TPR Recommends... Peter Riddell

Peter Riddell has been a benchmark figure in the British commentariat for decades. Known to most of us as the political editor of The Times until his retirement after the General Election of 2010, his insights have generally been both pithy and insightful. Indeed, whereas many political commentators (genuinely naming no names) have been inclined to enter into the most absurd hyperbole, Riddell has often been much more grounded in a nuanced political world. So it gives me great pleasure to recommend two of his books, and one more to commemorate his career.


Far too often, when TPR is searching Amazon for images of some of his favourite political books for this site, they appear out-of-print. Such is the case with the stand-out book of Peter's career, 'Hug them Close'. Focusing on the Anglo-American "special/essential relationship" (delete as per your view of Britain's role in the world and/or dependence on American power) this highly engaging book from the former Washington D.C. correspondent for the Financial Times is a must-read. Set in the context of the Blair years, what it tells us about the British-American dynamics ring true in the new age of Cameron-Obama relations. Purchase here.


Over time, I hope, the top tier of my bookshelf will feature The Times Guides to the House of Commons that reflects the entire duration of my interest in politics. This is the must-own book for everybody who thinks or comments on the practicalities of politics in any detail. Never watch an unknown backbencher rise to his feet in the House of Commons again without knowing their vital statistics (constituency, majority, career background...) with this well-researched volume covering the last General Election of Riddell's career. Purchase here.


And finally... our current book of the moment, In Defence of Politicians (in spite of themselves). It no doubt tells us something about the nature of this book that Peter Riddell waited until the end of his thirty years of covering politics as the God-father of the Westminster village before writing this book. Part memoir, part general analysis of the way we do politics, this is a lasting testament to a great journalistic career. Visit us on Sunday for our in-depth review but in the meantime read along and purchase the book here.

Next time, TPR Recommends... The American cast in the War on Terror. All of the must-read books on the figures who shaped the American foreign policy we have now simply come to call 'The Bush Doctrine'. Arriving Thursday.