Product Description

Tony Benn is the longest serving MP in the history of the Labour Party. He left Parliament in 2001, after more than half a century in the House of Commons, to devote more time to politics. This volume of his Diaries describes and comments, in a refreshing and honest way, upon the events of a momentous decade including two wars, a change of government in Britain and the emergence of New Labour, of which he makes clear he is not a member. Tony Benn's account is a well documented, formidable and principled critique of the New Labour Project, full of drama, opinion, humour, anecdotes and sparkling pen-portraits of politicians on both sides of the political divide. But his narrative is also broader and more revealing about day-to-day political life, covering many aspects normally disregarded by historians and lobby correspondents, relating to his work in the constituency, including his advice surgeries. This volume also offers far more of an insight into Tony Benn's personal life, his thoughts about the future and his relationship with his family, especially his remarkable wife Caroline, whose illness and death overshadow these years. Tony Benn is a unique figure on the British political landscape: a true democrat, a passionate socialist and diarist without equal. With this volume, his published Diaries cover British politics for over sixty years. It is edited, as are all others, by Ruth Winstone.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #61107 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 752 pages

Anthony Howard, Sunday Times
Easily the best of the year's diaries - It proves to be an astonishingly moving and human document

About the Author
Tony Benn entered the Commons in 1950 and with Ted Heath held the record post-war timespan as an MP. He has held four cabinet posts and has twice contended the leadership of the Labour Party, of which he has also been chairman. He has written over 15 books.

Customer Reviews

Another hit for Tony Benn
After being transfixed by previous volumes of his diaries, I was awaiting this volume with eager anticipation, and Tony Benn, and his editor Ruth Winstone do not disappoint. Covering his last years on Labour's NEC and his final years as am MP, this book is outstanding in giving a view into the workings of the Labour Party, both old and new. What sets this volume apart from earlier diaries is that it is far more personal, charting as it does the sad losses of both his mother and wife, but also the birth of more grandchildren, who seem to bring Benn so much joy.
At times he slips into grumpy old man mode, but hell the guy was in his seventies when he dictated them so some leeway is appropriate.
Earlier volumes showed Tony as a very active MP indeed. Despite ill health and advacing years he shows no sign of slowing down.
An excellent read. All diarists take note: This is how it should be done

An insight into the work and personal life of a great man
Tony Benn's diaries from 1991 - 2001 provide an insight into the political and personal life of a socialist politician. What I discovered by reading this book was a fantastic historial portrayal of the major politcal events of the 1990s, and the documentation of the successes and struggles of a very honest/open man. I do not believe that the diaries would only be of interest to staunch left wingers - the diaries are not that narrow - as they also offer a portrayal of the workings of our politcal system, which is something I think would be of interest to anyone that is politcally minded.

Aside from its histotrical/political value, the diaries let us into the personal life of Mr Benn (not the cartoon character you jokers!) and show us the great love he has for his family and especially for his late wife Caroline (herself a writer and academic). I felt that it is was very well written and as a result I found it very easy to read.

The Benn Diary
I write this review from the standpoint as a true blue Tory!! Notwithstanding that admission and if anyone is still reading after it, i advise anyone who is at all interested in politics to read this. It gives a fascinating insight int politcs, political relationships and what actually goes on in Westminster and political parties. It is also funny and thought provoking and moving. In short it is brilliant. If you read the Clark diaries and were put off by political self obsession then read this, it may even restore your faith in politicians!!