xii 490p hardback, black cloth with beige cover, very good condition, light wear and sticker to jacket, binding intact, pages clear and bright, a good pre-owned copy with the author's signature on the title page
In June 1992 Chris Patten went to Hong Kong as the last British governor, to try to prepare it not - as other British colonies over the decades - for independence, but for handing back in 1997 to the Chinese, from whom most of its territory had been leased 99 years previously. Over the next five years he kept this diary, which describes in detail how Hong Kong was run as a British colony and what happened as the handover approached. The book gives unprecedented insights into negotiating with the Chinese, about how the institutions of democracy in Hong Kong were (belatedly) strengthened and how Patten sought to ensure that a strong degree of self-government would continue after 1997. Unexpectedly, his opponents included not only the Chinese themselves, but some British businessmen and civil service mandarins upset by Patten's efforts, for whom political freedom and the rule of law in Hong Kong seemed less important than keeping on the right side of Beijing. The book concludes with an account of what has happened in Hong Kong since the handover, a powerful assessment of recent events and Patten's reflections on how to deal with China - then and now.
Part memoir and part remedy for today's challenges, Chris Patten's work is a candid and humorous reflection from an outspoken politician. Having spent years immersed in international affairs, Patten shares his insights on global events and leaders, now unbound by diplomatic constraints. He candidly discusses topics such as the decline of the Tories, America's global influence, Tony Blair's political convictions, and the need for Britain to embrace its relationship with France. Critics have praised the book as "masterly, elegant, sprightly, and wry," highlighting it as essential political reading. It is described as a collection of rich personal experiences, frank and vivid, while maintaining trust and confidentiality. The writing is characterized as elegant, warm, witty, and accessible, suggesting that understanding its wisdom should be a prerequisite for political appointments. Patten's style combines wit, elegance, and passion, showcasing a level of candor and courage that is rare among politicians. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the BBC Trust and Chancellor of Oxford and Newcastle Universities, and is recognized for his role as the last Governor of Hong Kong from 1992 to 1997, a topic he previously explored in his bestselling work.
Reveals how the fall of the Berlin Wall transformed the Western alliance between the United States, Britain, and Europe, explaining how terrorism, Asian economic competition, and cultural divides could have profound implications for the West.
Hong Kong's last British governor takes a close-up look at the future of Asia and and explains how its influence will shape world politics, economics, and social institutions in the twenty-first century. Reprint. 25,000 first printing.