A Journey

My Political Life

By: Tony Blair

Narrated by: Tony Blair

Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Tony Blair is a politician who defines our times. His emergence as Labour Party leader in 1994 marked a seismic shift in British politics. Within a few short years, he had transformed his party and rallied the country behind him, becoming prime minister in 1997 with the biggest victory in Labour’s history, and bringing to an end 18 years of Conservative government. He took Labour to a historic three terms in office as Britain’s dominant political figure of the last two decades.

A Journey is Tony Blair’s firsthand account of his years in office and beyond. Here he describes for the first time his role in shaping our recent history, from the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death to the war on terror. He reveals the leadership decisions that were necessary to reinvent his party, the relationships with colleagues including Gordon Brown, the grueling negotiations for peace in Northern Ireland, the implementation of the biggest reforms to public services in Britain since 1945, and his relationships with leaders on the world stage - Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Vladimir Putin, George W. Bush.. He analyzes the belief in ethical intervention that led to his decisions to go to war in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, and, most controversially of all, in Iraq.

A Journey is a book about the nature and uses of political power. In frank, unflinching, often wry detail, Tony Blair charts the ups and downs of his career to provide insight into the man as well as the politician and statesman. He explores the challenges of leadership, and the ramifications of standing up, clearly and forcefully, for what one believes in. He also looks ahead, to emerging power relationships and economies, addressing the vital issues and complexities of our global world.

Few British prime ministers have shaped the nation’s course as profoundly as Tony Blair, and his achievements and his legacy will be debated for years to come. Here, uniquely, we have his own journey, in his own words.

©2010 Tony Blair (P)2010 Random House Audio

A view of Britain

I first heard Tony Blair speak when he delivered Princess Diana's eulogy. I found his account of his political career fascinating. There is much insight to be had, for an American, in listening to a leader of the Labour Party in Britain explain his reasoning for the War in Iraq. It fit closely with George W. Bush's account in Decision Points. As a reader of Churchill, I enjoyed Blair's command of the English language.

He is very honest and open in accounting his experiences in office.

amazing ! Atypical for Tony Blair.

an amazing leader bring a political perspective that brought peace to Ireland and a new home for exiled Mexican President Salins

Very interesting - a little egotistical

I've not read or listened to many auto-biographies before. Tony Blair's is a fascinating account of his as Prime Minister. Being in the US, I don't pretend to know the people or issues in British politics - about all we hear about is the PM and the royal family. That also meant I had little bias about what was said.

It was interesting to see his thought processes throughout. He was convinced of the correctness of bringing New Labor policies into the UK. I suppose that's the one weakness of the book as well: with the exception of Iraq, there's little hindsight on the decisions he made. He pats himself on the back a lot with the assumption of his correctness. All of the ideas seem to be his as well - I can't recall any instance where he credited someone else with an idea that he subsequently took up and ran with. In that respect, the book appears a bit too self-indulgent.

On Iraq, he spends a lot of time justifying his decision - it's probably the most interesting part of the book. Here, he delves into why he thought the UK needed to be involved. He thought the Americans too rash, the Europeans too timid. With all the faults exposed in hindsight, he spends a lot of time discussing how he agonized over the decisions. Again, it was an interesting overview, but I wish he he done that more with other topics. The fact that he didn't makes it seem almost spin-like.

Still, as I said previously, the first-hand account of his develepment and decisions make this a very interesting listen.

Great History Book of UK Politics

I am a big time politco and was eager to read this book based off my love for politics and it lived up to the test, if you love UK politics. For me, I just did not know much of the back stories on the topics Blair covered.

I give it 4 stars because listening to the former PM is tough to do for 16 hours :)

/ A functional psychopath?

I chiefly appreciate that Tony Blaire has engaged society and researched ways to improve society.
Such are humans, that he deteriorates into a tale of self-justification, and intolerable excuses.
I will never forgive, but such are us humans.

About legacy and more...

Any additional comments?

Despite whatever perceived faults Tony Blair may have had, it's hard to doubt his skill and brilliance as a politician and statesmen. Here he makes a formidable argument in his defense, but will the naysayers listen? Doubtful, he admits himself how divisive and contorted politics have become.

There are no shades of gray and no time to listen to thoughtful introspection by the man at the near center of history's storm, most would say. But put yourself in his shoes...

True Leadership and Courage Expressed

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Journey?

Prime Minister Blair's negotiations to bring peace to Northern Ireland is one of the highlights of this book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

His ability to explicitly describe the numerous factors and principles that influenced his decisions during his leadership tenure. The listener feels as if she/he is part of the decision making process.....a truly privileged vantage point.