The Smallest Room in the House 50 political oddities to read in more than one sitting
Based on Philip Cowley’s entertaining columns in The House magazine, this collection of political oddities and fascinating research, discussing the politics of fights, cockroaches, riots, potholes, beards and much more, is perfect for reading in multiple sittings. Discover the electoral relevance of chip shops and football grounds, what your lawn tells you about your voting, why politicians need to pay extra care in Scunthorpe, what MPs think of voters, why they all claim to be local and why they are all now so inexperienced.
Equal parts witty and thought-provoking, and with additional grumpy complaints about bats, overly long constituency names and giving the vote to sixteen-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
*BEST NEW POLITICS BOOKS* “A compendium of musings on political facts and trivia. As the title suggests, this is a book to be enjoyed during bathroom breaks, ranging from everything to which political party represents the most seats with service stations to the art of managing parliamentary rebellions, told with engaging good humour. The gags, too, range widely, with an enjoyable combination of scriptural references and swearing, plus the odd world-weary aside ... It’s almost good enough to make you wish for a stomach bug.”
Financial Times
“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, The Times
“More entertaining than it has any right to be and absurdly full of nerdy fun facts.”
Marie Le Conte, journalist and author of Honourable Misfits: A Brief History of Britain’s Weirdest, Unluckiest and Most Outrageous MPs
“This book manages to be daft and thoughtful at the same time. Highly recommended!”
Chris Mason, political editor, BBC News
“This book will make you look at politics, people and places differently.”
Stephen Bush, associate editor and columnist, Financial Times
“The Smallest Room in the House is a witty, incisive and endlessly fascinating tour of the eccentricities of British politics. From the unexpected politics of fish and chips to beards and brawls, this book unpacks the peculiarities of our political landscape with a perfect blend of nerdy insight and dry humour. This masterful guide to the quirks of British politics is a must-read for anyone who thinks politics is dull and essential reading for even the most seasoned political observers.”
Mercy Muroki, columnist, The Sun
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Buy this book
- Hardback, 304 pages
- ISBN: 9781785909702
- 9 September 2025
- £14.99
- eBook
- ISBN: 9781837360284
- 9 September 2025
- £9.99