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  • Writer's pictureWilliam Tyler

A very personal list of books by Former British Foreign Secretaries (post 1945)

From good history to insights into contemporary politics to ..........!


The Past Masters Harold Macmillan

British Politics and Politicians from 1906-39


Art of The Possible RAB Butler

His memoirs


House Divided James Callaghan

Northern Ireland


The Failure of British Socialism Anthony Crosland

A classic analysis by a former Labour Foreign Secretary, as relevant today as when first published


In Sickness and in Power David Owen

A brilliant book looking at how British and Foreign leaders' judgements were marred by physical or mental illness (1901-2007). Owen is a qualified medical doctor.

This is a ground breaking book and should be studied by all interested in politics. Alcohol abuse, major depression disorder, and 'Hubris Syndrome' are among the concerns noted by Owen.


Search for Peace Douglas Hurd

One of my go-to books. It is about attempts from Congress of Vienna to UN to preserve

world peace.


The English Job Jack Straw

Understanding Iran and its relationship to UK


William Wilberforce William Hague

An important biography of Britain's leading anti-slavery campaigner


And now for something completely different!

My Old Man: A Personal History of Music Hall John Major

A son's tribute to his father and the music hall world in which he worked.


NB Avoid anything by Boris Johnson, especially his biography of himself (sorry of Churchill)


YOUR OWN SUGGESTIONS WELCOMED FOR A SECOND LIST. I WILL OPEN THIS UP TO ANY POLITICIAN FROM ANY COUNTRY. SOME US SUGGESTIONS MOST WELCOME.





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