The Smallest Room in the House 50 political oddities to read in more than one sitting
The best politics “loo” book you will ever buy! Based on Philip Cowley’s fascinating column in The House magazine, this is a book perfect for multiple sittings, discussing the politics of fights, cockroaches, riots, potholes, beards, and much more besides.
The 50 chapters explain the political relevance of chip shops and football grounds, what your lawn tells you about your voting, and why politicians need to pay especial care in Scunthorpe; they explain what politicians think of voters, why they all claim to be local, and why they are all now so inexperienced.
With additional grumpy complaints about bats, overly-long constituency names and the idea of giving the vote to 16 year olds, it’s a book that will appeal to the sort of person who likes to tell you that, actually, it’s all a bit more complicated than that...
Reviews
“A deep dive into the fascinating world of political esoterica, this invigorating book will explain politicians to their voters and vice versa – two groups who at times inhabit unparallel universes. All this from the pen of Britain’s doyen of political scientists, Philip Cowley, and drawn from the pages of the MP’s bible, The House magazine.”
Anthony Seldon, historian and author of The Impossible Office? The History of the British Prime Minister
“To just call Philip Cowley one of Britain’s pre-eminent political scientists – which he is – is to (almost) miss the point. The genius of this tome is the way he combines cutting-edge academic insight with an understanding of how the political system actually works and the deepest dive around on the psychology of voters. Few academics have grasped the central insight that sets Cowley apart – people are at the heart of our political system, not structures, rules or history, and this is what makes his work a joy. On top of this, combine his love of trivia – only he would start a chapter analysing which motorway service stations are in which constituencies – with a drive for truth-seeking and myth-busting and you’ve got a rare commodity: a political book that travels well beyond the smallest room in the house. A serious work that everyone should enjoy.”
Sam Coates, deputy political editor, Sky News
“Random, witty and wise, Philip Cowley’s produced the perfect political pick and mix with The Smallest Room in the House.”
Matt Chorley, BBC Radio 5 Live
“It’s always worth reading the incomparable Philip Cowley. This delicious selection box of political insight you never guessed you needed will delight even the nerd who thinks they know everything.”
Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator at The Times
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Buy this book
- Hardback, 256 pages
- ISBN: 9781785909702
-
9 September 2025
Available to pre-order - £14.99
- eBook
- ISBN: 9781837360284
-
9 September 2025
Available to pre-order - £9.99