The Evolution of Political Memoirs

Political memoirs have undergone significant changes over the past few decades, shifting from high-profile, commercially lucrative publications to a less glamorous state. In the past, notable political figures, particularly from the Tory party, would secure substantial advances and wide readerships, exemplified by the hefty advances paid for memoirs like Margaret Thatcher's. However, today, interest in political memoirs is allegedly waning, particularly those from the Conservative side, as they tend to lack the intrigue and excitement that characterized earlier works. The podcast notes that the last big advance for a political memoir came with David Blunkett's, which marked a pivotal point indicating a change in public interest and market dynamics.