THIS amusing and thought-provoking book takes a sardonic look at the history of Britain from 1945 to 2005.

Idiotic blunders by those in power feature prominently.

Author, journalist and media wit John O’Farrell admits to a leftish leaning, but does not spare past Labour Governments from his barbs, and although his book is intended to raise laughs, it is intelligent and perceptive, and one suspects that behind O’Farrell’s funnyman facade, a much more serious writer is trying to get out.

He ends on a positive note about the overall state of Britain, despite our current financial mess, and is surprisingly upbeat about America and its cultural influence here.

Patricia Allen