At this stage in the year, with the electoral reform referendum steadily approaching, it is arguable that commentators are more likely to be filling their column inches with analysis and speculation about May 5th 2011 than with reflection on the general election of May last year.
The lovely Mark Pack of Liberal Democrat Voice, however, has seemingly been devouring all the available literature on the 2010 general election and subsequent coalition negotiations, helpfully cherry-picking what he describes as ‘a few gems’ out of the mountain of publications to produce his top four recommended books on the subject.
I say ‘lovely’ as here at Biteback, we’ve always had a soft spot for Mark. After all, he’s written glowing reports of our publications in the past (here and here). And last week’s book review blog was no different: Mark’s choice of books is so complimentary to yours truly that you could be forgiven for thinking that Biteback and the Lib Dems are in cahoots – a mighty three out of four of Mark’s ‘gems’ are published by Biteback!
But I can assure you, the three books in question (Talking to a Brick Wall by Deborah Mattinson, Minority Verdict by Lord Ashcroft, and 22 Days in May by David Laws) are on the magic list purely because of their literary qualities. For Mark, these titles lead the field due to either their ‘original content’ or their ability to present already-known material refreshingly in a ‘particularly strong way’. According to Mark, Ashcroft’s work ‘should be on the reading list of anyone wanting to run an election campaign’, Laws has produced ‘an easily digestible quick read, with enough new little anecdotes to keep it interesting even for a reader already familiar with the events’, and Deborah Mattinson’s book is simply ‘excellent’.
Overall, high praise indeed. Thanks, Mark!
You can read Mark's review for yourself here, and purchase the three titles mentioned here, here and here.