Outside In Hardcover – 23 Jan 2012

Review

'what sets Outside In apart from many of the other post-Blair autobiographies is that it is so much more than a personal justification for being part of a government that got into bed with the most right-wing President in the history of the United States, took us into two unpopular, unsuccessful and largely discredited wars, and handed out billions in no strings loans to the banks. There is a real sense of authenticity in these pages and much of this stems from the fact that, unusually for a politician s autobiography, it is almost certainly written by him.' - Simon Kinnersley, Tribune

Disarmingly understated ... refreshingly honest ... Peter Hain has lived life to the full, which is more than most of our politicians can say. -- John Kampfner, The Observer.

'one of the best, provides a fascinating view of events'-- Choice Magazine

His account of growing up in apartheid South Africa in a family fighting racism and willing to put themselves in the firing line is fascinating... This is a fascinating and personal account by Hain of the campaigns and of the way that the British sporting and conservative establishment (including a series of right-wing judges) tried to stop him. -- Africa Journalism

'readers of the volume will find themselves being offered an interesting fare of frank talk and recent political history' -- The Commonwealth Lawyer

'a man of great courage and conviction... a remarkable and sometimes inspiring read. For this alone, his footprint in history will be much larger than that of most of his more illustrious contemporaries... In the end he won and shamed public opinion into acknowledging the true evil of apartheid... This excellent book charts his rise through the ranks to become the coitus interruptus of the cabinet... there are some cracking anecdotes... a voice worth listening to --Jerry Hayes, Spectator Coffee House

Disarmingly understated ... refreshingly honest ... Peter Hain has lived life to the full, which is more than most of our politicians can say. By John Kampfner, The Observer. --http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/jan/26/peter-hain-outside-in-review

Fascinating themes are covered with wit, candour and insight in this fascinating volume of autobiography, penned throughout in a highly readable, personal writing style which compels the avid reader, now totally hooked, to continue reading on... Highly engrossing volume of political memoirs. --Morgannwg: The Journal of Glamorgan History

About the Author

Peter Hain is the Labour MP for Neath. He has served as Leader of the House of Commons, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Secretary of State for Wales in the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.