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He was the master of intrigue, arch-manipulator of the mob and unpredictable dealmaker with the powerful.
So it should be no surprise that a new novel about Roman writer, lawyer and philosopher Cicero contains an admiring tribute to one of today's most compelling politicians, Peter Mandelson.
The Evening Standard has learned that best-selling author Robert Harris has dedicated the second volume of his trilogy about the career of Cicero to none other than the First Secretary.
Harris — who said he only decided on the dedication last week — is an old friend of Lord Mandelson, who is godfather to one of the writer's three children. He is also fascinated by Cicero, the greatest orator of his day and a shining idealist, except when circumstances required a cynical tack or two.
Those seeking parallels between the pair will not search in vain. Cicero was an outsider who took on the aristocracy while coveting their status and power. Like Lord Mandelson, returned from the backwaters of Brussels, he endured a spell in foreign exile before amassing even greater influence.
Lord Mandelson must hope, however, that his political retirement is less grisly than the murder of Cicero, whose severed head and hands were pinned up in the forum on the orders of Mark Antony as a warning to other upstarts.
“It is true that in some ways they are similar,” said Harris. “But there's nothing to read into it. I thought it would be nice to dedicate a book to Peter, who has been a friend for 25 years.
“He was delighted when I told him. He very much liked the first volume.”
A former political editor of the Observer, Harris observed the rise of Lord Mandelson, Tony Blair and New Labour before embarking on his career as a novelist.
“I probably learned more about politics from Peter than anyone else,” he said. “Politics 2,000 years ago bears striking similarities to today and this is a book about the practice of politics by a professional, which is timeless.”
Harris's first volume, Imperium, came out during Lord Mandelson's spell as EU Trade Commissioner. He could not have predicted that by volume two — called Lustrum, out later this year — his friend would have returned in triumph to the Cabinet, become Gordon Brown's closest ally, and crowned deputy prime minister in all but name.
But as the narrative voice of the trilogy, Cicero's servant Tiro, remarked: “The quickest way to get ahead in politics is to get yourself close to the man at the top.”
As for the ending that awaits Cicero, Harris suspects Lord Mandelson will also be denied a contented retirement. “Most political careers end in failure,” he said. “Nothing has really changed.”
Popular politician who met with a grisly death
* Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106-43 BC, was a Roman politician, lawyer and philosopher, widely considered to have been one of ancient Rome's greatest orators.
* His long correspondence with his friend Atticus is said to have introduced the art of letter writing to European culture and provided historians with a wealth of detail.
* Cicero opposed the dictatorship of Julius Caesar, but was not part of the conspiracy that led to his murder. However, after Brutus killed Caesar he is said to have called out for Cicero to “restore the republic”.
* As the popular leader of the senate, Cicero helped stabilise Rome after Caesar and shared power with Mark Antony — although the two fell out and Mark Antony ordered Cicero's death.
* After Cicero's murder, his head and hands were cut off and displayed in the forum. Fulvia, Mark Antony's wife, is said to have pulled out Cicero's tongue in anger at his power of speech.
Reader views (13)
I see Gordon Brown; as Julius Caesar in my book.
I see Peter Mandelson; as Marcus Junius Brutus in my book.
I see the public as; Mark Antony in my book.
I dedicate my book to the return of the UK to its people; whom I have known for over 60 years, as my friends.
- Mickinlondon, london., 05/08/2009 12:39
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Where've you been, Val? Returning to take over from Keith, who's probably gone on holiday himself now?
The only thing Mandy's able to turn is cream sour. If he only knew how to spell 'morality' he would have retired 'honourably' years ago. He is a disgrace.
- Marianne, SW France/London, 05/08/2009 12:32
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Great Orator? Never.
- Bj, London, 05/08/2009 12:26
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Cicero was a philosopher and a stylist, and a seminal influence on the early thinkers of the Renaissance. One waits for evidence of similar qualities in PM. Cicero once remarked that those with no sense of history remain children, which I think will be the obituary of our times. BTW, Harris' first book, 'Imperium' was quite magnificent. I eagerly look forward to 'Lustrum'.
- John Punshon, Milton Keynes, England, 05/08/2009 12:15
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It was ever so. The people on here who malign Peter Mandelson do so out of fear. The same insults were hurled at Alastair Campbell, another arch politico who opposition parties feared. It is because there is nobody to match either of them in the Tory party or the LibDems that they are abused in this way. One only has to see the way the Lord dealt with George Osborne and Andrew Marr to see that he is a master at the game we call politics. In all my years following politics, and I am 71, I have never seen his equal. He doesn't pretend to be anything he isn't. What you see is what you get; unlike David Cameron and his ilk who are all things to all men and know the cost of everything and the value of nothing. Long may Lord Mandelson prosper, we need him.
- Mrs V Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain, 05/08/2009 12:09
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'A man for all seasosn!' the person to save the McRuin's 'Klunkenfist' from ruin!!
The Secret and True Leader of the Labour Party. It makes one wonder just what Mr Meddlsome has on all the other Labour leadership, from Teflon Tony onwards!!
Maybe Lord Peter has been keeping a 'True & Secret Diary' on the deeds, missdeeds and scurilous little foibles of his Labour colleagues.
- Uncle Vanya, East Anglia Area UK, 05/08/2009 12:00
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To St, London
You say
'"Lord" Mandelspin ... would never win an election'
Unfortunately, given the half-baked nature of British Democracy, Mandelson would not need to win an election to become Prime Minister.
Gordon Brown has been Prime Minister for some considerable time without the need to get elected as such, or even elected as head of his own party.
Has anybody, apart from the electorate of Kirkaldy & Cowdenbeath, voted in Gordon Brown?
I don't think so.
- Gordon M, Gerrards Cross, Bucks, 05/08/2009 11:43
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The man is serpentine to the coil.
- Ted, London, 05/08/2009 10:46
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I´ve just been reading the astonishing posts by Reuben Camara and Wq Ex Pat. Sleaze bucket? I don´t think so. In fact, Peter Mandelson is one of the few politicians that tag doesn´t apply to. Dangerous? Yes, but only to his enemies. I honestly think that Peter Mandelson is the only politician who is capable of seeing New Labour isn´t savaged at the next election. He is capable of turning his party´s fortunes around, and the country´s too. Wait and see.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands, 05/08/2009 10:21
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A nation or in fact any organisation should be built on honesty and hard working.
Relying on a habit of Spin, superficial cleverness or cutting corners is like switching lanes eratically on a motorway. OK for a few times?? and if used entirely as a means of progress then ... Crash!!
Just like Prudent you know who!!!
Collapse of financial firms that existed for over a century is another good example!!
- Hello Kitty, North London, 05/08/2009 10:05
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I do find it funny that people in politics and in the press seem to admire Mandelson but surely a key characteristic of a successful politician in a democracy is some sort of popularity with the electorate and "Lord" Mandelspin is roundly detested by the people of Britain, as far as I can tell and would never win an election.
- St, London, 05/08/2009 10:03
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Meddlesum is one of the most compelling politicians of today?
The sooner this sleaze bucket clears off from whence he came, the better for Joe Public.
- Reuben Camara, Republic of Morecambe, UK, 05/08/2009 09:42
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This man is dangerous. How he managed to get back into the position he is in is beyond me. Takes one to know one.
- Wq Ex Pat, outside UK, 05/08/2009 09:36
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