House of Cards [Mass Market Paperback]

Michael Dobbs (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1990

The acclaimed political thriller that first introduced the unforgettable Francis Urquhart MP and launched Michael Dobbs' No 1 bestselling career -- now reissued in a new cover. Michael Dobbs' entertaining tale of skulduggery and intrigue within the Palace of Westminster has been a huge hit with the public. Its scheming hero, Chief Whip Francis Urquhart, who uses fair means and foul to become Prime Minister, is one of the best-known characters of the last decade -- the politician we all love to hate. Acclaimed for its authenticity and insights into a secret world -- the result of many years working behind the scenes for the Conservative Party -- it became a highly popular, award-winning BBC TV series, with Francis Urquhart memorably portrayed by Ian Richardson, and was followed by two further sequels, 'To Play the King' and 'The Final Cut', which also became top-rating TV series.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This blood-and-thunder tale, lifelike and thoroughly cynical, certainly carries the ring of authenticity! a great triumph.' Independent 'The exciting thriller that has Westminster buzzing. Here is a political thriller writer with a marvellous inside track knowledge of government. House of Cards is fast-moving, revelatory and brilliant.' Daily Express

From the Publisher

'This blood-and-thunder tale, lifelike and thoroughly cynical, certainly carries the ring of authenticity ... a great triumph.' - Independent

'The exciting thriller that has Westminster buzzing. Here is a political thriller writer with a marvellous inside track knowledge of government.' - Daily Express

'It has pace, a beguiling authenticity and a cast of Achilles heels.' - Daily Telegraph

'What a brilliant creation F.U. is.' - Sunday Telegraph

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins Publishers (1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0006176909
• ISBN-13: 978-0006176909
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #109,117 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best, November 9, 2002

By 

David Schnider (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: House of Cards (Mass Market Paperback)

This is the first in a trilogy that is, perhaps, the best of modern political fiction. The reader can't help but be riveted by the lead character, even hoping for his sinister plots to succeed. Even having seen the BBC television version, I loved the book. It's a great read.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!, January 11, 2000

By 

Andrew McLaughlin (New York, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: House of Cards (Mass Market Paperback)

Michael Dobbs has created a masterful fictional world of intrigue. His Francis Urquhart is the embodiement of the an eel like politician. A fast paced political thriller, where you just can't help but love the villian. With its intricate plot twists and extraordinary cast of characters, you owe it to yourself to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride that is Francis Urquhart.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not as colorful as the BBC series, January 16, 2002

By 

Lara (Princeton, NJ, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: House of Cards (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is drier than the wonderful BBC series starring Ian Richardson. But because Michael Dobbs spent years as a journalist covering British politics, plot points that are simplified or glossed over in the series are explained in more detail. So I feel like I understand what went on in the TV series more, but it's not as much fun. The book went through some significant changes on the way to the teleplay adaptation.