bit of it! He shows he has a soft and warm nature beneath the somewhat chippy exterior. He says he had to sack many people when he took the helm of the Sunday Times because they were "past their sell by date."However such action gave him no pleasure and often he seemed genuinely upset to consign loyal staff of mature years to the dustbin of employment. He was never the unabashed cheerleader for Mrs. Thatcher I had feared. He respected much of what she did but also felt obliged to rail against some of her excesses. Also, contrary to what I thought previously, he was not a poodle of Mr. Murdoch but a fiercely independent editor. Since being dispatched by Mr. Murdoch Mr. Neil has become a celebrity on television. He can turn his hand expertly to anything, chat shows, quizes, current affairs. Until I read this book I could not understand why he was so popular. Now I do. He has a first rate brain and has battled to the top despite not being blessed with traditional good looks. He is an inspiration and I take off my hat to him!

Impressive
As a longstanding reader of the Scotsman I have been unsettled by the changes which Mr. Neil has made to the newspaper. But unlike many of my friends I was not prepared to condemn Mr. Neil as a self-hating Scot so I took out his book from my local library. I am glad that I did! He is an extremely clever and ingenious man, who showed great courage when the Sunday Times was under siege from the unions at Wapping. He also has enormous vision. Having read his book I have decided not to cancel my subscription to the Scotsman.

Too good to miss this
Borrowed this book when I was desperate for something - anything!- to read, only vaguely knowing who AN was. I don't usually read hard-backs (not comfy in bed!), prefer fiction, and am not intensely political - but I was hooked after the first few pages, couldn't put it down. In fact I've re-read it since and found it just as fascinating. In the end I really liked him, even if I don't necessarily agree with him. Definitely recommended.