Drawing from his time in Westminster and his considerable experience in foreign politics, Rory Stewart shares his insights into the era of populism and global conflict with candour and sharp humour.
Shortlisted for the Books Are My Bag Awards 2024
Over the course of a decade from 2010, Rory Stewart went from being a political outsider to standing for prime minister - before being sacked from a Conservative Party that he had come to barely recognise.
Tackling ministerial briefs on flood response and prison violence, engaging with conflict and poverty abroad as a foreign minister, and Brexit as a Cabinet minister, Stewart learned first-hand how profoundly hollow our democracy and government had become.
Cronyism, ignorance and sheer incompetence ran rampant. Around him, individual politicians laid the foundations for the political and economic chaos of today. Stewart emerged battered but with a profound affection for his constituency of Penrith and the Border, and a deep direct insight into the era of populism and global conflict.
Uncompromising, candid and darkly humorous, Politics On the Edge is his story of the challenges, absurdities and realities of political life and a remarkable portrait of our age.
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
ISBN: 9781529922868
Number of pages: 464
Weight: 319 g
Dimensions: 198 x 129 x 30 mm
There’s no denying that Rory Stewart stands almost alone among British politicians: he’s one of a handful who can actually turn a phrase. That talent is put to good use here — no other account of how Cameron Toryism curdled into May and Johnson is likely to be as evocative or amusing as this one - The Times, The Times Political Book of the Year*
If you want to better understand the catastrophe that has been our government since 2010, or you just want to bask in Stewart’s beautifully formulated prose, read this book - New Statesman, Books of the Year*
A brilliant insider’s account of the Cameron-May-Johnson years - FT, Books of the Year*
It is the sheer sharpness, originality and truth-telling grace of Stewart’s prose, along with the vital importance of his subject, that makes his new book a truly exceptional political autobiography, both a pleasure to read, and a vital wake-up call - Scotsman, Books of the Year*
Full of sharp observations and often funny… a portrait of a country where power is wielded by empty careerists, working in a broken system - Financial Times, Books of the Year*
Beautifully written... You glimpse how transformative government could be - Gaby Hinsliff, Guardian, Books of the Year*
A fascinating account of power, corruption and lies - i, Books of the Year*
Stewart writes beautifully and is brilliant at describing both the theatre and insanity of life in politics - Daily Express, Books of the Year*
[Stewart’s] memoir of his time in politics is valuable as a slice of entertainment, as an enjoyably catty takedown of his former colleagues, and as perhaps the most helpful recent account of the failings of the British state… a valuable contribution to the historical record - Sunday Times, Political Book of the Year*
The moral and technical seriousness of this book should not be ignored: in his time in parliamentary politics, Stewart discovered a lot that needs mending—and he has plenty of ideas for doing so - Prospect, Books of the Year*
Stewart puts the dirty laundry of British politics firmly on the table in Politics on the Edge. This book serves as a timely warning to the public over how we view politics and our politicians. You think - it... More
Beautifully written. A stunning insight into life in Westminster. I found the chapter on prison reform particularly inspiring. Overall, it comes across as honest and authentic.
I enjoyed this book even more than...
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Rory Stewart writes with honesty and clarity about a dysfunctional system. Given his intelligence and integrity it’s little wonder he walked away from politics, but a desperate shame for the country. He is exactly... More
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