In the Shadow of Power: Influence and Spin Down the Centuries - Softcover

Whittington, Bob

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1849950482 ISBN 13: 9781849950480

Publisher: Whittles Publishing, 2014

Synopsis

In The Shadow of Power throws a brief spotlight on some of the people who operated as right-hand men or women who advised, sometimes influenced and occasionally manipulated key leaders in history. They practiced these dark arts hovering on the edges of history, lurking in the background, occasionally rising to positions of absolute authority while managing to remain behind the scenes.

From Alexander the Great to Saddam Hussein, from Cardinal Richelieu and Howard Hughes to Martin Luther King and Pope Benedict—each had a 'fixer' or éminence grise. The role through history has changed from one of absolute discretion as adviser, to overt spinning with even a desire to share in some of the 'fame,' but their presence has always been a constant theme.

They come in all guises: diplomats and courtesans, concubines and clerics, politicians and journalists, and from around the world—USA and Europe, India, China and France—but the role of the éminence grise is often a dangerous one and getting too close to the powerful can prove fatal.

About this title

About the Author

Bob Whittington, a former journalist in newspapers, BBC and ITN, has written books on current affairs as well as novels and biographies in his own name and as a ghost writer. (www.bobwhittington.com)

Review

'Book tells tale of the 'fixers' behind scenes ... Malcolm Macdonald, referred to by Zhou Enlai, the First Premier of the People's Republic of China, as "the only capitalist we can trust" was the inspiration for Mr Whittington's book...' Courier (Sussex) '...a fascinating book...tells the story of many advisors and spin doctors down the ages who assisted the good and the downright evil. It goes far, far back, to Henry VIII and beyond, when Cardinal Thomas Wolsey was that era'a equivalent of today's immaculate gents ducking and diving in and out the doors of Downing Street.' The Weekly News '...is an interesting study of Power Politics among men striving for the Top Table through the grisly poles of military power, wealth and religion. ...the shadow individuals themselves are brimful of ambition, brilliant mind and tenacity of character. ...keeps the reader absorbed as if he is reading a novel that is a blending of adventure, intrigue and romance. Historical facts of anecdotes further enhance the value of the book to a discerning reader'. India Link International

Edition details

• Publisher: Whittles Publishing
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1849950482
• ISBN 13: 9781849950480
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208