Books

Books : reviews

Philip Cowley, Robert Ford.
Sex, Lies and the Ballot Box: 50 things you need to know about British elections.
Biteback Publishing. 2014

Have You Ever Wondered…
…what emotions really influence where your cross goes on the ballot paper?
…whether people are claiming to vote when they haven’t?
…which party’s supporters are the kinkiest in bed?

In the run-up to the most hotly contested and unpredictable election in a generation, this exhilarating read injects some life back into the world of British electoral politics. Sex, Lies and the Ballot Box sheds light on some of our more unusual voting trends, ranging from why people lie about voting to how being attractive can get you elected.

Each of the fifty accessible and concise chapters, written by leading political experts, seeks to examine the broader issues surrounding voting and elections in Britain. It is not just about sexual secrets and skewed surveys: it illustrates the importance of women and ethnic minorities; explains why parties knock on your door (and why they don’t); and shows how partisanship colours your views of everything, even pets.

This fascinating volume covers everything you need to know (and the things you never thought you needed to know) about the bedroom habits, political untruths and voting nuances behind the upcoming election.

Philip Cowley, Robert Ford.
More Sex, Lies and the Ballot Box: another 50 things you need to know about elections.
Biteback Publishing. 2016

Have You Ever Wondered…
…how people feel about sleeping with the political enemy?
…whether gambling markets are best at predicting political outcomes?
…who Santa Claus would vote for?

Then look no further. More Sex, Lies and the Ballot Box brings us another collection of concise chapters penned by leading political experts and delving into the fascinating field of electoral politics. Following on from the success of its bestselling predecessor, this illuminating book shines a light on how we vote in Britain and around the world.

You’ll learn about the shifting landscape of party politics and the perceptions and misconceptions that shape our opinions of our politicians and of each other. You’ll learn about the factors informing voter habits – from class, race and gender to the internet and the weather. You’ll also learn which political party has the most sexually satisfied supporters.

Forget mmd-numbing numbers and difficult demographics. This sharp and frequently hilarious volume is fizzing with accessible facts and figures that are more than just conversation starters – they’re unexpected insights into the human condition.