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The Third Man
- Life at the Heart of New Labour
- Narrated by: Peter Mandelson
- Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins
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The Third Man
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Summary
READ BY PETER MANDELSON. The hotly anticipated memoir of one of New Labour’s three founding architects.
Peter Mandelson is one of the most influential politicians of modern times. The Third Man is his story – of a life played out in the backroom and then on the frontline of the Labour Party during its unprecedented three terms in government.
Much of the book is devoted to the defining political relationships of Peter Mandelson’s life – with Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Charting what he terms the ‘soap-opera’ years of the Labour government, his book is certain to ruffle many feathers.
Forced to resign from Cabinet twice in three years, Peter Mandelson has cut a divisive figure through British politics but his time as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland gained him many supporters. He was a highly regarded European Commissioner before being brought back into British politics by Gordon Brown in 2008 to serve as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, and as First Secretary.
Containing a mixture of autobiography, personal reflection and political history, The Third Man draws heavily on detailed diary notes that Peter Mandelson took during the events, discussions and meetings that shaped the government and the Labour Party over 25 years. He began writing the book while serving as European Commissioner, and has been completing it since leaving office in May.
Much has been written about Peter Mandelson as the person at the heart of the New Labour project but this is the first time we have heard the unvarnished truth from the man himself. The Third Man is set to become the most talked about political memoir of the year.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- William
- 06-09-10
egos and ambitions
If you like politics you will love this. What a fascinating insight into our last government and the way egos and ambitions drive behavior.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
- Judy Corstjens
- 30-04-12
Doesn't add much
I think if this is a subject that interests you, you are better off reading Tony Blair's 'A Journey', it is much more detailed and more thoughtful. PM is more concerned with saying 'I was (really) there, and I was (really) pretty important, and I actually did (really) have influence.' As with most myths the reality is more banal. Less ghastly and less Machiavellian than the myths and media would have you believe.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 03-05-23
The Third Musketeer
A really incisive read, honest, articulate and non sentimental. A misunderstood and underestimated backroom mastermind
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- cheryl marie evans
- 21-04-11
The Third Man
Highly recommended for all political historians it gives a real insight into the man and also the key players within new labour.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Stephen
- 09-09-10
Excellent Audiobook
This was a pleasure to listen to- It was a real insight to how the genius worked to establish New Labour.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Samy Ahmar
- 01-03-22
Different to the book
Way shorter than the book so couldn’t follow in story In full
But great story
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Charles King-Tenison
- 09-04-20
Superb insight
Very interesting new perspective of the relationships in New Labour and only disappointing feature is that it is too short.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 04-08-10
review
Peter has a little bit of the 'i'm a good boy i am' about him and his voice is a little proper but other than that i thought it was a good as an audio book and easy to follow. it is a good insight into the New Labour years and the toxic relationship between Blair and Browne. Peter promotes himself to the 'Third man' status and suggests that this is not false modesty because after all the other two were Prime Minister and other than that the 3 of them were really all the same. In any event, i would say it is worth a credit and I am stingy about my credits these days. Una - Dublin
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8 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
- Matthew
- 02-09-10
Not jumping to conclusions
He is a very good narrator. It is always more convincing when the author narrates.
With regard to the content I was intrigued and hooked from start from finish. He delivers his point with aplomb and in a very persuasive manner. He does have a rather high opinion of himself and his impact and input into the New Labour project. But, that's the man he is.
However, I am withholding my final verdict on whether or not I believe him until I have consumed a few more New Labour memoirs.
Mandleson has proven to be a slick and world class political operator and as such would not trust him.
From a pragmatic perspective I would recommend this as a version of events. I just don't trust the man!
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Avril Lamb
- 17-11-10
Candid and clear, a great listen.
Mandelson's account of the birth of the New Labour movement, and the complexity of the Blair/Brown relationship are clearly set out, and fascinating to follow. The book most of all comes over as honest, which when trying to unpick the truth counts for everything. Well worth while, even if you are not that political - just as a study of people.
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1 person found this helpful