McTague bravely takes an overview of a massive subject - UK-EU relations since 1945. It has all the strengths of good journalistic writing - a great flowing style, theories backed up with observations, a clever intro to many of the book's key characters who all happened to be in Algiers in the Second World War, and all the concomitant weaknesses ('apparent' patterns weaved together to make a readable narrative; sweeping assertions sometimes without References other conclusions based on flimsy evidence; and disproportionate emphasis where he feels he has scoops etc.) McTague sometimes writes as if he feels that Brexit shot out of a meeting of a few (relatively obscure) right wing Tories in the early 2000s when it has all sorts of roots. A notable source, for example, is Michael Gove who he talked to more than once - though noone would doubt the significance of Gove's role in the first Cameron-Osborne government, many would feel the Gove's role in the overall outcome, one individual as part of 1000 years of history, is probably exaggerated. McTague acknowledges the brilliance of Hugo Young's (now dated) 'This Blessed Plot' looking at UK-EU relations from 1945-90, and incorporates much of what was said. That was a massive book. This readable book should be basic reading for politicians from all sides who wish to steer Britain through the next 80 years of UK-EU relations - the Channel will remain and waves will be just as high.