Book Review: Politipedia, by Thomas P. Wolf

“For the devotee of arcane political information, one could hardly find a more appropriate gift. The book’s title is slightly misleading since some of the material in here is not British, but that should not deter anyone that relishes political trivia. The 156 entries are arranged alphabetically from “Acronyms” to “Zoo,” preceded by “Yes Minister.” A list of five or ten items is common. Among those likely to be perused are “Bill Boaks,” “BBC Objectivity” (ten iffy instances of impartiality), “Catchphrases,” “Clichés,” and “The Influential Unelected.” Unless one is completely lacking a sense of humor, the two lists of debate strategies – “How to be right because you are” and “How to right when you are left” – will bring a chuckle. Actually, the reader and his or her mates may find the book most enjoyable as the launching point to debate the selections Inman offers.”