The New Machiavelli

A gloriously indiscreet political memoir... From a unique vantage point he gives brilliantly observed and witty accounts of the vanity of modern European princes... The merit of Powell's memoir is precisely that it lacks the intrusive ego of the big politician

Dominic Lawson, Sunday Times

It's a quirky, thoughtful take on the impact of The Prince on modern politics

Anne McElvoy, New Statesman, Books of the Year

Anyone who wants an insider's account of what makes politicians tick should read this book

Peter Mandelson, Guardian, Books of the Year

It tells us a great deal about the era that has just passed

Chris Mullin, Daily Telegraph, Books of the Year

An elegant memoir... a guide to the exercise of power in the modern world

Chris Mullin, Guardian, Christmas round up

A thoroughly revealing insiders account

Oldie

Powell is surprisingly indiscreet with his anecdotes and asides, which give intriguing glimpses into ministerial chicanery. Absorbing and entertaining, his memoir also has the topical interest of showing scant period critique Rupert Murdoch's empire

James Urquhart, Financial Times

There's a refreshing directness to this gloriously indiscreet political memoir. The merit of it is precisely that it lacks the intrusive ego of the big politician

Dominic Lawson, Sunday Times

If ever anyone was perfectly placed to turn over the stones on the personal traumas of the major player of the Blair era it is Powell... an intriguing and intelligent treatise on the exercise of power.

The Times