Letters to my grandchildren by Tony Benn, Hutchinson. ISBN 978 0 0919 3126 1. £18.99

When Tony Benn was an MP in Bristol, a constituent wrote: ‘I see the Russians have put a space vehicle on the moon. Is there any chance of a better bus service in Bristol?’ This anecdote rather sums up Benn’s socialism, which is based on what needs to be done, as well as seeing the wider picture. He argues passionately against injustice, cruelty and cynicism and for tolerance, hope and respect.

In letter-sized chapters, Benn looks at the issues facing his ten grandchildren’s generation with intelligence, humour and immense compassion, from a lifetime’s experience of world affairs. The topics include the IT revolution, mechanisms of control, the global village, New Labour, environmentalism, drugs, vegetarianism, civil liberties, Europe and old age. The chapters on war and nuclear weapons will resonate especially with Friends, to whom I warmly recommend this book.