The Political Animal - Jeremy Paxman > Reviews

Advantages: Informative and entertaining
Disadvantages: Slow in places

...mean to be facetious – the fact is that most of us only have a vague idea of the most basic functions of politicians. The Political Animal remedies that. As you expect from Jeremy Paxman, it holds no punches, but neither does it set out to vilify politicians. It is an honest, straightforward look at what politicians do and what it means to be a politician: from student days spent debating as an aspiring politician; to standing for a constituency and ... Read review

Advantages: Concise, well written and informative
Disadvantages: None

...we choose to lead us. The Political Animal looks at a wide range of politicians almost as though they were a completely different species; and in a way they are. Having been politically active since the age of 14, it didn?t take me long to realise that my interests and ambitions were somewhat abnormal. As I?ve grown older and met many more people involved in both local and national politics, I?ve come to realise that we are a very strange group ... Read review

Advantages: Informative and anecdotal style makes for easy reading
Disadvantages: Overlaps in chapters, repetitive phrasing, slightly out of date.

...well-researched and anecdotal book about the men and women who think it is a good idea to help run the country. The book is funny in places and educational in others. Some facts in the book will be known to people with a basic grasp of the political system, but there is enough information in here for most people to learn a few things. Paxman does have a few 'stock' phrases that he uses several times over that gives you the impression that you have ... Read review