Speaking My Mind - An Autobiography of Rhodes Boyson

An excellent starting point for someone interested in learning how Parliament "works", what it consists of and how the political business of England is conducted. Sir Boyson has been at the center of parliamentary affairs for several decades, and is one of the most colorful and recognizable members of the House of Commons. He tells of his early years growing up in an impoverished family, his service during the war with the Royal Navy, his years in education, first as a teacher and later as headmaster, and his service in government. He was a Conservative MR serving in Margaret Thatcher's government as a minister for Education, Social Security, and Northern Ireland. For his distinguished service to his country, he was knighted in 1987.