What do you think?
Rate this book
Diane Abbott: The Authorised Biography
Based on interviews with her colleagues, her political opponents and friends from school and university, as well as extensive archival research, Diane Abbott: The Authorised Biography traces Abbott s path from London, via Cambridge University, through the media and radical politics into Parliament, and then to the top of Jeremy Corbyn's shadow radical Cabinet which ultimately lost the election.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2020
10 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 24, 2020
This book is an epic. I went in not knowing too much about Diane Abbott beyond the headlines: I knew she was the first black woman MP in Britain, and I have generally respected & believed in her stances on issues and policies. But this book brought me so deep into her world, her political ideologies, the social contexts surrounding her career since the 80s. I now have a deep appreciation for her love of debate, forcing change from the backbench, and commitment to grassroots activism and party politics. This to the point where it almost feels frustrating to read people describing her purely in 'symbolic' and 'iconic' language, because after reading this book you can no longer think of Diane Abbott as a 'symbol' as such - she is a deeply real person, still fighting, still campaigning, and forming deeply nuanced arguments on everything from nuclear war in the 80s to immigration reform to health policy and more.
The book also surprised me based on its thoroughness of documenting essentially 50 years of British political and media history. Every key moment and scandal is written about in here, and then discussed through the interesting & intersectional perspective of Diane's lens, analysis and reactions. It is also a document of black British politics, going back into organisations like OWAAD and the Black Sections; as well as taking the time to write particularly moving descriptions of historical moments such as the New Cross Fire, the Brixton Riots, the death of Steven Lawrence, Grenfell, Windrush, and more. Watching the shifts in media, from the strange 'TV-am" experiment to the floods of abuse via twitter and conservative algorithmic click-bait news, is also painful but interesting to read about. It feels like very little has been left out of this book, which means it can be read in one of two ways: either cover to cover, taking you on the whole journey of Diane's full life. Or you can start from the back, looking through the incredible index, and picking out the themes and historical moments / era you are particularly interested in, and going in straight from that angle to what interests you most.
A brilliant book!
The book also surprised me based on its thoroughness of documenting essentially 50 years of British political and media history. Every key moment and scandal is written about in here, and then discussed through the interesting & intersectional perspective of Diane's lens, analysis and reactions. It is also a document of black British politics, going back into organisations like OWAAD and the Black Sections; as well as taking the time to write particularly moving descriptions of historical moments such as the New Cross Fire, the Brixton Riots, the death of Steven Lawrence, Grenfell, Windrush, and more. Watching the shifts in media, from the strange 'TV-am" experiment to the floods of abuse via twitter and conservative algorithmic click-bait news, is also painful but interesting to read about. It feels like very little has been left out of this book, which means it can be read in one of two ways: either cover to cover, taking you on the whole journey of Diane's full life. Or you can start from the back, looking through the incredible index, and picking out the themes and historical moments / era you are particularly interested in, and going in straight from that angle to what interests you most.
A brilliant book!
November 13, 2020
Not enough of the left knows the debt it owes Diane
August 25, 2021
I absolutely loved this book, I considered giving it four stars because there are a few minor errors (things like the years things happened and the constituencies of some MPs) that I hope they will fix for the next edition, but otherwise it was so fascinating and full of things that both shocked and inspired me. Diane Abbott what a hero <3
November 21, 2020
Great read, learnt so much.
January 23, 2021
This is an amazing book and another review on here by @Rhianna covers it really well.
I was not expecting to cry, laugh, feel angered and be inspired to the degree that I did (perhaps because I haven't read many politicial biographies). There were many occasions when I had to put the book down and sit with what I had just read. I had to mark so many sections so I could call friends and family later saying "Did you know this?!" "Can you believe this?!".
I also found it a really educational read and learnt so much about British politics (including Black British politics), the Left, the Labour Party and the media. Many of the events were before I was born or when I was young so this book served as a great history book but also really informative for more recent events, when I wasn't as politically aware at the time.
Diane Abbott is an incredible role model and this book does a brilliant job of portraying exactly why she deserves the recognition that she does not receive enough of.
I was not expecting to cry, laugh, feel angered and be inspired to the degree that I did (perhaps because I haven't read many politicial biographies). There were many occasions when I had to put the book down and sit with what I had just read. I had to mark so many sections so I could call friends and family later saying "Did you know this?!" "Can you believe this?!".
I also found it a really educational read and learnt so much about British politics (including Black British politics), the Left, the Labour Party and the media. Many of the events were before I was born or when I was young so this book served as a great history book but also really informative for more recent events, when I wasn't as politically aware at the time.
