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News from no man's land : reporting the world
The third bestselling volume of memoirs from John Simpson.
514 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
10 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
John Cody Fidler-Simpson
23 books53 followersJohn Cody Fidler-Simpson CBE is an English foreign correspondent. He is world affairs editor of BBC News, the world's biggest broadcast news service. One of the most travelled reporters ever, he has spent all his working life at the corporation. He has reported from more than 120 countries, including thirty war zones, and has interviewed numerous world leaders.
Simpson was born in Cleveleys, Lancashire; his family later moved to Dunwich, Suffolk. His great grandfather was Samuel Franklin Cowdery (later known as Samuel Franklin Cody), an American showman in the style of Buffalo Bill Cody, who became a British citizen and was an early pioneer of manned flight in the UK. Simpson reveals in his autobiography that his father was an anarchist. That didn't prevent him from getting a top-notch education: he was sent to Dulwich College Preparatory School and St Paul's, and read English at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he was editor of Granta magazine. In 1965 he was a member of the Magdalene University Challenge team. A year later Simpson started as a trainee sub-editor at BBC radio news.
Simpson became a BBC reporter in 1970. He describes in his autobiography how on his very first day the then prime minister Harold Wilson, angered by the sudden and impudent, as he saw it, appearance of the novice's microphone, punched him in the stomach.
Simpson was the BBC's political editor from 1980 till 1981. He presented the Nine O'Clock News from 1981 till 1982 and became diplomatic editor in 1982. He had also served as a correspondent in South Africa, Brussels and Dublin. He became BBC world affairs editor in 1988.
Simpson was born in Cleveleys, Lancashire; his family later moved to Dunwich, Suffolk. His great grandfather was Samuel Franklin Cowdery (later known as Samuel Franklin Cody), an American showman in the style of Buffalo Bill Cody, who became a British citizen and was an early pioneer of manned flight in the UK. Simpson reveals in his autobiography that his father was an anarchist. That didn't prevent him from getting a top-notch education: he was sent to Dulwich College Preparatory School and St Paul's, and read English at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he was editor of Granta magazine. In 1965 he was a member of the Magdalene University Challenge team. A year later Simpson started as a trainee sub-editor at BBC radio news.
Simpson became a BBC reporter in 1970. He describes in his autobiography how on his very first day the then prime minister Harold Wilson, angered by the sudden and impudent, as he saw it, appearance of the novice's microphone, punched him in the stomach.
Simpson was the BBC's political editor from 1980 till 1981. He presented the Nine O'Clock News from 1981 till 1982 and became diplomatic editor in 1982. He had also served as a correspondent in South Africa, Brussels and Dublin. He became BBC world affairs editor in 1988.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 16, 2025
مذكرات صحفي هيئة الإذاعة البريطانية في أفغانستان.
July 25, 2022
I enjoyed the historical aspects of the book (both in terms of the history of journalism and of Afghanistan) but Simpson's arrogance is breathtaking, along with his constant criticism of print journalism (yes, as a print journalist I'm gonna be defensive) as not being "honest" and being purely opinion-based, unlike the "pure" form of broadcaast journalism...apart from, of course, when he's referencing his own articles for the Telegraph. He even claims to loathe print interviewers, but excludes Lynn Barber with who he said he had a great experience when she interviewed him...and then finishes by saying he never read her article. I read most of the book harrumphing in anger - ha ha. A useful read if you want to learn more about the history of broadcast journalism and his own experiences (this book mainly focuses on 2001/02), but be ready to take a lot of deep breaths while reading it.
October 17, 2019
Always interesting, this is an account of John Simpson's determination to get into Afghanistan to report on the 2001 capture of Kabul from the Taliban. The story is interwoven with his views on what makes good and bad television news. This is not nearly as action-packed as his other autobiographies, though it does have its moments: a shopping trip for burkhas and a lost-in-translation attempt to get a fried egg for breakfast are a couple of memorable highlights. While the other autobiographies are full of narrow escapes from death and side-splitting anecodotes, this is a much quieter book, concentrating on the tedium, discomfort and camaraderie of the foreign reporter's job, and taking pains to point out what a safe and charming place Afghanistan is.
