The Ten Best Political Books

Can't tell Boris from Blair? Brush up on your knowledge of current affairs with our guide to the best political books.

The Audacity of Hope - Barack Obama

Obama's autobiography is a thought-provoking, intimate and humorous look into the mind of a young senator, presenting his vision for America and his hopes for a new democracy.

Canongate Books, £8.99

Water - Houston and Griffiths

A fascinating look at the power of water to enrich and destroy the lives of millions. This in-depth political analysis should be on the desks of every government and corporation.

Harriman House, £16.99

A History of Modern - Britain Andrew Marr

An accessible, well-written account of post-war Britain. Marr explains everything vividly and concisely, and puts a new perspective on events and the leaders who shaped them.

Pan Macmillan, £8.99

Boris v. Ken - Edwards and Isaby

Published after Boris's victory in the London mayoral election, this fun, accessible analysis of a lively campaign looks at the politics, the candidates, and the consequences for Londoners.

Politico's Publishing, £9.99

Squandered - David Craig

Craig exposes the tragic, sometimes comic story of how New Labour, which has boosted public spending by around one trillion pounds, has squandered our cash.

Constable & Robinson, £8.99

Blair Unbound - Seldon and Snowdon

Volume one of this riveting account was acclaimed, and the second is no less a masterclass in political biography. The most authoritative account yet of the Blair premiership.

Simon & Schuster, £9.99

The Rise of Political Lying - Peter Oborne

Tracing the history of the falsehood in politics, Oborne focuses on the exponential increase in fibbing under Major and Blair, and on how slippery a concept the truth has become.

Free Press, £7.99

Gordon is a Moron - Vernon Coleman

Coleman's collection of the stupid things our Chancellor-turned-PM has done or overseen, and the effect of his dealings in the finances of this country, makes for an alarming read.

Blue Books, £9.99

Speaking for Myself - Cherie Blair

This autobiography offers an intimate and humorous portrait of a family living in extraordinary circumstances, and her own path from humble origins to QC to No 10.

Little, Brown, £18.99

Road to Southend Pier - Ross Clark

After encountering a talking lamp post, Ross Clark wondered if he could get to Southend without Big Brother watching him. An entertaining look at Britain's surveillance society.

Harriman House, £9.99