A man of integrity - Rated 
Tony Benn is quite simply the greatest politician of the past 50 years, a humble man of honour and integrity. That he was dismissed by the corrupt media as a 'left wing loony' is one of the great tragedies of recent times. Had Benn become leader of the Labour party, he would NOT have been happy with being a lapdog to the US president as a prelude to a millionaire career as a public speaker and freelance diplomat, like another Tony I could mention! Unusual for a politician, Benn is able to admit when he has made a mistake (e.g. his views on nuclear power).
Benn's diaries are a joy to read (or listen to). There is absolutely nothing radical in his views. He is humble and thoughtful. He is an unashamed socialist and laments the decline of the Labour party and the introduction of New Labour, which is basically Thatcherism, fronted by a grinning buffoon with little charisma and less integrity.
This volume covers up to the end of his last term as MP for Chesterfield. and features the tragic death of his beloved wife, Caroline, the reaction to the 9/11 bombings and the shameful second Iraq war, which was started under false pretences, to further the interests of extremely wealthy individuals and corporations.
Tony Benn - I salute you. Hopefully your son, Hilary, will prove to be a worthy successor.
Best Prime Minister we never had? - Rated
These installments of Tony Benn's diaries give the reader a fascinating insight into the true death of a socialist Labour party in this country, and it's re-birth as a Christian Democratic ( Liberal)
Labour party, and Mr Benn leaves us in no doubt as to what we are missing! His portrayal of Blair being an elected King, instead of the head of a colective, is particularily interesting, as is the cult of personality surrounding him ( Blair). His critique of capitalism seems especially prescient in the present climate.
The minutiae of his day to day life is absolutely fascinating, and he gives equal billing to the lowliest train conductor to the highest heads of state. His writings on the illnesses, and subsequent deaths, of his mother and his wife are exquisitely written, and I defy anyone not to be moved by their descriptions. A magnificent book by a magnificent man of the people.
Inconsistent, but ultimately fascinating history of the man and his politics. - Rated 
A rather long, and a little self-indulgent, history of a long career in politics. Tony is a passionate historian as well as politician and it is easy to see that he is trying to help future historians by giving the meat on the bones of some of the events of the twentieth century. It was surprising to discover the reasons for some decisions and actions NOT being taken as opposed to the edited stories that get reported in the general media. My respect for the author has grown.
A good read for the bedside table - easy to flick through to find interesting entries if the going gets a little stodgy.
Fantastic - Rated
I am not quite so left wing as Tony Benn, but that doesn't matter at all with these diaries. To hear him speak is to love him. Benn gives us his mischievous best. He loves politics and loves life, and it is really refreshing to spend time in his company. I get the impression that 50% of what he does and says stems from genuinely held belief, and 50% from a simple desire to cause trouble.
The Benn Diary - Rated
I write this review from the standpoint as a true blue Tory!! Notwithstanding that admission and if anyone is still reading after it, i advise anyone who is at all interested in politics to read this. It gives a fascinating insight int politcs, political relationships and what actually goes on in Westminster and political parties. It is also funny and thought provoking and moving. In short it is brilliant. If you read the Clark diaries and were put off by political self obsession then read this, it may even restore your faith in politicians!!
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