August 11, 2022
Owad’s Micro-Review #31
An autobiography by the veteran BBC News foreign correspondent. Simpson takes us on his journey into Kabul after the fall of the Taliban, then waxes eloquent on the topic of Capital J Journalism. The high points are his riffs on the concept of journalistic objectivity and on day-to-day life for reporters in war zones. There are rich anecdotes and leisurely reminiscences of the BBC universe—maybe too many, and maybe at too much length. This tome could stand to lose 100 pages, but there’s plenty to enjoy if you can see past all the fireside chats. Feb. 5, 2021
An autobiography by the veteran BBC News foreign correspondent. Simpson takes us on his journey into Kabul after the fall of the Taliban, then waxes eloquent on the topic of Capital J Journalism. The high points are his riffs on the concept of journalistic objectivity and on day-to-day life for reporters in war zones. There are rich anecdotes and leisurely reminiscences of the BBC universe—maybe too many, and maybe at too much length. This tome could stand to lose 100 pages, but there’s plenty to enjoy if you can see past all the fireside chats. Feb. 5, 2021
May 6, 2020
John Simpson is a stalwart of BBC world news, but this is a bit of a ramble and too long, and there are far better texts that cover this period following the 9/11 and the coalition invasion & meddling again in Afghanistan. that's no reflection on Simpson and team, they are an admirable bunch, and i applaud their dedication to broadcasting the world. I would have baled out midway, if it wasn't for the authors warm and comical style. IT was good insight to how the BBC News works, which was contradictory to the recent impression of unpatriotic and managed exclusively by the metropolitan elite. (see Islington set!). Obviously different from the daily programming team.. :(
July 1, 2019
I found this better than two of Simpson's other books - perhaps somewhat less self-indulgent. It focusses on his experiences of reporting the sad recent history of Afghanistan, but is heavily interspersed with comment on how the BBC operates, which is sometimes of interest - but sometimes not.
December 23, 2023
About his experience reporting the defeat of the Taloban after the 9/11 attacks. Some interesting insights into how news broadcasts are created. Gets better towards the end. Can be a bit full of the BBC/himself.
November 19, 2017
Good stories about the highs and lows of being a TV reporter, but I wasn't as engaged as I would have been if it was an American journalist I already had a connection with.
June 7, 2020
I ended up enjoying this one the most of the three and it got me more interested in reading about Afghanistan.
May 30, 2017
Simpson forces together two stories: an account of how his broadcasting team covered the taking of Kabul in 2001, and a set of reminiscings on journalism. Either could have made for a reasonably interesting book on its own, but combined, the result is underwhelming and the narrative unmemorable. It doesn't help that he loses no opportunity to praise the BBC and to shit all over American news broadcasters and cable TV audiences.
May 13, 2018
In the third of his series of memoirs John Simpson, famed BBC foreign correspondent, takes us on a duel adventure as he roughs the wilds of Central Asia to try to reach Kabul before the Afghan War kicks into gear in 2002 and also ponders the purpose, ethics and history of journalism.
The duel topics hinder the book a little bit for me. Simpson is both knowledgeable and adventurous and it was fascinating reading about his exploits in Afghanistan. I felt I learned a lot about the culture, history, religion and various ethic groups in Afghanistan, a country I previously knew very little about.
On the other hand, Simpson's long muses about the nature of journalism break and take away from the narrative and are a lot more hit-or-miss. Some passages, dealing with early foreign correspondents in 19th century Europe, are really interesting. Other passages are more boring or feel overly pandering to the BBC. Simpson's views are interesting to read in 2018, a time where mainstream journalism is increasingly questioned by skeptics. Simpson's view of the BBC as the gold standard of integrity feels dated at this point.
Nevertheless, there is a really good book and an exhilarating adventure in Afghanistan to be found here if you're also willing to entertain Simpson's discussions on journalism.
