Paddy Ashdown wrote over thirty publications. Here is a list of eleven of his books including memoirs, diaries, political writing, and histories.
The Ashdown Diaries: 1988–1997
First volume of Ashdown’s political diaries, covering his leadership of the Liberal Democrats and key moments in British politics.
Publisher: Penguin, 2000
ISBN: 9780140286934
The Ashdown Diaries: 1997–1999
Second volume of diaries, focusing on the late Blair years, the Kosovo crisis, and Ashdown’s role as a statesman.
Publisher: Penguin, 2001
ISBN: 9780140293444
Swords and Ploughshares: Building Peace in the 21st Century
A reflection on peacekeeping and conflict resolution in the modern era, drawing on his experience in Bosnia.
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2007
ISBN: 9780297852059
A Fortunate Life: The Autobiography
Ashdown’s personal autobiography, recounting his life from childhood, through military and diplomatic service, to political leadership.
Publisher: Aurum, 2009
ISBN: 9781845134426
A Brilliant Little Operation: The Cockleshell Heroes and the Most Courageous Raid of World War II
A gripping history of the Cockleshell Heroes raid of 1942, highlighting the courage and sacrifice of those involved.
Publisher: Aurum, 2012
ISBN: 9781781310785
The Cruel Victory: The French Resistance, D‑Day and the Battle for the Vercors 1944
A detailed account of the French Resistance and the tragic battle in the Vercors mountains following D‑Day.
Publisher: William Collins, 2014
ISBN: 9780007590063
Game of Spies: The Secret Agent, the Traitor and the Nazi, Bordeaux 1942–1944
A true‑life spy story set in occupied France, tracing the lives of a British agent, a French traitor, and a German officer.
Publisher: William Collins, 2016
ISBN: 9780008140823
Nein!: Standing Up to Hitler 1935–1944
Explores the stories of ordinary Germans who resisted Hitler’s regime between 1935 and 1944.
Publisher: William Collins, 2018
ISBN: 9780008257040
Citizen’s Britain: A Radical Agenda for the 1990s (Co-author, Lord Grimond)
Ashdown’s vision for political and social reform in Britain during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Publisher: Fourth Estate, 1989
ISBN: 9781872180458
Beyond Westminster: Finding Hope in Britain
An early work on his political philosophy, calling for reform, local empowerment, and renewal of British democracy.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 1999
ISBN: 9780671690632
Making Change Our Ally
A short pamphlet arguing for Liberal Democrat policy priorities and adapting to social and economic change.
Publisher: Liberal Democrats Publications, 1994
ISBN: 9781851872602
Currently Unavailable.