Sunday, March 16, 2014

Tributes paid to Tony Benn


Tony Benn’s publisher has paid tribute to the “political legend whose love of life, words and politics were with him to the end”.

Benn died last night at the age of 88 at his home.
He became a Labour MP in 1950 and served in the cabinets of Harold Wilson and James Callaghan.
He missed out on becoming deputy leader of the party in 1981, and went on to become an anti-war campaigner and political diarist.

Hutchinson published Out of the Wilderness, the first volume of his diaries, in 1987.
This was followed by nine more volumes, with the final one, A Blaze of Autumn Sunshine, published last year. It was a reflection on old age and failing health.

Dame Gail Rebuck, chair of Penguin Random House UK, said: “Tony Benn's diaries will live on.
“We at Hutchinson and Penguin Random House are proud to have been Tony's publishers throughout his long writing career and are privileged to have known him both as a wonderful author and also as a friend.”

Emma Mitchell, publicity director and associate editorial director at Hutchinson, said: "Tony Benn was part of our family at Hutchinson and will be missed by all of us. Tony and I had many adventures travelling round the country to promote his books over the last 15 years. I know the joy he brought to his readers and the loyalty he had from his fans. I've lost a true friend today."

Hutchinson also published several other non-fiction titles by Benn, including the memoir Dare to be a Daniel, and Letters to my Grandchildren, Benn’s book of open letters of encouragement for future generations.

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