John Prescott is a terrific subject for a biography. He is one of the dying breed; a politician who tries to be honest to his beliefs. No spin doctors for JP, he simply tells it like it is.

This book does not take a chronological journey through Prescott's life, and that's a pity because, too often, we read, "...but more of that later..." or, "...as I said previously...". Otherwise, this is eminently readable: Brown, obviously, empathises with his subject and we are left with the feeling of a 'good bloke'. Sadly, this book came about before Prescott's sexual indiscretions came to light and before he was given a Knighthood. The later, in particular, is something that I would like to know the reasons behind: Prescott will hate ermine and tradition. ( )