Here's a book about his campaign to be the Conservative MP for Henley, that will provide a few insights and perhaps persuade some doubters that Boris is really quite a charming and amiable sort. After all, just think how unpopular you or any of us would be if we didn't censor some the things we think before blurting them out in public. That seems to be Boris's main problem. He must imagine that everybody shares his sense of humour. Clearly he's mistaken. I think he's very funny but a lot of people think he's offensive. Here's an example from the book: He was completely put off his stroke "by some Luddite barracking from the member for Glasgow Pollock. In case you can't place him, he is almost totally bald, giving him a curiously buttock-headed appearance". Very funny. He's managed to outrage a lot of bald people and their wives, children and friends. Did it occur to him that a fair number of his constituents - the people who voted for him might fail to see the humour in that remark? Of course not. And in any case he can't resist trying to be funny. He's just a big kid really. I can't help liking him - but then he hasn't managed to insult me .... yet.

I recommend this book, but only to those who share Boris's sense of humour. It's an easy read. I learned some interesting things about political campaigning and what it's like to be an MP. I have the impression that you have to be hard or mad to harbour any such ambition. I read most of the book with a smile on my face, even though I don't agree with him on a lot of issues. If you already dislike his style and don't appreciate his sense of humour be warned, this is more of the same: classic Boris.

Johnson gives far more time to his own political opinions than the story of his election campaign, and the events he does relate do not make a very gripping read. A visit to an old people's home leads to a discussion of pensions and how the elderly are treated; Boris's thoughts on education follow a visit to a school; and so on.

Those who find Boris funny on TV will know that a lot of the laughs are at his own expense, rather than his wit. Although he comes across as a good, affable man in 'Friends, Voters...', he is rarely witty. His laid back style results in a lack of energy or urgency.

Boris is of course still in office, and is in no position to really speak honestly about his motivations, his party or his opponents. He must maintain his image as a public servant. This is perhaps another reason why the book lacks bite.

I think I noticed too late that all of the positive comments on the sleeve come from Tory papers. If you aren't an enthusiastic Conservative, then you'll probably find a lot of the opinions expressed here quite irritating - if you aren't interested in politics generally, then you'll probably find them quite dull as well.

Boris Johnson is such a marvellous character. After his many appearances on TV, bumbling his way through whatever is thrown at him, people inevitably fall for his bizarre charm. Fortunately, "Friends Voters Countrymen" has all the hallmarks of classic Boris. Unafraid to relate stories that depict him as a buffoon, Boris manages to steer between humourous anecdotes and political argument with ease. Whether you agree with his politics or not, you can't deny that he has a fascinating and entertaining way of putting his point across.

The stories of his various gaffes are priceless, as are his explanations of the logic behind his eccentrcities. In the ends, you just can't help warming to the man, something that few politicians have ever managed before.

Unlike the later book, "Lend Me Your Ears", this has a very informal style and is highly accessible. If you have ever been captivated by Boris's brilliantly bizarre on TV and wondered what goes on in the mind of this wonderfully eccentric character, this is definitely the book for you.