Turning Points

The Times – Best Politics and Current Affairs Books of the Year

An entertaining and revealing history of modern British politics – and the pivotal moments that got us where we are now. From Steve Richards, broadcaster, journalist, and author of The Prime Ministers We Never Had.

Every few weeks in British politics, a columnist will reach for the word ‘unprecedented’ as a cabinet minister resigns or yet another inquiry is called. In this magisterial history, respected broadcaster and journalist Steve Richards puts the chaos into context.

Blending anecdote and analysis, Richards takes a step back to explore ten critical moments that have shaped modern Britain – from the Suez Crisis of 1956 to the Covid-19 pandemic, from 1945 to Thatcher.

Richards argues that it is only with distance that we can perceive the tectonic plates shifting – and events that may seem earth-shattering in the moment might be a passing tremor with the perspective of history.

A must-read for anyone seeking to understand our nation, this landmark work is enlightening and entertaining in equal measure.

'Through wonderful vignettes, Richards offers a masterful, clear-eyed and, above all, entertaining history of British politics' – Will Hutton, Observer columnist

'Steve Richards is one of the shrewdest political commentators we have' – Andrew Marr, author of The Making of Modern Britain