The duel topics hinder the book a little bit for me. Simpson is both knowledgeable and adventurous and it was fascinating reading about his exploits in Afghanistan. I felt I learned a lot about the culture, history, religion and various ethic groups in Afghanistan, a country I previously knew very little about.
On the other hand, Simpson's long muses about the nature of journalism break and take away from the narrative and are a lot more hit-or-miss. Some passages, dealing with early foreign correspondents in 19th century Europe, are really interesting. Other passages are more boring or feel overly pandering to the BBC. Simpson's views are interesting to read in 2018, a time where mainstream journalism is increasingly questioned by skeptics. Simpson's view of the BBC as the gold standard of integrity feels dated at this point.
Nevertheless, there is a really good book and an exhilarating adventure in Afghanistan to be found here if you're also willing to entertain Simpson's discussions on journalism.
December 23, 2024
Could be two books spliced together, A travel log documenting the attack and dangers of Kabul's fall by allied forces, Alongside a defence from the perspective of 30yrs service working for the overbearing much loved ‘auntie’ (The BBC)
The jarring gear changes from war zone, To office annoyances are connected by their story of fierce competition, Crucial to always be at the front at scenes of horror and destruction, Along side the BBC's need to be best in quality and relevance in the fast changing media age. The juxtaposition of both the BBC and Simpson’s impartiality reporting, Is it more Strength or weakness? In today's world where the choices(less) for unashamedly biased journalism only become more numerous, younger and better funded.
You're left in no doubt the advantage and future of the BBC over commercial forces, Can only ever be at the door of the many truly dedicated to publicly serve it.
The jarring gear changes from war zone, To office annoyances are connected by their story of fierce competition, Crucial to always be at the front at scenes of horror and destruction, Along side the BBC's need to be best in quality and relevance in the fast changing media age. The juxtaposition of both the BBC and Simpson’s impartiality reporting, Is it more Strength or weakness? In today's world where the choices(less) for unashamedly biased journalism only become more numerous, younger and better funded.
You're left in no doubt the advantage and future of the BBC over commercial forces, Can only ever be at the door of the many truly dedicated to publicly serve it.
January 25, 2010
So far it is interesting getting an insiders news. However, I thought it would have more focus on his reporting in Afghanistan and not so much rambling. We'll see...
Okay, now that I am more than half way through, I have changed my mind. It is interesting when he actually talks about Afghanistan but mostly he talks about the BBC and himself and how they are both so great, blah blah blah. If I had another book to read, I would stop reading this one.
Okay, now that I am more than half way through, I have changed my mind. It is interesting when he actually talks about Afghanistan but mostly he talks about the BBC and himself and how they are both so great, blah blah blah. If I had another book to read, I would stop reading this one.
September 21, 2015
This third volume of autobiography from John Simpson concentrates on the mechanics of newsgathering and reporting, drawing on John's vast experience. With incident and anecdote, Simpson gives readers an insight into the way a journalist follows a story, even when the odds are stacked against them, and they are at risk of great personal danger, as for instance, when, disguised as a woman, he crossed the border into Afghanistan following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre.
July 5, 2017
An interesting take on foreign affairs. Of course, John Simpson was there when a lot of these events happened, as an observer, not a participant. It's interesting to hear his take on them, and of course the effort taken for us to see his reports. Surprising that we seem to take these reports for granted, without realising the work it involves.
May 26, 2012
I nearly stopped reading this book several times at the start. The writing seemed rather ponderous and it took me a while to warm to the author but I'm glad I persevered and I am looking forward to reading his other books.
October 10, 2010
An honest unbias account of the facts on the ground.
July 16, 2013
Hugely enjoyable... The insights Mr Simpson provides into his profession and the anecdotes liberally sprinkled through the book are illuminating and priceless
January 15, 2016
Highly readable book full of valuable insights into journalism in general and war reporting in particular.
June 7, 2007
An intreguing insight into the world and lifestyle of this most respected broadcast journalist.
August 26, 2014
Interesting and insightful. Not my usual read but enjoyed it nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews