Politics: Between the Extremes Hardcover – 15 Sep 2016

Review

"A compelling account from the inside of the strange, sad death of liberal Britain. This is a passionate plea for the centre ground, which has never seemed so remote (or precious) in our current political dispensation" (Ian McEwan)

"This engrossing account is written with a warmth and generosity that can’t have been easy to sustain given the trials and tribulations he recounts so entertainingly" (Alan Johnson)

"Essential reading for anyone fearful of the rise of populist extremism or who thinks coalitions are the future of British politics" (Robert Peston)

"This is an important book: a revealing analysis of British politics today and why it urgently needs reform" (Shirley Williams)

"People of all political persuasions owe Nick Clegg a debt that I have no doubt history will acknowledge" (John Major)

"It’s impossible not to warm to Clegg on the basis of this book. He’s human and humane, honest about his faults but insistent that liberalism still has everything to offer in a fractured culture" (Evening Standard)

"This isn’t just a memoir of government … lots of considered and rational observations on how we run our society and economy … good ideas about how the civil service and the British constitution might be improved … Clegg does have qualities that are admirable, both in a politician and in a human being. He’s honest about his mistakes, and examines in detail how his failures to understand the political game made his Liberal Democrats so horribly vulnerable at last year’s election … fluent and chatty … thoughtful" (Telegraph)

"An honest, likeable, rueful account … Clegg writes with charm and humour about political life" (Michael Ignatieff Financial Times)

"Engagingly frank and wry … still as upbeat about the future of liberal politics as he was in 2009 … Political memoirs are often used to settle scores. Clegg’s is subtly different … He takes full and rueful responsibility … good, helpful and public-spirited … This book isn’t an attack on his coalition partners, it is about ensuring the Liberal Democrats get the recognition they deserve when the second draft of history is written … Clegg was undoubtedly right to believe that in agreeing to be alongside the Tories in a government that would implement three-quarters of the Lib Dem’s manifesto, he was doing a rational, noble thing … Clegg analyses without rancour" (Jenni Russell Sunday Times)

"This is not a doleful book … soul-baring and commendably candid about his mistakes, but also a spirited defence … Despite his own battering experience, Clegg remakes the case for multi-party governments and pragmatic compromise in an age of populists preaching ideological purities … If he is correct, this honest and thoughtful book has some useful advice" (Andrew Rawnsley Observer)

"Fascinating and readable ... writes with candour and insight about the human cost of high office ... a stark and salutary reminder of the ruthlessness of the Conservatives in seeking and retaining power and their certainty about the entitlement to rule ... This is a lesson [Labour] - amid its present tribulations - would do well to reflect on" (Douglas Alexander New Statesman)

"Engrossing" (Philip Collins The Times)

"Serious-minded, earnest, level-headed" (David Runciman Guardian)

"Perhaps [Cameron and Osborne] might admit it now, but their government was more stable and socially just with Nick Clegg at their side. Having to consult the Liberal Democrats produced better, more considered government" (Tim Montgomerie The Times)

Book Description

A cautionary tale. An exposé. A defence of the centre ground. An appeal to reason. A call to arms. An honest account from the top and bottom of British politics.