Examines the life of Gordon Brown, from his childhood in East Yorkshire to his current duties as a lecturer at Princeton University.

What does the future hold for Britain and the relationships between England, Scotland and Wales? Tom Nairn discusses these issues, with contributions from others from across the political spectrum.

A compelling book that examines Gordon Brown's rise to power, his years as Chancellor, and his dramatic decision to give the Bank of England independence "An essential read for anyone who wants to properly understand political and economic policy developments over the past 15 years and enjoy some good insights about the future." Neil Kinnock, Vice President of the European Commission and former leader of the Labour Party. "For twenty years one of the most sceptical and authoritative voices on economic affairs in the British press." Robert Harris, best selling author. "A splendidly vivid account of the background, outlook and record of the most powerful Chancellor of modern times." Anthony Howard, biographer and political commentator. The economic policy of new Labour has been fundamental to its success. Gordon Brown has been at the very heart of new Labour's economic policy since the late 1980s and has been highly instrumental in convincing both the British public and the City that a Labour government can run the economy responsibly. He has generally been a popular and well-respected Chancellor - during his early years in office, he was highly praised for his prudence and yet now, well into the second term of office many of the issues on which the Blair government was elected, such as health and education, have not yet been satisfactorily addressed, and Gordon Brown is now being criticised for what many see as his imprudence in handling the nationâ??s finances. Examining how successful Labourâ??s economic policy has really been, when allowing for the good fortune of a world-wide economic boom, Keegan provides insights into the policies of new Labour, Gordon Brown's rise to power, the impact of his policies and how future policies might influence the economy. Written by a well-known and highly respected journalist who has been close to the heart of politics in Britain for many years, and who is thus able to offer an insiderâ??s view of how policy developed in both opposition and the Government Examines the professional relationships and private friction between Brown, other members of the Cabinet and the Bank of England Includes much previously unpublished material William Keegan is Associate Editor (since 1983) and Economics Editor (since 1977) of The Observer newspaper. A graduate of Trinity College, Cambridge, he has previously held posts with the Financial Times, Daily Mail and Bank of England Economic Intelligence Department. He has sat on a range of advisory committees, including the BBC Advisory Committee on Business and Industrial Affairs, the Employment Institute Council and the Department of Economics Advisory Board, University of Cambridge. He is visiting Professor of Journalism at Sheffield University and is the author of a variety of successful books.

Distinguished contributors from a range of disciplines explore the question of Britishness – past, present and future. A lively and authoritative discussion of an important, timely and contemporary issue Investigates how devolution has brought a new focus on the future of Britain and the nature of Britishness Discusses the challenge of a more diverse society, with the search for a basis of social cohesion and solidarity Examines Gordon Brown's Britishness project, with its aim of producing a statement of British values

This e-book is an extract from Encounters that Changed the World and is also available as part of that complete publication. On 26 September 1960, an estimated 70 million Americans watched John Kennedy and Richard Nixon in the first ever televised presidential debate. Nixon perspired heavily and appeared unshaven while Kennedy was immaculate and composed with a California suntan. Kennedy had found his perfect medium and in future he was to use it to great effect. Read about the famous TV encounter between Kennedy and Nixon along with other significant political encounters that changed the world.

Speechwriting is the definitive guide to writing a speech, revealing all the tools and techniques of the trade, such as how to win an argument, construct a sound bite and perform on stage. The first part of the book covers the arts of persuasion, argument, story telling and metaphor, providing a solid grounding in the theory of speechwriting, which should appeal to anyone with an interest in politics, communication or language. The second part covers the crafts of editing, sound bites, media manipulation, performance and strategy, giving invaluable practical guidance to professional or aspiring speechwriters. This book combines academic rigour with practical nous, drawing on lessons from Aristotle to Obama. It is the essential guide for anyone who writes speeches, for themselves or others, in politics, PR or business.

Empress Josephine grew up in a well off, white Creole, sugar-plantation-owning family in Martinique. But a hurricane destroyed the plantation along with her family’s fortunes. In 1795 she met Napoleon Bonaparte and a legendary romance developed. Her hair was dark and silky, her voice was low and beautifully modulated. Napoleon need no encouragement and they married in 1796. Napoleon’s passionate infatuation with his new wife was evident for all to see. Read about the romance between Napoleon and Josephine along with many other great encounters that changed the world.