Menzies (Ming) Campbell is one of the few politicians in Britain who is universally admired and respected by people of all parties and by the voting public.

Born into an ordinary Glasgow family, Ming spent much of his youth striving to become an international athlete. He describes vividly what it was like to take part in both the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games while still relatively inexperienced. Such was his ability that he held the UK 100 metres record from 1967 to 1974.

His interest in politics deepened after he began his successful legal career and he became an MP at the age of 46. His outspoken but statesmanlike views on the conduct of British foreign policy made him well known as a parliamentary performer, particularly during the controversial invasion of Iraq. Even his struggle to overcome cancer, movingly described in this book for the first time, didn''t prevent him performing his duties as Deputy Leader to great acclaim. His characteristically candid look behind the scenes of the politics and personalities of the past twenty years is of great interest.

This is a memoir to be enjoyed for its honesty, warmth and wit as well as its insights. It''s the story of one man''s efforts to succeed in a world where the qualities he embodies are rarely apparent - and seldom valued.