Product Description

This book pulls together the finest writing from the Guardian in 2002. From eyewitness reports, to political commentary, art criticism to sports, diary stories to editorials, obituaries to photography, The Guardian Year covers it all and provides a lasting record of a year in journalism. With contributions from some of the Guardian's best writers, including Nancy Banks-Smith, Catherine Bennett, Michael Billington, Emma Brockes, Julie Burchill, Matthew Engel, Jonathan Freedland, Suzanne Goldenberg, Simon Hoggart, Maggie O'Kane, Polly Toynbee, Gary Younge and Hugo Young.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #971847 in Books
• Published on: 2002-11-26
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Review
This collection of Guardian journalism, interspersed with colour photographs, provides a permanent record of the year's events. Needless to say, war and rumours of war are a concern. With writing by some of the paper's best journalists, there are insightful pieces on the bombing of Afghanistan, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the situation in Iraq and the state of the American public psyche since 11 September 2001. Against a backdrop of the pomp and pageantry of the Queen's Golden Jubilee, there are also articles on what it means to have a monarchy and what it is to be British at this particular moment in the nation's history. The ugly face of nationalism is addressed in a piece on the BNP's success in Lancashire. National sporting achievement is discussed with analysis of England's performance in the World Cup, including a reminder of the nation's concern for David Beckham's foot. There are also illuminating articles which provide insights into the lives of ordinary British people, including pieces by a 14-year-old boy about phone jacking and a 15-year-old girl about having a baby. This is a varied and interesting collection. There are writings on sport, money, culture, domestic social issues and foreign affairs, as well as accounts of the lives of some of the notable people who died during the year of 2002. As Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger puts it, 'Newspapers have a double life. On the one hand they date more quickly than milk and stale more quickly than bread. On the other hand, they provide a fascinating dipstick into history.' Anyone who admires the writing of the Guardian will be enjoy this thoughtful and lasting record of the year 2002. (Kirkus UK)

About the Author
David McKie joined the Guardian in 1965. He was deputy editor from 1975 to 1984 and is now a leader writer and columnist ('Elsewhere' and 'Smallweed').