Description
Book SynopsisBehind the world's most iconic front door lies the core of British political power: the Prime Minister's home and office. Designed over three centuries ago as an ordinary residence, 10 Downing Street (or 'No. 10') has undergone a challenging metamorphosis, with continuous adaptation and renovation allowing successive occupants to make their mark on this evolving, surprising and in some places crumbling building. No. 10's first-ever Researcher in Residence, Jack Brown, has used unprecedented access to people and papers to uncover intimate stories of Downing Street's post-war residents, staff and visitors, revealing how those in power have shaped the building - and been shaped by it in return. This is a fascinating account of unexplored corners of one of the nation's best-known buildings, from the minutiae of decoration and diplomacy to the drama of terrorist bombs and political bombshells.
Trade Review'Serious analysis of government and its processes... but the human element is there, too' -Daily Mail; 'Everything you could want to know about Downing Street is here' -TLS; 'A fascinating biography of one of the great political survivors: Downing Street. A must-read for anyone who has wondered what life is like behind that famous black door' -Matt Chorley, The Times; '...full of such gems which make it a delight to read' -Civil Service World; 'the book is indispensable...' -LSE Review of Books
