David Lange: My Life - David Lange

As prime minister of New Zealand from 1984 to 1989 David Lange oversaw the transformation of a society and its economy in what is now seen as an historic turning point in the country's development. But the tensions created by the fourth Labour government's policies also tore the party apart, led to his resignation as leader and split the electorate along new and surprising political fault lines.

In this long-awaited memoir David Lange revists those extraordinary years and brings to life the human dimension and consequences of being at the centre of such dramatic events. From exhilarating triumph over Muldoon government to championing a nuclear-free policy during the last days of the Cold War, the tragedy of the Rainbow Warrior bombing to titanic battles within cabinet over economic policy, this is a remarkable history as told by a remarkable man. The story of how the doctor's son from Otahuhu grew up to lead his country and confront the great issues of the day, and of how life after power as well as long battles with various illnesses have affected him, is also a personal and moving account of one man's life, told with all the author's characteristic wit, intelligence and compassion.

Published in 2005 by Viking. 

Condition: excellent. First edition. 316 pages, 16 pages of plates: illustrations, 24 cm. Hardback.