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In the recent General Election only 43% of under 25s turned out to vote. That's compared with 78% of over 65s. With students and young people bearing the brunt of George Osborne's recent Budget announcements, the time is now to engage and partake in politics.
Find yourself struggling to separate Conservative from Labour, right from left, leader from follower? Here are 10 books that can get you started.
Politics books
Politics: A Very Short Introduction by Kenneth Minogue(01 of10)
The 'A Very Short Introduction' series is great at gently throwing you in the deep end. It's hard to define what politics really means, but this book will let you learn your left from your right, your democracy from your despotism, quickly and succinctly. (credit:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Politics-Very-Short-Introduction-Introductions/dp/0192853880/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436518667&sr=1-1&keywords=politics+a+very+short+introduction)
The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels(02 of10)
Read about the political ideology that divides entire nations. The Communist Manifesto was written in 1848 and laid out a vision for the destruction of capitalism. It has long been labelled the most influential political text of all time. (credit:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Communist-Manifesto-Karl-Marx/dp/1508475660/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1436519953&sr=8-2&keywords=the+communist+manifesto)
A History of Modern Britain by Andrew Marr(03 of10)
Long-time political journalist, Andrew Marr is the ex-BBC political editor and interviews politicians weekly. His A History of Modern Britain gives an entertaining, accessible whistle stop tour through the people and ideas that have influenced as all. (credit:http://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Modern-Britain-Andrew-Marr/dp/0330511475/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436520221&sr=8-1&keywords=a+history+of+modern+britain)
Live From Downing Street by Nick Robinson(04 of10)
The BBC's current political editor gives an insight into the constant clashes, and collaborations, between press and politics. Rich with contextual history, Robinson's book reveals what goes on behind closed doors before it's on camera. (credit:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-Downing-Street-Nick-Robinson-ebook/dp/B009T66THE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436520815&sr=8-1&keywords=nick+robinson+live+from+downing+street)
The Establishment: and how they get away with it by Owen Jones(05 of10)
Twitter's finest leftist, Owen Jones is a popular and articulate figure in the socialist camp. The Establishment and how they get away with it draws attention to the omnipotent rich versus the oppressed poor. He tackles class politics like no other. (credit:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Establishment-how-they-get-away/dp/0141974990/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436518147&sr=8-1&keywords=owen+jones+the+establishment)
The Churchill Factor by Boris Johnson(06 of10)
Written from one politician to another. Our Mayor of London is normally an object of ridicule but Boris' biography of Britain's illustrious World War II leader has received great critical acclaim, providing an insight into the decisions that have shaped the modern world. (credit:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Churchill-Factor-How-Made-History/dp/144478305X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436518356&sr=8-1&keywords=the+churchill+factor)
Margaret Thatcher: The Downing Street Years by Margaret Thatcher(07 of10)
Love her or hate her, read about her. Britain's first woman Prime Minister made few friends but her rise to power was undeniably remarkable. The Downing Street Years provides a first hand account of what drove her divisive Conservative decisions.
Blair Unbound by Anthony Seldon and Peter Snowdon(08 of10)
Tony Blair's New Labour meant new optimism for many, before it all went quite wrong. Seldon and Snowdon's account of his leadership is unrivalled. From 9/11 to his handover to Brown, this book gives a balanced judgement on one of Britain's most charismatic, controversial politicians. (credit:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blair-Unbound-Anthony-Seldon/dp/1847390900/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436520685&sr=8-1&keywords=blair+unbound)
Revolution by Russell Brand(09 of10)
Like it or not the ever-controversial Russell Brand did have an influence in the last election. Every political leader came to speak to him on his youtube channel The Trews, apart from David Cameron of course. Witty and interesting, his book Revolution lets you imagine his leftist ideal: no government, no corporate power. The question is: do you take him seriously or not? (credit:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Revolution-Russell-Brand/dp/0099594935/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436519911&sr=8-1&keywords=russell+brand+revolution)
The Thick Of It(10 of10)
OK I lied, this isn't a book. But politics is all about biting wit and hard-hitting, hilarious satire. This programme, which parodies a British government, provides it all. (credit:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thick-Complete-1-3-Specials-DVD/dp/B0031ASVC0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1436521213&sr=8-4&keywords=the+thick+of+it)