Diane Abbott is an incredible role model and this book does a brilliant job of portraying exactly why she deserves the recognition that she does not receive enough of.
February 12, 2021
Although, undoubtedly, this book is going to appeal to the more left-leaning, it is an in-depth walkthrough of a political life that I'd recommend to anyone who wants a greater understanding of the political landscape of post-war Britain as well as the challenges still faced today by BAME communities, all through the life on one extraordinary woman.
I am not a great reader of political biographies and was actually gifted this. I perceived this as a little odd because although I've been aware of Diane Abbott, and the vilification she receives, for some time, she is not a figure I have particularly followed perhaps as closely as some of her other colleagues. However, the book is genuinely gripping in its clear-cut depiction of a political life that is inherently tied to radical social upheaval. It avoids crossing into salacious detail about her personal life and yet does not shy away from notable controversies, taking an even-handed approach and responding with care. The cold, hard presentation of how many prejudices exist in present society, both inside and out of the corridors of power, are far more horrifying for how bluntly they are shown thus making the work Ms Abbott has done even more impressive given what has been levelled at her.
I'm sure there will be many who decry the persistent mentions of identity politics within this book but I'd argue that it would have been impossible to write without them, especially in regards to the achievements of the subject. In short, I would have never picked up this book of my own accord and yet I am thrilled it has somehow managed to cross my path.
I am not a great reader of political biographies and was actually gifted this. I perceived this as a little odd because although I've been aware of Diane Abbott, and the vilification she receives, for some time, she is not a figure I have particularly followed perhaps as closely as some of her other colleagues. However, the book is genuinely gripping in its clear-cut depiction of a political life that is inherently tied to radical social upheaval. It avoids crossing into salacious detail about her personal life and yet does not shy away from notable controversies, taking an even-handed approach and responding with care. The cold, hard presentation of how many prejudices exist in present society, both inside and out of the corridors of power, are far more horrifying for how bluntly they are shown thus making the work Ms Abbott has done even more impressive given what has been levelled at her.
I'm sure there will be many who decry the persistent mentions of identity politics within this book but I'd argue that it would have been impossible to write without them, especially in regards to the achievements of the subject. In short, I would have never picked up this book of my own accord and yet I am thrilled it has somehow managed to cross my path.
September 7, 2023
This was a very well-researched and interesting book on a public figure that I had always been aware of through the media, but who I had little personal knowledge about.
Reading about the 1990s up to 2019 was to add a new layer of understanding and reflection on my childhood, and showed a period of upheaval and what grassroots activism can do. Diane's perspective and her experiences caused me to reflect on my own bias and blind spots when it comes to race, political representation, and my own assumptions and critical thinking about the Labour Party as a broad-church organisation and what it means to various elements to be left-wing.
As mentioned, at times it was not an easy read, such as the race relations discussions in the Labour Party in the 1980s, which led to the establishment of Black Sections, as I had no previous knowledge of the situation and it was a highly complicated debate about institutionalised racism, whether to use positive discrimination, and how to create broader representation and protect minorities. It is well explained and analysed in the text and highlights the variety of tensions and difficulties in even voicing concerns.
Her willingness to work with women across different party lines to try and improve the access for working mothers in politics and to have a greater gender balance in representation was also fascinating to read. Her pragmatism and rejection of tribal politics were refreshing to read, as it is clear that the parliamentary system is still in need of updating and overhauling to be a more welcoming and supportive place for both mothers and fathers. It needs to be able to lead by example.
This was an inspiring book and Diane Abbott comes across as a powerful and passionate politician who battled with immense pressure both inside and outside her party and she takes a place next to Mo Mowlam as one of my most well-regarded politicians of the modern age.
The institutional racism and sexism in our political and governmental organisations, be it unconscious, paternalistic, or ‘well-meaning’ ignorance (that is potentially just as dangerous), was enlightening and uncomfortable to read at times, as it should be. The media industries and their treatment of politicians come under intense scrutiny here too, with regards to racism and sexism.
I believe the writers covered a range of opinions and a variety of interviewees and perspectives on Diane Abbott, even though this is an authorised biography there are voices who are critical and are given respect. There is an acknowledgement of the limitations of the text, there is little of her personal or private life unless it impacts her political reputation, and because of space, the activities in her constituency took a step back when looking at her actions in the overall parliamentary system and the Labour Party.
I would recommend this for those who want to have a greater understanding of Labour Party history, gender and race in politics, media industry influence, and parliamentary politics at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century.
