Being There

After 70 years in newspapers and television, Peter Williams has had privileged access to some of the world's milestone events. BEING THERE casts fresh light on incidents and personalities in the most controversial areas of human activities.

Here, Williams explores subjects as diverse as the Titanic disaster, the drama of the birth of the first IVF babies in Britain and the USA, the execution of Ruth Ellis, the US Space Programme, the risks of nuclear energy and the green alternatives, the death of speed ace Donald Campbell, and the aftermath of his first "interview" with Her Majesty the Queen. He considers the lessons associated with each event.

"The great virtue of BEING THERE is the fact that Peter really WAS there. Across seven decades, from local newspaper reporter to respected television correspondent, Peter has told truth to power, held our masters to account and celebrated extraordinary people. This is a remarkable book by a remarkable journalist." - Sir Clive Jones CBE

"As a reporter, director and producer, Peter Williams made television programmes of high quality... He established the facts, checked he'd got them right and presented them with clarity and zest. He was always worth reading. And still is..." - Sir Jeremy Isaacs

"This is a terrific book. Each chapter presents a fresh drama, espionage, murder, war crimes, world speed records, nuclear disasters... and Peter Williams was indeed 'there', on the case. This is an enthralling often startling read." - Professor Michael Irwin, Professor of English, University of Kent

"He writes of encounters with villains, film stars, spies and some remarkable everyday heroes... A gripping memoir but also an enlightening commentary on events and dramas that have fashioned our contemporary world". - Suzanne Franks, Professor of Journalism, City University, London