Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast 120: Summer Books Special
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Aug 20, 2024 
D.J. Taylor, a sharp critic known for his keen insights into political biographies, joins a lively discussion on summer reading. They recommend must-read political memoirs across history, from Louis XIV to Nadine Dorries. The talk touches on the evolution of political narratives, contrasting engaging Labour stories with the Tory decline. They explore the intricate etiquette of political seating and delve into the dark humor of Louis XIV's medical mishaps. The conversation wraps up with reflections on historical figures who captured the chaos of their times through compelling storytelling.
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Changing Nature of Political Memoirs
- Political memoirs have shifted from being exclusive insights to more accessible, less commercial works.
- Social media's rise means we now know more about politicians' daily lives, reducing memoirs' uniqueness.
Biteback's Model of Political Biographies
- Biteback Publishing churns out rapid political biographies mainly for commercial gain.
- These books aim to find new, positive insights to secure lucrative newspaper extracts.
Crossland's Candid Political Biography
- Susan Crossland's biography of Tony Crossland reveals intimate, unvarnished details of Labour politics in the '60s and '70s.
- She candidly exposes Crossland's flaws and behind-the-scenes political dynamics.