Political biographies are always likely to be overtaken by events, and the brave-but-downbeat ending of this one - neither a lasting peace nor a Nobel Peace Prize in sight - will obviously have to be adjusted for the next edition. But in the light of the recent award of the Peace Prize jointly to John Hume and David Trimble, it's fascinating (and perversely gratifying) to read about their almost daily skirmishes in the past, as recorded by Independent on Sunday journalist Paul Rout ledge, while anyone whose interest has been sparked by the Nobel award will find the material on Hume's Scottish Protestant background and early successes as - of all things - a French teacher, rewarding and informative.
