Jeremy Paxman knows every tactic a politician uses to avoid answering a difficult question, but in his book The Political Animal he seeks just one answer: What drives politicians? Embarking on a journey where he meets significant personalities from the past and present, he discovers: that Prime Ministers often have lost a parent in their childhood, why Trollope is the author favored by politicians, that Lloyd George pursued Jack the Ripper, and how a speech by an Admiral in parliament contributed to victory in World War II. Where do politicians come from? How are they elected? What do they do all day? And why do they seek power? All these questions and many others are examined in Paxman's fascinating analysis of this strange and abstract species – the political animal.

"Lively, convincing, exceptional. An interesting and amusing, provocative and well-written read..." Matthew Parris, Spectator

"Entertaining, informative, insightful and astute" Andrew Rawnsley, Observer

"One of the best introductory books on the adventures of political life I've read" Christopher Silvester, Sunday Times

Jeremy Paxman is a journalist, best known for presenting the programs Newsnight and University Challenge. His books include Empire, On Royalty, The English and The Political Animal. He resides in Oxford.

Pages: 352, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm