Abstract

For more than half a century Geoffrey Goodman was one of Fleet Street's foremost political and industrial reporters. This book is his record of what it was like to work at the heart of British politics. Taking us through the years that followed the end of World War II up to the present day, he offers a compelling story of the characters and events that shaped British political history.

Goodman's portraits include many of the political giants of the twentieth century. As a close friend of the great socialist Aneurin Bevan, he is able to reveal the philosophy and drive of the man who. Goodman also offers a behind-the-scenes account of Labour Prime Ministers Harold Wilson and James Callaghan, and brings to light new reasons why Wilson suspected the security agencies of trying to destabilise his government.

Other portraits include Michael Foot, Harold Macmillan, Edward Heath, Willie Whitelaw, Margaret Thatcher, Rupert Murdoch and Hugh Cudlipp.
'Geoffrey Goodman has written a delightful memoir - full of valuable insights into the journalistic and political worlds in which he worked'
Alan Rusbridger
'All through these momentous years in Labour history, indeed British history, Geoffrey Goodman has had a special ringside seat. We all knew he had the best story to tell, and here it is. It is a triumph of character as much as journalistic skill'
Michael Foot