Reading about the 1990s up to 2019 was to add a new layer of understanding and reflection on my childhood, and showed a period of upheaval and what grassroots activism can do. Diane's perspective and her experiences caused me to reflect on my own bias and blind spots when it comes to race, political representation, and my own assumptions and critical thinking about the Labour Party as a broad-church organisation and what it means to various elements to be left-wing.
As mentioned, at times it was not an easy read, such as the race relations discussions in the Labour Party in the 1980s, which led to the establishment of Black Sections, as I had no previous knowledge of the situation and it was a highly complicated debate about institutionalised racism, whether to use positive discrimination, and how to create broader representation and protect minorities. It is well explained and analysed in the text and highlights the variety of tensions and difficulties in even voicing concerns.
Her willingness to work with women across different party lines to try and improve the access for working mothers in politics and to have a greater gender balance in representation was also fascinating to read. Her pragmatism and rejection of tribal politics were refreshing to read, as it is clear that the parliamentary system is still in need of updating and overhauling to be a more welcoming and supportive place for both mothers and fathers. It needs to be able to lead by example.
This was an inspiring book and Diane Abbott comes across as a powerful and passionate politician who battled with immense pressure both inside and outside her party and she takes a place next to Mo Mowlam as one of my most well-regarded politicians of the modern age.
The institutional racism and sexism in our political and governmental organisations, be it unconscious, paternalistic, or ‘well-meaning’ ignorance (that is potentially just as dangerous), was enlightening and uncomfortable to read at times, as it should be. The media industries and their treatment of politicians come under intense scrutiny here too, with regards to racism and sexism.
I believe the writers covered a range of opinions and a variety of interviewees and perspectives on Diane Abbott, even though this is an authorised biography there are voices who are critical and are given respect. There is an acknowledgement of the limitations of the text, there is little of her personal or private life unless it impacts her political reputation, and because of space, the activities in her constituency took a step back when looking at her actions in the overall parliamentary system and the Labour Party.
I would recommend this for those who want to have a greater understanding of Labour Party history, gender and race in politics, media industry influence, and parliamentary politics at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century.
September 25, 2024
I've read this twice now, and beyond being a fascinating look into one of the most successful leftist politicians in British history, it's also a fascinating history of British politics generally. It is also, in hindsight, a tragedy; written right before Starmer destroyed all of the progress and momentum built up by the 2017 and 2019 elections, and took power as a far right, violently anti-leftist, pro-austerity, hugely corrupt authoritarian.
The thing that prompted me to reread this was seeing Abbott in person, where she described the current situation as a "low ebb"—a very generous characterisation indeed for the destruction of Labour's internal democracy, the obliteration of it's relationship with unions, the purging of nearly every vaguely leftwing MP and candidate (including a failed attempt at purging Abbott), the most autocratic whip in Labour's history (as I write this, the so-called Socialist Campaign Group has been inactive for almost a year), and the courting of billionaires to make up for a collapse in membership; all to achieve a domestic politics shaped by an austerity so harsh Osborne is salivating and an international politics dominated by active participation in genocide. Low ebb indeed! All respect to Diane, but her choice to remain in it and campaign for it at the last election is an unfortunate stain on her legacy (alleviated somewhat by how angry her presence in the party makes Starmer).
Anyway, that's enough reflection on the current mess. The book is an excellent exploration of a life and career in which there's such an impressive (and unusually consistent) commitment to socialism, social justice, and grassroots politics. Unlike almost every other MP, Diane's remained committed to her principles, refused to be assimilated into a cruel and classist establishment, refused to pull up the ladder behind her. It's frankly startling just how pioneering she's been, how many ceilings she smashed through. Beyond her collection of identity accolades (first black woman MP, first black longest serving black MP, first black person to represent their party at PMQs, etc etc), she also acted as catalyst for countless successful political interventions which shaped future norms: black sections, investigations into education inequality, fights to record ethnicity data (previous "colourblind" reporting hid the scale and violence of structural racism), campaigns for black entrepreneurship, investigations into detention centres, and on and on—and this isn't to include the myriad of principled political interventions which failed, such as anti-war campaigning, attempts to prevent racist immigration bills, and the fight for justice for the victims of Grenfell.
