Alastair Campbell (born 25 May 1957) is a British journalist, broadcaster, political aide, and author. He worked as Director of Communications and Strategy for Tony Blair from 1997 until 2003, having served as his official spokesman during the previous two years.
Campbell was born in Keighley, West Yorkshire, to an Irish mother and a Scottish father. He was educated at Kirkstall Grammar School and read English at the University of Sussex.
After graduation, he worked for the Sunday Mirror and then as a freelance journalist before joining the Labour Party in 1982. In 1984 he became Special Adviser to Neil Kinnock, and in 1987 he was appointed Political Editor of Today.
In 1994 Campbell became Tony Blair’s press secretary and director of communications, a position he held until 2003.
Whether you’re looking for your next great read or simply want to know what books Alastair Campbell recommends, this list is for you.
From classics to modern fiction, there’s something for everyone on this list of books recommended by Alastair Campbell. So, grab a cup of tea and settle in for a good read.
Every Second Counts by Lance Armstrong, Sally Jenkins
Lance Armstrong is a renowned cyclist who has won the Tour de France a record seven times. He is also a cancer survivor. Sally Jenkins is an award-winning sports journalist.
Together, they have written Every Second Counts, a book about Armstrong’s remarkable life and career.
In “Every Second Counts”, Armstrong and Jenkins chronicle the cyclist’s incredible journey, from his early days as a promising young rider to his battle with cancer and eventual return to the sport he loves.
They detail his many triumphs, including all seven of his Tour de France victories, as well as his struggles, both on and off the bike.
“Every Second Counts” is an inspirational story of determination, courage, and hope. It is sure to motivate readers of all ages to never give up on their dreams.
Bodyline Autopsy by David Frith
David Frith’s “Bodyline Autopsy” is a fascinating and detailed account of the 1932-33 Ashes series. The book delves into the controversy surrounding the use of bodyline bowling by the English cricket team, and its impact on the sport.
Frith interviewed many of the key players involved in the series, and his book provides a unique insight into one of cricket’s most controversial episodes. His exhaustive research makes Bodyline Autopsy an essential read for any cricket fan.
Perestroika by Mikhail S. Gorbachev
Mikhail S. Gorbachev’s book, Perestroika, is a fascinating look at the Soviet Union during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Gorbachev was the Soviet Union’s last leader and he presided over its collapse.
In Perestroika, he gives his account of what happened during those years and how he tried to reform the Soviet Union.
Gorbachev’s book is an important read for anyone interested in history or politics. It provides a first-hand account of a momentous time in world history.
Gorbachov also describes his own personal journey from being a Communist Party loyalist to becoming a reformer who ultimately helped bring down the Soviet Union.
Alone in Berlin by Hans Fallada
Hans Fallada’s “Alone in Berlin” is a novel based on the true story of a working-class German couple who, during World War II, actively resist the Nazi regime.
Otto and Elise Hampel are not professional revolutionaries; they are simply two people who refuse to stand by and do nothing while their country is destroyed by a dictator.
They start by leaving anonymous postcards around Berlin, urging fellow Germans to resist the Nazis. When this does not work, they escalate their efforts, ultimately leading to their arrest and execution.
Alone in Berlin is an inspiring story of ordinary people who took extraordinary risks to make a difference. It is also a reminder that even small acts of resistance can have a profound impact.
Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
In her book, “Team of Rivals,” Doris Kearns Goodwin tells the story of how Abraham Lincoln was able to put aside personal rivalries and assemble a Cabinet that included some of his greatest political opponents.
Goodwin shows how Lincoln’s leadership style and ability to see the best in people helped him create a team that was not only effective but also highly respected.
While many books have been written about Lincoln, “Team of Rivals” is unique in its focus on the President’s ability to work with others. This makes it an essential read for anyone interested in leadership or American history.
MADAME BOVARY by Gustave Flaubert
One of the most influential novels of the nineteenth century, Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary (1857) is a timeless story of an unhappy marriage.
Told through the eyes of its heroine, Emma Bovary, the novel charts her descent into adultery and eventual death.
A work of great psychological insight and literary beauty, Madame Bovary has been admired by writers as diverse as Henry James and Vladimir Nabokov.
DE GAULLE by Aidan Crawley
In his book, De Gaulle, Aidan Crawley tells the story of one of the most important and controversial figures of the 20th century.
Charles de Gaulle was a French general and statesman who led the Free French Forces during World War II and served as President of France from 1959 to 1969.
A charismatic leader and a master politician, de Gaulle was a complex and often contradictory figure.
Crawley’s biography offers a nuanced and insightful portrait of de Gaulle, tracing his life from his birth in 1890 to his death in 1970. It is also a fascinating account of France during some of its most turbulent years.
THIS SPORTING LIFE by David Storey
This Sporting Life by David Storey is a novel about the world of professional rugby. The novel follows the life of protagonist Frank Machin, a young man from a working-class background who has signed up to play rugby for a local team.
The novel details the ups and downs of Frank’s career, as well as his relationships with those around him. This Sporting Life is an exploration of the working-class experience in Britain, and how rugby can be both a source of hope and despair for those who play it.
CHASE THE RAINBOW by Poorna Bell
When Poorna Bell’s husband took his own life, she was left to pick up the pieces. In “Chase the Rainbow,” Bell chronicles her journey from grief to self-discovery.
Bell’s husband’s suicide came as a shock. In the aftermath, she was consumed by grief and struggling to cope. However, she eventually found strength in her loved ones and started to rebuild her life.
In “Chase the Rainbow,” Bell shares her story of loss, love, and hope. Through her writing, she hopes to help others who are dealing with grief and suicidal thoughts.
THE GREATEST COMEBACK by David Bolchover
In the dark days of the early 21st century, when it seemed like the world was falling apart, one man had an audacious dream: to bring back the greatest comeback in history.
That man was David Bolchover, and his dream was to revive the legendary rock band The Beatles.
It seemed like a fool’s errand, but Bolchover refused to give up. He spent years researching the band, their music, and their fans. He tracked down rare recordings and lost footage. He interviewed everyone he could find who had even a connection to The Beatles.
And finally, after years of hard work, his dream came true: The Beatles were back!
The impact of their comeback was immediate and incredible. Suddenly, the world didn’t seem quite so dark anymore. Hope was restored, and people believed in possibilities again.
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