Second Amongst Equals: Chancellors of the Exchequer and the British Economy
评论了三本关于英国财政大臣的书籍，指出最新一本虽由专业经济学家撰写并涵盖最新内容，但风格浮夸、缺乏深度，更适合关注现任财政大臣布朗的读者。
Having reviewed in recent years two books on Chancellors of the Exchequer, the question arises of whether there is a case for a third, and so soon. Admittedly, the first ( Jenkins, 1998), by a former Labour Chancellor (1967–70), was a good read, as is to be expected from so eloquent a pen; but it was undoubtedly stronger on the politics than the economics, while it ended (somewhat prematurely) with Dalton (1945–47). The second (Dell, 1996), by a former Labour middle‐ranking minister and would be Chancellor who was supremely confident of his talents, displayed the opposite characteristics, but did at least bring the story closer to the present, ending with Major's brief but largely accident‐free Chancellorship (1989–90). High hopes were, therefore, entertained that this third volume might have strengths in both areas, not least that it was authored by a professional economist and that it also advanced the story right up to date. Alas, however, this is also an unsatisfactory volume. While the publisher's puff may make much of the author's pugnacious and often caustic style, those searching for deeper enlightenment are likely to be disappointed; they may even be irritated by the racy pace, many slick phrases and wealth of anecdotes. Moreover, in a volume presented as historical assessment, they may feel somewhat short‐changed for the real concern is actually with the current scene and, in particular, with Gordon Brown, on whom Holt is admiring but not adulatory. If the reader requires enlightenment about the Chancellor and his department now, then he or she is better directed to Lipsey's The Secret Treasury (2000).