New Machiavelli

After studying history at Oxford and the University of Pennsylvania, Jonathan Powell worked for the BBC and Granada TV before joining the Foreign Office in 1979. In 1994 Mr Blair, then Leader of the Opposition, poached him to join his`kitchen cabinet' as his Chief of Staff. When Labour achieved its landslide victory in 1997 Powell was at the heart of the Downing Street machine. He was the only senior member of staff to remain at Blair's side throughout his time at the top of British politics. He has always maintained a low profile and has never before told his story.

"Intriguing and engaging book... sets up fascinating parallels that prove there is really nothing new in politics" Financial Times "A gloriously indiscreet political memoir... From a unique vantage point he gives brilliantly observed and witty accounts of the vanity of modern European princes... The merit of Powell's memoir is precisely that it lacks the intrusive ego of the big politician" -- Dominic Lawson Sunday Times "It's a quirky, thoughtful take on the impact of The Prince on modern politics" -- Anne McElvoy New Statesman, Books of the Year "Anyone who wants an insider's account of what makes politicians tick should read this book" -- Peter Mandelson Guardian, Books of the Year "It tells us a great deal about the era that has just passed" -- Chris Mullin Daily Telegraph, Books of the Year