Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating detail and an interesting read
Review: Once again Jeffery Archer has proved an insightful storyteller. Though First does not quite measure-up to the masterful Kane and Abel, it does offer a very interesting eye into the parliamentary political system. Archer manages to educate the reader on the backroom politicing and procedures of British Government while gripping your attention through wonderful characterization. One cannot help but cast an allegience towards one of the four characters chronicled, and you may find yourself switching sides more than once. All in all a great read that touches often on historical fact while involving the reader with the ever apparent battle for power among the main characters. The ending may be disapointing but isn't this the case in nearly every book worth reading as it is clearly indicative of true involvement?
Rating: 
Summary: Greatest Archer's masterpiece
Review: The great story of 4 young man trying to outwit each other for the ultimate price of being the head of goverment. You can't help but start favouring or taking side on one of the 4 contestants half way through the story. Archer delightfully left the story hang in suspense at the end of each chapter. I have read nearly all his works and I ranked this a little bit higher than his other book, Kane and Abel. Overally you will be charmed by his wits and detailism. A must read if interested in British parliament system and the 'dirty-old-political world'.
Rating:
Summary: A great political tale
Review: There is the theoretical idea in Westminster Parliamentary systems that all Cabinet ministers are equals, and that the Prime Minister is simply First among Equals, rather than the nearly all-powerful figure most have become (similarly, the Pope as Bishop of Rome is theoretically merely the first among equals of bishops -- see how that works?).In fact, the office of the Prime Minister is a powerful position, one that drives many people to do strange and bizarre things in aid of attaining the office. Like the characters in the novel, Jeffrey Archer (now Lord Archer, most recently guest of Her Majesty's prison system) had Prime Ministerial ambitions, too. Unlike many of the characters in this novel, Archer 'settled' for less than the Premeirship earlier in his career, discovering writing as a lucrative and creative outlet, and one that allows him to work out his personal and professional angst in a very unique manner. Much in this novel reflects Archer's own struggles. The novel is very accurate and true to form in the mechanics and atmosphere of the House of Commons and House of Lords. Having been a Member of Parliament, Archer knew the environment from the inside, and drew realistic scenarios and created realistic characters of such degree that I have required this novel as a text when I've taught British politics. The major cast of characters -- Seymour, Kerslake, Fraser and Gould -- fit composites of many back-benchers I knew when I worked in Parliament. Unlike the majority of back-benchers, these are men of ambition and ability (alas, somewhat rare combinations in politics in any nation). Each has an eye on the brass ring of No. 10 Downing Street, and each has, at the outset of political careers, an equal chance at success. A week can be a long time in politics, it has been said, so the span of several decades might as well be an eternity. We see the personal and professional ups and downs of these individuals against a backdrop of real political history from the 1960s forward; this book written in 1984, the 'future' was speculative, but not beyond reason, and still makes for a good read. The careers of the foursome are not linearly upward; true to form of many political careers (including Archer's own), there are near misses and great falls, from which some recover, and others do not. The ending is an interesting one, again part of Archer's speculative history, hinging upon one event that perhaps he knew well would never in fact happen. However, it is still a believable political event, and given that actual politics is often unbelievable, this novel makes a generous alternative history. Archer's gift of storytelling is strong, and perhaps best when he is dealing with situations he himself has survived. 'First Among Equals' is one such story.
Rating:
Summary: A very exciting read by Jeffery Archer
Review: This and all of Jeffery Archer's books are very fast paced and exciting. I think you will enjoy the read. For information on all of Jeffery Archer's novels visit www.geocities.com/Paris/1292/index.html. Come visit very soon
Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary tale by master storyteller.
Review: This incredible novel demonstrated why Archer is the best storyteller in the world. Fascinating read which grips the reader's attention immediately, with a plot that is based on world events themselves intertwined with the struggles of three men, all of whom are seeking the top office of England. Archer at his very best
Rating:
Summary: splendid work
Review: What a wonderful novel about policies, intriques and failures. The story deals with three people, who all want to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The problem is that only one person can reach that objective first. The others will fail. The book describes pretty good the impressions of three young junior members of parliament, that have to gain experiences on the way upwards the career-ladder. I'ts amazing how you change sympathies to the different canditates during the reading period. Even though this book deals with a (for me) quite uninteresting topic it's a real page turner.
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