A Journey

By: Tony Blair

Narrated by: Tony Blair

Length: 16 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Tony Blair is the politician who defines our times. His emergence as Labour 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 the dominant political figure of the last two decades.

A Journey is Tony Blair’s first-hand 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 such as Gordon Brown and Peter Mandelson, the gruelling negotiations for peace in Northern Ireland, the battles over education and health, the implementation of the biggest reforms to public services since 1945, and his relationships with leaders on the world stage, including Clinton, Putin, and Bush. He analyses 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 explains why he took on public opinion to stand up for what he believed in. 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. Amid the millions of words written about him, this book is unique: his own journey, in his own words.

©2010 Tony Blair (P)2010 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Love Tony Blair or hate him, his own reading… is extremely compelling. The abridgement…omits many of the careless cruelties crowed over by reviewers of the book, and interestingly, Gordon Brown comes out of it remarkably well."( Christina Hardyment, The Times)

"This book will be a fantastic surprise: erratically written, full of self-mythologising vanity and carefully calculated candour, it is also funny, ruthless and unputdownable... Blair clearly relishes the opportunity to tell it as he saw it. After years of minding his PMQs, our former leader gives it to us with both barrels... "( Allison Pearson, Daily Telegraph. 4 Star review)

"Such was the outburst of instant and largely hostile reaction when this book hit the newsstands …that almost everyone failed to notice that it is very good… it is a very good book because it tells the reader more clearly than any other prime ministerial memoir I know why the author thinks what he things and did what he did."( Charles Moore, Telegraph)

"...in its own way it’s brilliant… I have to admit that he has produced one of the most readable and engaging political autobiographies I’ve ever come across. [it is] very funny, often startling, always colloquial and direct. It is packed with information, vivid images and telling anecdotes… Blair takes you to the centre of the action, to the sweat-stained hyperactive heart of government, where life and death decisions are taken by the day." ( Herald Scotland)

Excellent Book

A pleasure, excellent book. Is perfect to hear the voice of the author and discover this book with him.

Lots I didn't know.

First off, I have to admit I am not a remarkably political person, and this is the first autobiography I ever read/listened to. I found Blair's journey interesting. His description of politics and how he sees his positions is very clear, frank and secure. He knows his position and believes in it.
For me he was far too glowing of all his personnel. Yeah, they may have been great, but it got a bit on my nerves.
The bits (chunk) about Iraq and the war was quite long - very well explained and he kept returning to his arguments about being for the war and he made his argument very convincingly. But in this as with in other parts of the book I felt myself thinking, why does he need to explain so much? Is this usual in an autobiography?
I will now choose another autobiography to listen to and then perhaps edit this comment. I really oughtn't critisize what I know nothing about...

Superb

Amazing recollection of Tony Blair’s journey, in his own words and voice, until the day he departed as Prime Minister. Thorough and detailed, it explains a lot of the decision making process and behind the scenes nuances. Absolutely brilliant.

Right up there

What a wonderful narrator, maybe not the BEST politician but certainly the BEST of his time. An insightful book, humour, sadness and at times a brief look into the soul of probably the best British prime minister for a long time. His voice has that magic quality that makes you want more. His explanation of events at times will make you wonder but hey after all he is just another fallible human being. Well worth the listen and a pity it was abridged.

Dry in parts but overall very good

I really enjoyed this book although it took for granted that I knew a lot about Brittish politics and its political system. Given that I am not British, there were a lot few things that took me almost the whole book to figure out what he was going on about

Great Book

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Gave an insiders view of the complexities of his premiership

An intelligent, excellent and engaging book

I loved this book. Tony writes and speaks in such an engaging manner. I have been riveted by this book and frankly, have listened to chapters over again to ensure I really understood the implications of all that he says. Hailing from the UK, I found this insight into the mind of a politician quite remarkable. Also, I loved his use of language and wit. The facts may be, at times, biased and shady, and of course, there is always the unforgiveable Iraq sections, but still, I still am so pleased I purchased this audio. I highly recommend it.

A brilliant reminder of events during his era.

Would you listen to A Journey again? Why?

Only for purpose of using it as a source for research.

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

His decision to work with George Bush for Gulf War 2, and Jacques Chirac thoughts about it.

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

His thoughts on George W,.Bush, Gulf War 2, and meeting the widow of a solider.

Any additional comments?

Good to have the author reading it.