The idea for this new book about Tony Blair was formed during a visit to Washington by the author in the spring of last year, as America and Britain were poised to go to war in Iraq. Philip Stephens, the chief political commentator of the Financial Times, discovered that there existed, among many Americans he met, a fascination with the British prime minister that was still largely untutored. Both sides of the political divide admired Mr Blair. After the September nth attacks, he had travelled tirelessly to try and form the international coalition that would fight the war on terrorism. And he often displayed a passion and idealistic eloquence that contrasted impressively with the sourer and more introspective tone of President George Bush.
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