- Publisher: Whittles
- Year: 2014
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 206pp
- Illustrated: No
- Dimensions: 215x138mm
- Condition: New
- Weight: 0.3kg
- ISBN: 9781849950480
- Product code: 510758
In the Shadow of Power
Influence and Spin Down the Centuries
Bob Whittington New Paperback
Postscript summary
Exploring the role of the éminence grise and the exercise of influence, Bob Whittington describes the careers and, in many cases, the demise, of 24 ‘fixers’, favourites or advisers, from Alexander the Great’s general, Parmenion (c.400–330 BCE), to Peter Mandelson, the ‘Prince of Darkness’ of Tony Blair’s premiership, and Fr Georg Gänswein, the close companion of Pope Benedict XVI.
Product information
Full publisher description
From Alexander the Great to Saddam Hussein, from Cardinal Richelieu and Howard Hughes to Martin Luther King and Pope Benedict, emperors and tycoons, presidents and popes, they have all had a right hand man - or woman - at their side advising, sometimes influencing and occasionally manipulating. The operating style of the 'fixer' or eminence grise has changed throughout history 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. In The Shadow of Power throws a brief spotlight on some of the people who practised 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. This selection reveals certain common traits - a devotion to their master, a ruthless determination to protect and serve regardless of the price, an ability to survive. Many of the individuals will be unknown to some readers although the masters they served will all be household names. Not all are men, of course, the strong woman behind the successful man is commonplace.
They have worked for good and ill, some moving from the bedchamber to positions of absolute power; many just like their male counterparts seem to have been driven by their lowly backgrounds with their intelligence simply proving too much for their well-born masters. They come in all guises: diplomats and courtesans, concubines and clerics, politicians and journalists, and from many different countries in Europe and India, China, France and USA, but the role of the eminence grise is often a dangerous one and getting too close to the powerful can prove fatal.
They have worked for good and ill, some moving from the bedchamber to positions of absolute power; many just like their male counterparts seem to have been driven by their lowly backgrounds with their intelligence simply proving too much for their well-born masters. They come in all guises: diplomats and courtesans, concubines and clerics, politicians and journalists, and from many different countries in Europe and India, China, France and USA, but the role of the eminence grise is often a dangerous one and getting too close to the powerful can prove fatal.
Reasons to shop at Postscript
Independent bookseller
Established in 1987, we’ve been sharing reading recommendations for decades.
Books you won’t find elsewhere
Discover new authors among our frequently changing bookshelves, along with almost-forgotten gems and a wealth of unusual titles you won’t find elsewhere.
Eco-friendly packaging
Orders are carefully packed in recyclable cardboard boxes, eco-friendly bubble wrap and solvent-free labels, paper and tape.
Condition and price
All our books are new, unused and unread, and they’re all up to 75% off RRP.
FREE monthly catalogue
Featuring over 400 handpicked titles, our unique catalogue is carefully curated and includes new and unusual titles, special features and exclusive collections.
Email newsletters
Our tailored newsletters are written by our booksellers, and we always highlight the books that we have talked about most in the Postscript office.
Footnotes blog
Some books spark ideas and conversations that our catalogue can’t contain – our Footnotes blog offers a deeper dive into a wealth of topics to inspire further reading.
Aftercare
We are all serious book people and we understand the value of reading. This is why we package our books so carefully and employ a helpful in-house customer services team to promptly resolve any queries you may have.
Delivery information
UK
Free UK standard delivery on all online orders over £25
Unlimited books in one delivery charge:
- • Standard: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
- • Click & Collect: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
- • Next Day (orders must be placed before 1pm, Monday–Friday): £4.50
- • Royal Mail Tracked48: £5.50 (2-4 working days)
Highlands and Islands delivery: standard delivery only (5-7 working days)
Overseas
All orders: delivery costs for orders outside the UK are based on country of destination and product weight.
You can view your overseas delivery cost using the Summary section within the Basket.
For more information on delivery/overseas orders please refer to our Delivery Information.
In stock
sale price £2.99
RRP £12.99 Save £10.00
Free UK delivery on orders over £25
product
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/in-the-shadow-of-power
510758
In the Shadow of Power
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/1/510758_7daa45406f93accea89edebc13649c03.jpg
2.99
4.99
GBP
InStock
/History/Categories/General History
/Non-Fiction/Categories/Politics, Philosophy & Economics
/History
/Non-Fiction/Highlights
/Sale
/Sale/History Sale
/Non-Fiction/Categories/Politics, Philosophy & Economics/Politics
Exploring the role of the <i>éminence grise</i> and the exercise of influence, Bob Whittington describes the careers and, in many cases, the demise, of 24 ‘fixers’, favourites or advisers, from Alexander the Great’s general, Parmenion (c.400–330 BCE), to Peter Mandelson, the ‘Prince of Darkness’ of Tony Blair’s premiership, and Fr Georg Gänswein, the close companion of Pope Benedict XVI.
Paperback
0
0
add-to-cart
rrp_info:£12.99
productId:48637
bic_code:HBG, JP
HBG, JP
£12.99
Bob Whittington
General
215x138mm
Whittles
No
Paperback
General & World
