The author recalls the high hopes with which Blair entered power in 1997, and the extreme difficulty of devising a viable European policy.
The number of possibilities teaches us three lessons about politics today. Firstly, never to underestimate the role played by mere chance. Secondly, that this is not an age of great leaders who make their own luck. And, thirdly, that we need to choose more carefully in future.
A new study by Anthony Seldon of the office of Prime Minister gives too little credit to the many among its 55 holders whom he dismisses as failures.
Plus: Publishing diaries – do you keep in all the salacious details, or take some out to avoid upsetting people? Sasha Swire takes route one.
History shows that they can usually weather health crises, and we hope and trust we shall soon see this one restored to his normal vigour.
In his new book he sets out to rescue those virtues from the mockery inflicted on them in the 20th century.
Two cheers for a measure that, though mostly about managing, dividing and taming popular opinion, remains a reforming landmark.