Parliament

This magnificent book... Bryant is a fine historian. His understanding of political processes shines through. After this epic the next volume will be eagerly awaited -- Leo McKinstry Express A bravura 'biography' of Parliament... both charming and important... A carefully constructed and lucidly written adventure story about the institution that - like it or not - still shapes our lives -- Roy Hattersley Telegraph Admirably comprehensive... and written in the kind of lucid, elegant prose now rarely associated with our elected representatives New Statesman a fascinating study into the lives and reputations of those who, honourable or not, have sat as parliamentarians... compelling reading -- Chris Skidmore Times Literary Supplement This book tells the story of our greatest national institution. It is well-written, contains much truth, and a great deal of important information. It is a wonderful idea. -- Peter Oborne Lively... a warts-and-all account of how MPs have first survived and subsequently shaped and initiated policy The Lady This is a wonderful, wry view of the history of parliament from the inside . Chris Bryant is a great myth-buster. If you ever thought that modern MPs were more corrupt or worse behaved than their predecessors, then read on. You'll find it's not quite so simple. -- Mary Beard A remarkably readable and scholarly account of the emergence of the British Parliament over its first five hundred years or so -- Ken Clarke A wonderfully iconoclastic yet affectionate history ... Bryant tells the story with clarity and verve. -- Diarmaid MacCulloch, Professor of the History of the Church, Oxford University Worthy of its venerable subject Independent on Sunday