‘Fascinating, revealing and entertaining.’ John Humphrys
‘A pure pleasure to read.’ Polly Toynbee
‘Extraordinary.’ Kirsty Wark

A landmark history of the men and women who have defined the UK’s role in the modern world – and what makes them special – by a seasoned political journalist.

At a time of unprecedented political upheaval, this magisterial history explains who leads us and why. From Harold Wilson to Boris Johnson, it brilliantly brings to life all 10 inhabitants of 10 Downing Street over the past fifty years, vividly outlining their successes and failures – and what made each of them special. Based on unprecedented access and in-depth interviews, and inspired by the author’s BBC Radio 4 and television series, Steve Richards expertly examines the men and women who have defined the UK’s role in the modern world and sheds new light on the demands of the highest public office in the land.