1964*1st*Corridors Of Power - C. P. Snow(MacMillan)Sidney Nolan Dust Jacket

Unusual jacket no title on front but on spine and rear good condition rare. 

C.P. Snow’s Corridors of Power, published in 1964, is part of Snow’s acclaimed series of novels called Strangers and Brothers, which explore the intersections of personal ambition, political power, and ethical dilemmas. The phrase “corridors of power” itself, now common in political discourse, actually originated from this novel, where it refers to the inner workings and high-level decision-making processes within government and elite institutions.

Plot Summary

In Corridors of Power, the protagonist, Lewis Eliot, is drawn into the political world of British government as an advisor. The story follows Eliot as he becomes embroiled in the ethical and political dilemmas surrounding nuclear disarmament. Roger Quaife, a charismatic and somewhat idealistic Member of Parliament, wants to push Britain toward nuclear disarmament, and Eliot is both intrigued and torn by Quaife’s ambitions. The novel captures the intense and often morally complex nature of political life, portraying the rivalries, negotiations, and conflicts that occur in the upper echelons of power.

Themes

Corridors of Power delves deeply into themes such as:

• Political Morality vs. Personal Morality: The novel explores whether moral considerations in politics can coexist with personal ambitions or if they are invariably compromised.

• Ambition and Idealism: Quaife’s campaign for disarmament embodies a clash between idealistic pursuits and the pragmatic concerns of career politicians.

• Power and Influence: Through Eliot’s observations and Quaife’s career, Snow examines how influence operates behind the scenes in government, showing how decisions impacting millions often hinge on personal relationships and subtle manipulations.

Style and Reception

Snow’s writing is known for its intellectual approach and psychological depth. Corridors of Power was well-regarded for its insights into the nature of political power and the personal toll it takes on those involved. However, the novel’s pacing and dense discussions were seen as challenging by some readers, as Snow’s storytelling style is measured, focusing more on dialogue and character introspection than on action.

Context and Impact

Snow himself was both a scientist and a civil servant, so he wrote with a particular authenticity about British bureaucratic and scientific communities, bridging his understanding of both “the two cultures”—the sciences and the humanities. Snow’s insights into politics continue to resonate, as he questions whether truly ethical action is possible in positions of power, a theme that remains relevant today. The phrase “corridors of power” has since entered political vernacular as a way to describe places where key decisions are made.