What is clear throughout is the sheer strength and tenacity of Diane as a person. Her fight for justice was tireless in a way almost unique in British politics, and in the face of odds so much greater than almost every MP in history. From being one of only 4 black MPs (and around 5% women MPs), to being reviled and belittled by party leadership, to being suddenly thrust to the forefront by Corbyn's surprise victory and trying to weather the storm of countless betrayals by the Labour rightwing—bouncing around TV interviews with an unmatched energy and eloquence. Her LBC "gaffe" made infamous by a frothing-at-the-mouth media class driven by racism and misogyny, coming when she was singlehandedly managing the media load of an entire front bench (the rest having refused to show as an intentional insult to Corbyn) while also battling with undiagnosed diabetes. And as the book stressed, this was all while singlehandedly receiving almost HALF of all abuse directed to MPs.
In summary, I wholeheartedly the book. As a biography it's excellent, and a political history it's enlightening, and as an anecdote to the vile myths constantly regurgitated about Abbott it's essential. Far too many people on the left aren't aware of the huge debt they owe to her.
The thing that prompted me to reread this was seeing Abbott in person, where she described the current situation as a "low ebb"—a very generous characterisation indeed for the destruction of Labour's internal democracy, the obliteration of it's relationship with unions, the purging of nearly every vaguely leftwing MP and candidate (including a failed attempt at purging Abbott), the most autocratic whip in Labour's history (as I write this, the so-called Socialist Campaign Group has been inactive for almost a year), and the courting of billionaires to make up for a collapse in membership; all to achieve a domestic politics shaped by an austerity so harsh Osborne is salivating and an international politics dominated by active participation in genocide. Low ebb indeed! All respect to Diane, but her choice to remain in it and campaign for it at the last election is an unfortunate stain on her legacy (alleviated somewhat by how angry her presence in the party makes Starmer).
Anyway, that's enough reflection on the current mess. The book is an excellent exploration of a life and career in which there's such an impressive (and unusually consistent) commitment to socialism, social justice, and grassroots politics. Unlike almost every other MP, Diane's remained committed to her principles, refused to be assimilated into a cruel and classist establishment, refused to pull up the ladder behind her. It's frankly startling just how pioneering she's been, how many ceilings she smashed through. Beyond her collection of identity accolades (first black woman MP, first black longest serving black MP, first black person to represent their party at PMQs, etc etc), she also acted as catalyst for countless successful political interventions which shaped future norms: black sections, investigations into education inequality, fights to record ethnicity data (previous "colourblind" reporting hid the scale and violence of structural racism), campaigns for black entrepreneurship, investigations into detention centres, and on and on—and this isn't to include the myriad of principled political interventions which failed, such as anti-war campaigning, attempts to prevent racist immigration bills, and the fight for justice for the victims of Grenfell.
What is clear throughout is the sheer strength and tenacity of Diane as a person. Her fight for justice was tireless in a way almost unique in British politics, and in the face of odds so much greater than almost every MP in history. From being one of only 4 black MPs (and around 5% women MPs), to being reviled and belittled by party leadership, to being suddenly thrust to the forefront by Corbyn's surprise victory and trying to weather the storm of countless betrayals by the Labour rightwing—bouncing around TV interviews with an unmatched energy and eloquence. Her LBC "gaffe" made infamous by a frothing-at-the-mouth media class driven by racism and misogyny, coming when she was singlehandedly managing the media load of an entire front bench (the rest having refused to show as an intentional insult to Corbyn) while also battling with undiagnosed diabetes. And as the book stressed, this was all while singlehandedly receiving almost HALF of all abuse directed to MPs.
In summary, I wholeheartedly the book. As a biography it's excellent, and a political history it's enlightening, and as an anecdote to the vile myths constantly regurgitated about Abbott it's essential. Far too many people on the left aren't aware of the huge debt they owe to her.
January 1, 2025
Sympathetic presentation of the UK’s first black woman MP. An appreciation for her anti-racist work has still not fully been appreciated as, to appropriate James Baldwin for the UK context, white people are ‘the slightly mad victims of their own brainwashing’.
Good to get an appreciation of Ms Abbott's struggles, and what she achieved. She's often been ahead of her time in pushing progressive politics to raise its awareness of its racist biases. At the same time, because she has been at the vanguard, it seems as though she's elicited unproductive reactions. That's as much a lesson for her critics as it is for her.
At times in the earlier part of the book, it seems as though the biographers haven't given the full picture, but this impression softens in the second half of the book.
Good to get an appreciation of Ms Abbott's struggles, and what she achieved. She's often been ahead of her time in pushing progressive politics to raise its awareness of its racist biases. At the same time, because she has been at the vanguard, it seems as though she's elicited unproductive reactions. That's as much a lesson for her critics as it is for her.
At times in the earlier part of the book, it seems as though the biographers haven't given the full picture, but this impression softens in the second half of the book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews