Alan Freeman uses Tony Benn as a symbol to shine a light upon the left in British politics during the 1980's. Benn was blamed in many quarters for the failure of the Labour Party to beat the Conservatives in a string of elections right up until 1997. Time has shown this to be a simple transference of fault to an easy target.

The over-riding impression that this work left upon me, was of great waste. Benn was never going to be Prime Minister; he could not behave in a sycophantic way towards people that he needed but did not respect: his views were, however, an important counter-balance to the o'er leaping ambition of some on the right of the party. He was the Labour Party's conscience and, although extinguishing his power seemed to make Labour electable, it also lead to a party that believes in little but getting into power and has now been rumbled by the electorate. It is depressing to realise how many of the problems, anticipated by Benn, have come to affect the party, the country and the world.

Benn believed that capitalism is in its death throws. In light of recent events - the financial collapse and the failure of the recovery to trickle down to the average citizen - it is difficult not to agree with him. The death of capitalism does not mean that things will get better, only that they will change. This is a time when his ideas are desperately needed but, will anyone as charismatic come forth to enunciate them? The book ends with an interview with Benn in which, he is at his most erudite, which only emphasises what we have lost.

This tome was released in 1982 when Tony Benn was at his peak. He was considered by the establishment, and consequently by the mass, to be a dangerous radical who, given half a chance, would destroy Britain, which was in the process of being saved by "the great Margaret Thatcher". It is interesting to note the divergence of opinion when both passed away. Mrs Thatcher was given respect for being the first female Prime Minister, but there were few (very few) signs of affection: in contrast, the respect and warmth felt towards Tony Benn, by both political comrades and opponents, as well as the general public, was plain to see. Wouldn't it be great were we to be able to see the truly inspired people at the time, rather than with hind sight? ( )